Recurrences after prosthetic repair of inguinal hernias by the lichtenstein technique

Summary We report a 3.4% incidence of hernial recurrence (all recurrences were reoperated) after inguinal hernia repair by the Lichtenstein technique: 14 reoperated recurrences (in 13 patients) in a series of 440 inguinal hernias (375 primary and 65 recurrent) in 379 patients (62 bilateral) over 5 years (1994–1998). Some 2/3 of all recurrences appeared within a year of surgery. Eleven of these patients were operated on for bilateral and/or recurrent groin hernia, and eleven also showed at least one risk factor for recurrence, such as obesity and other general diseases (specially pulmonary and hepatic). The incidence of recurrence was 0.7% (2 in 272) for primary unilateral hernia, 3.8% for primary bilateral hernia (2 in 52), 11.1% for recurrent unilateral hernia (5 in 45) and 40% for recurrent bilateral hernia (4 in 10). Recurrences were 5 indirect hernias, 4 direct hernias and 5 femoral hernias. Indirect recurrence was attributed to technical errors, but femoral and direct hernias seem to be the consequence of a poor indication for the Lichtenstein technique. Log-rank tests showed very significant statistical differences (p<0.01) in the risk of hernial recurrence between recurrent and primary hernias. We suggest that certain conditions should be contraindications for the standard Lichtenstein technique (bilateral groin hernia, recurrent hernia, obesity, chronic pulmonary and liver disease), and propose for these either a preperitoneal repair or some modifications of the Lichtenstein technique (an extremely floppy mesh and simultaneous femoral repair with the mesh).     

Inguinal hernia recurrence: classification and approach

We reviewed case reports, updated to January 2005, of 2,468 operations for groin hernia in 2,350 patients, including 277 recurrent hernias. The data obtained, following a simple anatomo-clinical classification into three types that could be used to orient surgical strategy, were: type R1—first recurrence of “high” oblique external reducible hernia with small (<2 cm) defect in non-obese patients after pure tissue or mesh repair; type R2—first recurrence of “low” direct reducible hernia with small (<2 cm) defect in non-obese patients after pure tissue or mesh repair; and type R3—all other recurrences, including femoral recurrences, recurrent groin hernia with large defect (inguinal eventration), multi-recurrent hernias, non-reducible contralateral primary or recurrent hernia, and situations compromised by aggravating factors (e.g. obesity) or otherwise not easily included in R1 or R2 after pure tissue or mesh repair.     

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Repair of Spigelian Hernia

Introduction:Spigelian hernias represent only 1% to 2% of all abdominal wall hernias. The treatment, however, remains controversial but depends on institutional expertise. This case series reports the first experience with single-incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (SILTEP) repair of Spigelian hernias with telescopic extraperitoneal dissection in combination with inguinal hernia repair.Methods:From February 2013 to April 2014, all patients referred with inguinal or Spigelian hernias, without histories of extraperitoneal intervention, underwent SILTEP repair with telescopic extraperitoneal dissection. A single-port device, 5.5 mm/52 cm/30° angled laparoscope, and conventional straight dissecting instruments were used for all cases. Extraperitoneal dissection was performed under direct vision with preservation of preperitoneal fascia overlying retroperitoneal nerves. Inguinal herniorrhaphy was performed with lightweight mesh that covered low-lying Spigelian defects. High-lying Spigelian defects were repaired with additional mesh.Results:There were 131 patients with 186 (92 direct) inguinal hernias and 7 patients with 8 Spigelian hernias (6 incidental, including 1 bilateral and 2 preoperatively diagnosed), with a mean age of 51.3 years and a mean body mass index of 25.1 kg/m². An additional piece of mesh was used for 3 hernias. All Spigelian hernias were associated with direct inguinal hernias, and 8 combined inguinal and Spigelian hernias were successfully repaired with SILTEP repair with telescopic extraperitoneal dissection as day cases. There were no clinical recurrences during a mean follow-up period of 6 months (range, 1–15 months).Conclusions:Combined Spigelian and inguinal hernias can be successfully treated with SILTEP herniorrhaphy with telescopic extraperitoneal dissection. The high incidence of Spigelian hernias associated with direct inguinal hernias suggests a high index of suspicion for Spigelian hernias during laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy.     

Treatment of primary inguinal hernias by “held in mesh repair”: our experience related to 3,520 cases

In the last 15 years, a rapid evolution occurred from the traditional hernioplasties toward prosthetic techniques, in Italy. Outpatient procedures under local anaesthesia are now most commonly performed. We report our experience with a personal modification of the sutureless mesh repair, called “held in mesh repair”. From 1990 to 2003 we treated 3,520 cases of primary hernia with the “held in mesh repair”. 2,370 patients were affected by a unilateral hernia and 575 by a bilateral one. Local anaesthesia was used in 92% of the cases, loco-regional in 6% and general in 2%. Sixteen (0.4%) hernias recurred after 2 years, while two further recurrences (total 0.5%) were observed after 3 years; three femoral pseudo-relapses (0.08%) occurred before the first postoperative year. An overall incidence of 1.3% of major complications were observed. One mortality case (0.02%) occurred 3 days after the operation for cardiovascular complications. The favourable results of the “held in mesh repair” and the simplicity of the procedure suggest that it can be considered a safe and reliable technique for most primary inguinal hernias.     

Inguinal hernia: a patch covering only the myopectineal orifice is effective

A large mesh in the preperitoneal space, spread on iliac vessels and bladder, can cause future difficulties in a case of urogenital or vascular disease. Since all recurrences are located in the area of the myopectineal orifice, a mesh covering only this area, as in the Rives procedure, is effective and avoids these drawbacks. However, the Rives procedure is demanding, which is why we tried to simplify the technique. A mesh 8–10 cm long and 6–7 cm wide was spread in the preperitoneal space using the inguinal approach, without any fixation or with only a few stitches; the fascia was then simply approximated over the mesh without tension. A total of 161 hernias (99% Nyhus type III and IV) were repaired using this technique. Only six benign complications (3.7%) occurred. With a median follow-up of 63 months (range, 18–94 months), only one recurrence occurred (0.7%), due to misplacement of the mesh, eight patients complained of mild pain, and no late complications were observed. In conclusion, placement of a small mesh covering only the myopectineal orifice using the inguinal approach is effective and is associated with a low risk of drawbacks and complications. Electronic Publication     

Primary inguinal hernia: The held-in mesh repair

Summary In the last 10 years, in Italy a rapid evolution has occurred from the “traditional” herniorraphies (Bassini, Shouldice) toward prosthetic techniques and outpatient procedures under local anesthesia are now most commonly preferred. Since october 1992 we have adopted a personal modification of the sutureless mesh repair, which we call held in mesh repair. Basic steps of this technique are: the placement of a plug in the deep ring for direct and indirect hernias; the linking of the medial edge of the prosthesis to the suture flattening the trasversalis fascia; the closure of the gap for the spermatic cord. With this technique 930 primary groin hernias were operated on in 798 patients (132 were bilateral); outpatient surgery was performed in 486 patients (60.9%). Anesthesia was local in 761 patients (95.4%). The mesh, generally sized 4.5×10 cm, in all cases was composed of polypropylene (Marlex^? or Prolene^?). 682 patients (85.5%) required analgesics. One hernia recurred (0.1%) after two years; one femoral pseudorelapse (0.1%) occurred at the 6th postoperative month. Nine complications occurred, for a rate of 0.9%. They were: one hemorrhage; 2 hematomas; one testicular atrophy; one lymphorrea; 2 ilioinguinal neuralgias; 2 seromas. No wound infections occurred; in none was it necessary to remove the mesh. The favorable results of the held in mesh repair and the simplicity of the procedure suggest that it can be considered a safe and reliable technique for most primary inguinal hernias. The negligible rates of femoral pseudorelapse and of indirect recurrences do not justify the employment in primary hernias of more complex preperitoneal techniques implying more complex anesthesia procedures and a higher C/B ratio.     

Longterm results of a prospective study of 225 femoral hernia repairs: indications for tissue and mesh repair

BACKGROUND: Femoral hernias are uncommon, and there are relatively few clinical studies of longterm outcomes after repair. Although the McVay repair has been classically described, the infrainguinal plug technique has gained popularity in recent years. Evidence supporting these repairs is sparse. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of elective femoral hernia repairs was done at the Shouldice Hospital from June 1999 until June 2003. The tissue-based complete groin repair (CGR) and a preperitoneal mesh repair were performed for specific indications. Patients were followed annually for 5 years to examine for recurrences and complications. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-six patients were enrolled, with 225 completing 5 years of followup. Median age was 55 years, and hernias on the right side were more common (63.1%). Concurrent inguinal hernias were found in 115 patients (51%), and 41 (18.2%) had a previous inguinal hernia repair. A complete groin repair was performed in 120 patients and a preperitoneal mesh repair in 78. The remaining had an infrainguinal mesh repair. The overall recurrence rate was 3.1%, with a median time to recurrence of 12 months. There was no significant difference between mesh and suture repairs. Chronic postoperative pain was experienced by 20 patients (8.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Femoral hernias can be repaired electively with a tissue-based or a preperitoneal mesh technique, with durable longterm results. Mesh repair is indicated for recurrent femoral hernias, inguinofemoral hernias, prevascular hernias, association with concurrent direct hernias, and, if tension is anticipated, with complete groin repair. Infrainguinal mesh repair is used only when there has been a successful previous inguinal hernia repair.     

The open tension-free mesh repair of inguinal hernia Analysis of 1,235 cases

Summary 1235 outpatient repairs of inguinal hernias under local anesthesia with IV sedation were performed between September 1993 and June 1997. The average age was 63. Twelve percent were recurrent repairs. All indirect hernias and all focal diverticular type V direct defects were treated with a cone-shaped polypropylene plug plus an overlay mesh strip. All broad fusiform type IV direct defects were repaired either by the same plug method or in the manner of a Lichtenstein repair. Mortality was zero. There were 3 recurrences, 5 superficial hematomas, 5 seromas, 1 questionable neuralgia, 1 dysejaculation, 1 ischemie orchitis, 1 flare-up of gout and 1 TIA, for a complication rate of 1.46%. Infection rate was zero. Recurrence rate thus far is only 0.24%, 0.16% for primary repair and 0.67% for recurrent repair.     

Clinically diagnosed groin hernias without a peritoneal sac at laparoscopy—what to do?

Background

Groin or femoral hernias may be concealed behind intact peritonea when the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) mesh technique is used. The aim of this study was to determine the causes, frequency, and surgical procedures in cases of clinically diagnosed hernias without peritoneal defects.

Methods

A prospective controlled study comprising 1795 consecutive patients undergoing 2190 laparoscopic TAPP herniorraphies was conducted. All hernias were first subjected to clinical investigations by the surgeons. Intraoperatively, all suspicious hernias were examined with regard to the presence of peritoneal hernial sacs.

Results

Of 2190 hernias, no hernia was seen transperitoneally in the laparoscopic procedures in 136 cases (6.2%). Forty-one femoral hernias (30.1%) were concealed behind intact peritonea. Forty-six lateral (33.8%) and 31 medial (22.8%) defects were sacless sliding fatty inguinal hernias.

Conclusions

When using the TAPP technique, in addition to femoral hernias, especially sacless sliding fatty inguinal hernias may be overlooked because of intact peritonea. Therefore, in cases of clinically diagnosed inguinal hernias, the preperitoneal space should be inspected intraoperatively to avoid unsatisfactory results.     

巨大补片加强内脏囊技术在单侧复杂性腹股沟复发疝中的应用

目的：探讨巨大补片加强内脏囊技术(GPRVS)在单侧复杂性腹股沟复发疝中的应用价值。方法：回顾性分析自2001年6月至2004年6月间10例用GPRVS技术治疗单侧复杂性腹股沟复发疝的经验。结果：本组10例均为多次复发疝，其中已行2次手术6例，3次手术4例。术中明确斜疝3例，直疝2例，斜、直复合疝4例，斜、直、股复合疝1例。有8例于术中取出原修补补片。术后10例均放置闭式引流。术后10例均得到随访，随访率100％，随访时间10～38个月，平均27．6个月，无复发发生。10例病人中术后发生尿潴溜1例。阴囊水肿2例。轻微异物感2例。结论：GPRVS技术可以作为治疗单侧复杂性腹股沟复发疝的一种有效方法，在目前聚酯类补片尚未普及情况下、应用聚丙烯材料也不失为一可选之计。     

Open inguinal hernia repair in women: is mesh necessary?

Background There is little information available on recurrence rates following primary open inguinal hernia repair in women. Women are less prone to inguinal hernias than men; for the same reason, recurrences after hernia repair may also be lower so that the well-known advantage of using mesh could be lost on them. Method Women having primary open inguinal hernia repair under the care of one surgical team were identified from the unit database. Recurrences in those who had non-mesh repair were sought by a combination of a written questionnaire and clinical examination. Results Fifty-two women had a non-mesh inguinal hernia repair over a 12-year interval; 37 responded to a questionnaire. There were no major perioperative complications; one recurrence was diagnosed, giving an overall recurrence rate of 2.8% (95% confidence interval 8.2%). During the study interval 37 women had open mesh repair of an inguinal hernia. There were three major complications. Conclusions The routine use of mesh for open indirect inguinal hernia repair in women may not be necessary.     

The role of laparoscopy in the management of suspected recurrent pediatric hernias

BACKGROUND: This report examines recurrent pediatric groin hernias and the role of diagnostic laparoscopy in the management of these recurrences. METHODS: A chart review of 19 children presenting with recurrent hernias was performed, analyzing the type of primary hernia, nature of recurrence, preexisting medical conditions, surgical complications at primary repair, and time to recurrence. Diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) was used during the remedial repair of the last nine patients. RESULTS: Seventeen indirect hernias were repaired during the primary repair, and 1 femoral hernia was identified. In one child, no inguinal hernia was identified at the initial operation. Overall, 11 recurrences were found to consist of indirect sacs, and 4 were found to have attenuation of the inguinal floor. Four additional recurrences were found to be femoral hernias. In only 1 patient was a wound factor (infection) thought to play a role in the recurrence. Diagnostic laparoscopy in 9 patients found 4 (44%) to have unsuspected intraoperative findings. Four femoral hernias were identified (3 with unsuspected contralateral femoral hernias). Additionally, 1 unsuspected recurrence of an indirect sac was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy accurately identifies the nature of the defect in children with recurrent groin hernias, detecting unsuspected contralateral indirect, direct, or femoral hernias in 44% of those undergoing laparoscopy.     

Results of Performing Mesh Plug Repair for Groin Hernias

The simplicity and good postoperative results of mesh plug repair for groin hernias have been reported in numerous articles. We have been performing this procedure in our department for more than 5 years, and the present study was conducted to reexamine its clinical outcome from our viewpoint. A total of 224 patients with a collective 244 groin hernias underwent mesh plug repair between March 1993 and August 1998. There were 155 (63.5%) indirect hernias, 79 (32.4%) direct hernias, 2 (0.8%) femoral hernias, and 8 (3.3%) compound hernias; 27 (11.1%) were recurrent hernias. Two plugs were inserted in all the compound hernias and in two of the direct hernias with a diffuse weak inguinal floor. The mean operating time was 32.2 min. The complications that developed during this study were continuous pain in four patients, seroma in two, and hematoma in one. The rates of recurrence were 0% for indirect hernias and 12.7% for direct hernias. The patients in whom recurrence developed underwent mesh plug repair again and have had no further recurrence. Our experience showed mesh plug repair to be an excellent technique for indirect hernias or recurrent hernias after mesh repair, but it might be unsuitable for direct hernias with a diffuse bulging weakness in the floor of the inguinal canal. Received: November 25, 1999 / Accepted: September 26, 2000     

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目的评价腹腔镜腹股沟疝修补术(LIHR)的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2001年1月至2011年12月上海交通大学医学院附属瑞金医院普外科2056例(2473侧)行LIHR的临床资料,其中经腹腹膜前修补术(TAPP)874例(1005侧),全腹膜外修补术(TEP)1175例(1458侧),腹腔内修补术(IPOM)7例(10侧)。2473侧疝中,斜疝1481侧(59.9%),直疝525侧(21.2%),复发疝225侧(9.1%),复合疝206侧(8.3%),股疝36侧(1.5%)。疝分型:Ⅰ型疝95侧(3.8%),Ⅱ型疝995侧(40.2%),Ⅲ型疝1157侧(46.8%),Ⅳ型疝226侧(9.1%)。手术由同组医师完成,术式选择由术者决定,随访时间3～60个月(中位时间35个月)。结果 1例TAPP因腹腔广泛粘连中转为Lichtenstein术。病人术后无需应用镇痛剂。2周和4周内恢复非限制性活动率为99.0%和99.9%。共6例复发,复发率为0.24%。TAPP和TEP各3例复发。发生3例严重并发症,分别为戳孔疝、肠管损伤和机械性肠梗阻,其他并发症依次为血清肿129例(5.2%)、尿潴留34例(1.4%)、暂时性神经感觉异常26例(1.1%)、麻痹性肠梗阻3例(0.12%)。结论 LIHR是安全有效的手术,合理选择手术适应证和规范化操作可以获得良好的临床效果。     

Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia using Surgisis mesh and fibrin sealant.

OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy using Surgisis mesh secured with fibrin sealant is an effective long-term treatment for repair of inguinal hernia. This case series involved 38 adult patients with 51 inguinal hernias treated in a primary care center. METHODS: Between December 2002 and May 2005, 38 patients with 45 primary and 6 recurrent inguinal hernias were treated with laparoscopic repair by the total extraperitoneal mesh placement (TEP) technique using Surgisis mesh secured into place with fibrin sealant. Postoperative complications, incidence of pain, and recurrence were recorded, as evaluated at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 1 year, and with a follow-up questionnaire and telephone interview conducted in May and June 2005. RESULTS: The operations were successfully performed on all patients with no complications or revisions to an open procedure. Average follow-up was 13 months (range, 1 to 30). One hernia recurred (second recurrence of unilateral direct hernia), indicating a 2% recurrence rate. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia using Surgisis mesh secured with fibrin sealant can be effectively used to treat primary, recurrent, direct, indirect, and bilateral inguinal hernias in adults without complications and minimal recurrence within 1-year of follow-up.     

疝环充填及平片置入无张力修补治疗老年人复发性腹股沟疝

目的探讨疝环充填及平片置入无张力修补老年复发性腹股沟疝的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析我院1997年5月至2004年5月收治的32例老年腹股沟复发疝患者的临床资料,其中斜疝22例,直疝8例,膀胱滑疝2例。全部病例均同时行疝环充填、平片置入无张力修补术。结果全部病例无感染,1例术后发生尿潴留。3例伤口轻微疼痛。伤口一期愈合,术后5~10 d出院。随访5个月至5年,1例术后2年复发,再次行无张力疝修补术治愈。结论同时行疝环充填及平片置入,加强腹股沟管后壁的无张力修补方法,手术创伤小,术后恢复快,并发症少,治疗老年复发性腹股沟疝,疗效满意。     

Laparoscopic repair of recurrent inguinal hernias after endoscopic herniorrhaphy

Background: Although the recurrence rate for endoscopic herniorraphy is low (0–3%), it is still debatable whether these recurrences should be corrected laparoscopically or by the conventional method. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these recurrences can be repaired by means of the laparoscopic approach with acceptable complication and recurrence rates. Methods: From October 1992 to December 1997, 34 patients with recurrent inguinal hernias at physical examination underwent surgery at our institutions. All the recurrences occurred following endoscopic inguinal hernia repair with mesh prostheses. The recurrences were repaired endoscopically using a transabdominal approach. Depending on the size of the defect, a new polypropylene mesh was used. Results: Mean surgery time was 69 min. There were no conversions to the anterior approach. After a mean follow-up of 35 months, no recurrences had been diagnosed. Conclusion: The transabdominal preperitoneal approach is a reliable technique for recurrent inguinal hernia repair after previous endoscopic herniorrhaphy. Received: 7 September 1998/Accepted: 13 October 1998     

Accuracy of clinical diagnosis of inguinal and femoral hernia and its usefulness for indicating laparoscopic surgery

Summary The preoperative diagnosis of inguinal hernias is one of the surgeon's most commonplace duties yet one of the least valued aspects in the treatment of this pathology. The introduction of the laparoscopic technique for inguinal hernia repair may stimulate an interest in this problem. The aim of the study is to analyse the diagnostic accuracy of clinical examination of inguinal and femoral hernias. 278 patients with a possible inguinal and femoral hernia received from the same surgeon a thorough clinical examination and preoperative diagnosis of the type of hernia (indirect or direct inguinal, and femoral). The data obtained were compared to the intra-operative findings. The influence of age, sex and site was studied with regard to the sensitivity of the clinical diagnosis. Direct inguinal hernias accounted for 35% of the total. Indirect inguinal hernias were diagnosed more accurately (85%) than direct (64%) and femoral (39%) hernias. Clinical diagnosis was not influenced by age, sex or site of the femoral hernia. Statistically significant differences were revealed only for inguinal hernias in the group of patients aged over 50 years and with a unilateral site (p<0.05). Thorough physical exploration should never be underrated in the diagnosis of inguinal hernias as it may help classify hernias with great accuracy.     

Femoral hernias: a register analysis of 588 repairs

Summary From 1 January 1992 to 31 December 1997 18,281 inguinal hernias and 588 femoral hernias were recorded in the Swedish Hernia Register. The aim of the present study was to characterise these femoral hernias and to evaluate the reoperation rate following their repair. 64% of all femoral hernias were located in the right groin and 36% in the left groin (p < 0.001). The male to female ratio for femoral hernia was 1:1.6; mean ages of patients with femoral and inguinal hernia were 63.4 ± 17.1 and 59.1 ± 16.4 years, respectively (p < 0.001). Emergency surgery and bowel resection at emergency surgery were more common with femoral than with inguinal hernia. The rate of ambulatory surgery was lower for femoral hernia than for inguinal hernia, mainly due to the higher emergency rate for femoral hernia. At three years the cumulative incidence of reoperation was 4.6% (95% confidence interval 2.4–6.8%) for femoral hernia and 4.0% (95% confidence interval 3.6–4.4%) for inguinal hernia (p > 0.05). Male sex and postoperative complications were associated with a significantly increased risk of reoperation following femoral hernia repair. The relative risk of reoperation was not affected by patient age, elective/emergency surgery, primary/recurrent hernia or hernia side. Repair techniques using mesh were associated with a lower reoperation rate than techniques without mesh, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.