Use of porcine small intestinal submucosa as a prosthetic device for laparoscopic repair of hernias in contaminated fields: 2-year follow-up

Background: Surgisis is a new four- or eight-ply bioactive, prosthetic mesh for hernia repair derived from porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS). It is a naturally occurring extracellular matrix, which is easily absorbed, supports early and abundant new vessel growth, and serves as a template for the constructive remodeling of many tissues. As such, we believe that Surgisis mesh is ideal for use in contaminated or potentially contaminated fields in which ventral, incisional, or inguinal hernia repairs are required.Methods: From November 2000–May 2003, 53 patients (23 male, 30 female) underwent placement of Surgisis mesh for a variety of different hernia repairs. A total of 58 hernia repairs were performed in our patient population. Twenty procedures (34%) were performed in a potentially contaminated setting (i.e., with incarcerated/strangulated bowel within the hernia or coincident with a laparocopic cholecystectomy/colectomy). Thirteen repairs (22%) were performed in a grossly contaminated field, including one in which an infected polypropylene mesh from a previous inguinal hernia repair was replaced with Surgisis mesh and one in which dead bowel was discovered within the hernia sac. Median follow-up is 19 months with a range of 1–30 months.Results: Of the 58 total repairs, there was one wound infection complicated by enterocutaneous fistula in a patient originally operated on for ischemic bowel. The fistula was in a location independent of the Surgisis mesh. There have been no mesh-related complications or recurrent hernias in our early postoperative follow-up period.Conclusions: Surgisis mesh appears to be a promising new prosthetic material for hernia repair and appears to function well, especially in contaminated or potentially contaminated fields. Obviously, long-term follow-up is still required.     

The use of porcine small intestinal submucosa as a prosthetic material for laparoscopic hernia repair in infected and potentially contaminated fields: long-term follow-up

Introduction  The treatment of hernias remains controversial, with multiple prosthetic meshes being exalted for a variety of their characteristics. In the event of incarcerated/strangulated hernias and other potentially contaminated fields the placement of prosthetic material remains controversial because of increased risk of recurrence and infection. Porcine small intestinal submucosa mesh (Surgisis, Cook Bloomington, IN) has been demonstrated safe and feasible in laparoscopic hernia repairs in this scenario. We present our 5-year experience, with placement of Surgisis mesh in potentially or grossly contaminated fields. Methods  From May 2000 to October 2006, 116 patients (52 male, 64 female) with 133 procedures were performed. Placement of Surgisis mesh for either incisional, umbilical, inguinal, femoral or parastomal hernia repairs in an infected or potentially contaminated setting were achieved, and studied in a prospective fashion. Results  All procedures were laparoscopically with two techniques [intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) and two-layered “sandwich” repair]. Mean follow-up was 52 ± 20.9 months. Thirty-nine cases were in an infected field and the rest in a potentially contaminated field. Ninety-one procedures were performed concurrently with a contaminated procedure. Twenty-five presented as intestinal obstruction, 16 strangulated hernias, and 17 required small bowel resection; 29 were inguinal hernias, 57 incisional, and 38 umbilical. In 13 patients more than two different hernias were repaired. Eighty-five percent 5-year follow-up was achieved, during which we identified 7 recurrences, 11 seromas (all resolved), and 10 patients reporting mild pain. Six second looks were performed and in all cases except one the mesh was found to be totally integrated into the tissue with strong scar tissue corroborated macro- and microscopically. Conclusions  In our experience the use of small intestine submucosa mesh in contaminated or potentially contaminated fields is a safe and feasible alternative to hernia repair with minimal recurrence rate and satisfactory results in long-term follow-up.     

Preliminary results of a two-layered prosthetic repair for recurrent inguinal and ventral hernias combining open and laparoscopic techniques

The use of prosthetic mesh has become the standard of care in the management of hernias because of its association with a low rate of recurrence. However, despite its use, recurrence rates of 1% have been reported in primary inguinal repair and rates as high as 15% with ventral hernia repair. When dealing with difficult recurrent hernias, the two-layer prosthetic repair technique is a good option. In the event of incarcerated or strangulated hernias, however; placement of prosthetic material is controversial due to the increased risk of infection. The same is true when hernia repairs are performed concurrently with potentially contaminated procedures such as cholecystectomy, appendectomy, or colectomy. The purpose of this study is to report our preliminary results on the treatment of recurrent hernias by combining laparoscopic and open techniques to construct a two-layered prosthetic repair using a four ply mesh of porcine small intestine submucosa (Surgisis®, Cook Surgical, Bloomington, IN, USA) in a potentially infected field and a combination of polypropylene and ePTFE (Gore-Tex®, W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) in a clean field. From September 2002 to January 2004, nine patients (three males and six females) underwent laparoscopic and open placement of surgisis mesh in a two layered fashion for either recurrent incisional or inguinal hernias in a contaminated field. A total of eight recurrent hernia repairs were performed (five incisional, three inguinal) and one abdominal wall repair after resection of a metastatic tumor following open colectomy for colon carcinoma. Six procedures were performed in a potentially contaminated field (incarcerated or strangulated bowel within the hernia), two procedures were performed in a contaminated field because of infected polypropylene mesh, and one was in a clean field. Mean patient age was 56.4 years. The average operating time was 156.8 min. Operative findings included seven incarcerated hernias (four incisional and three inguinal), one strangulated inguinal hernia, and one ventral defect after resection of an abdominal wall metastasis for a previous colon cancer resection. In two of the cases, there was an abscess of a previously placed polypropylene mesh. All procedures were completed with two layers of mesh (eight cases with surgisis and one with combination of polypropylene/ePTFE). Median follow up was 10 months. Complications included two seromas, one urinary tract infection, two cases of atelectasis and one prolonged ileus. There were no wound infections. The average postoperative length of stay was 7.8 days. There have been no mesh-related complications or recurrent hernias in our early postoperative follow-up period. The use of a new prosthetic device in infected or potentially infected fields, and the two-layered approach shows promising results. This is encouraging and provides an alternative approach for the management of difficult, recurrent hernias.     

Prosthetic repair,intestinal resection,and potentially contaminated areas: Safe and feasible?

Introduction Prosthetic repair for abdominal wall hernia currently represents the gold standard. However, it is still difficult to identify the correct indication for prosthetic implant in borderline cases. The authors propose evaluating whether a prosthetic implant is absolutely contraindicated in potentially infected operating fields through the review of literature and personal experience.Materials and methods The authors performed ten prosthetic hernia repairs in potentially contaminated areas, with a preliminary preparation of the retromuscular-preperitoneal space hosting the prosthesis implant, and subsequent performance of the major operation.Results There were neither major nor minor complications with a 21-month follow-up (mean period).Discussion It is certain that both in noncomplicated inguinal hernia and in abdominal wall hernia repairs, the use of antibiotics can significantly reduce the number of infections. It is very important to underline that the success of the described procedure can be guaranteed only by an accurate preparation of the preperitoneal space: perfect haemostasis, temporary closure of the space with the insertion of iodine gauzes and suturing the edges, local antibiotic treatment, washing of the cavity, and accurate drainage.Conclusions Prosthetic repair is the gold standard for inguinal, incisional, and all abdominal wall hernias and should be used, with the method described, even in potentially contaminated areas. The use of a prosthesis has to be avoided in clearly infected cases.     

Allograft AlloDerm® tissue for laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal groin hernia repair: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Synthetic mesh is the prosthetic material used for most inguinal hernioplasties. However, when left in contact with intra-abdominal viscera, it often becomes associated with infection and migration, particularly in irradiated tissues, contaminated fields, immunosuppressed individuals, and patients with intestinal obstruction or fistula. AlloDerm^® Regenerative Tissue Matrix (LifeCell Corporation, Branchburg, NJ) is derived from human cadaver skin and may be associated with fewer visceral adhesions and more durability in infected fields than synthetic mesh.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report the first case in which AlloDerm was used in a laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair of a multiple recurrent right inguinal hernia, a left femoral hernia, and an umbilical hernia in the same patient. Use of AlloDerm greatly enhanced the maneuverability during laparoscopic hernia repair due to its pliability and strength and eliminated the need to cover the prosthetic with peritoneum.

DISCUSSION

Previous pelvic radiation and multiple previous groin repairs can render the peritoneum friable, resulting in obstacles to successful closure. AlloDerm is a reasonable choice for groin hernia repairs when such factors are present.

CONCLUSION

The long-term durability of AlloDerm for laparoscopic groin hernia repairs is yet to be determined, but based on current data it seems prudent to use this technique in laparoscopic repair of complex groin hernias where infection is suspected or inadequate prosthetic coverage with peritoneum is anticipated.     

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.     

Ubiquitous use of prosthetic mesh in inguinal hernia repair: the dilemma

Summary The omnipresence of prosthetic materials (mesh) used in hernia repairs throughout the world deserves careful review. The propensity to develop operative techniques wherein prosthetic mesh is used routinely, regardless of type hernia, has reached an unacceptable level of practice. Being foreign bodies, postoperative complications occur which directly can be traced to the implanted meshes. Recent interest in mesh complications, i.e., infection, mesh shrinkage, migration and fistula formation, has escalated. Although mesh foreign body tumorigenesis has not been seen in humans following hernia repair, there is sufficient animal data to cause concern. Similarly, neural complications following use of mesh, particularly after the open anterior notension repair methods, are being reported at alarming rates. Many types of inguinal hernias do not need mesh repairs. It is our premise that these hernias must be identified preoperatively. Certainly, type I, II and III C inguinal hernias of our classification, should not receive a prosthetic mesh repair. If prosthetic mesh is to be used, it should be placed to buttress the inguinal wall posteriorly so that advantage of Pascal's law may be assured.     

The safety and efficacy of prosthetic hernia repair in clean-contaminated and contaminated wounds

Prosthetic mesh reinforcement of abdominal wall hernias has gained acceptance as a result of its ease of placement and a favorably low incidence of hernia recurrence. However, its use in contaminated wounds secondary to open bowel exposure is felt to be contraindicated because of potential septic complications and lack of incorporation. The impact of permanent mesh placement in contaminated fields on wound morbidity, hernia recurrence, and mortality was examined. Records of 24 consecutive patients having permanent mesh placement in contaminated wounds for repair of abdominal wall hernias between 1994 and 2001 were reviewed. Factors examined included age, hernia type, body mass index, comorbidity, degree of contamination, concurrent gastrointestinal procedures, wound morbidity, and mortality. The mean age and body mass index were 63 years and 26.1 kg/m2 respectively. Twelve patients had risk factors for wound complications or were immunocompromised. There were 11 incisional, eight parastomal, two femoral, and two inguinal repairs and one obturator hernia repair. Twenty-three were repaired with polypropylene and one with Gore-Tex mesh. Prosthetic herniorrhaphy was performed in nine patients with ostomies already in place and in 15 patients with concomitant bowel resections. Of those with bowel resections five had enterocutaneous fistulae, three had bowel resection because of injury during mobilization, six had resections for necrotic bowel, and one had enterostomy closure. Fourteen cases were clean contaminated and ten contaminated. Eight cases were performed under emergency conditions. Wound-related morbidity occurred in five patients (21%) and in all but one was limited to cellulitis and minor wound infections. Three patients died, but in all cases death was unrelated to the surgical procedure. No patient required mesh removal. One patient had a recurrent hernia after parastomal repair. Placement of permanent mesh prostheses in clean-contaminated and contaminated operative fields can be performed with minimal wound-related morbidity and patient mortality. Utilization of permanent mesh in these wounds is associated with a low incidence of hernia recurrence and eliminates the need for further surgery.     

Decellularized human cadaveric dermis provides a safe alternative for primary inguinal hernia repair in contaminated surgical fields

BACKGROUND: Repair options for inguinal hernias in contaminated surgical fields include local tissue repair or mesh repair. The former is associated with higher hernia recurrence rates. The latter generally is avoided because of an unacceptably high infection rate. AlloDerm (Lifecell Corp., Branchburg, NJ) can potentially provide a strong repair resistant to infection. The aim of our study was to evaluate if AlloDerm provides a safe alternative for inguinal hernia repair in contaminated surgical fields. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair with AlloDerm from December 2004 to April 2006. Demographics, risk factors, perioperative data, and recurrence rates were evaluated. RESULTS: Twelve patients with contaminated surgical fields underwent inguinal hernia repair with AlloDerm. Serious perioperative complications occurred in only 1 patient. Two patients developed superficial wound infections (treated conservatively). There were no mortalities. No hernia recurrence has been documented with a follow-up period of 3 to 17 months (median, 9 mo). CONCLUSIONS: AlloDerm provides a safe alternative for inguinal hernia repair in contaminated surgical fields.     

Long-term results of the treatment of eventrations by intraperitoneal non-absorbable prosthesis (149 patients)]

The authors report a series of 149 cases of incisional hernia, operated between 1983 and 1993, by insertion of a non-absorbable prosthetic mesh within the intraperitoneal cavity. This series consisted of 93 women and 56 men, with a mean age 57 years. One third of repairs were performed because of primary treatment failure. One or more operative risk factors were present in 127 patients. A non-absorbable intraperitoneal prosthetic mesh was inserted with tension to allow good musculo-aponeurotic repair. Postoperative mortality was 0.6%. All but 13 of the patients, were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 83 months. Twenty eight patients (20%) developed recurrence. In 8 cases, the cause of recurrence was failure of prosthetic mesh insertion because of excessive tension. Three patients (1.7%) developed a fistula in contact with the prosthetic mesh, that had to be removed. A small bowel fistula was observed in 2 cases after an intraoperative wound in 1 case, and a colonic fistula in 1 case. The results of incisional hernia repair with nonabsorbable intraperitoneal prosthetic mesh can be compared with these of other techniques using prosthetic materials. This technique does not require dissection of the intermediate planes and avoids undermining which causes substantial bleeding. The risk of sepsis is also decreased by deep placement of the prosthesis. The exceptional cases of fistula or the possibility of migration of the prosthesis are not exclusively observed with this technique, but must clearly encourage a very strict aseptic technique, with placement of omentum between the prosthetic mesh and the viscera.     

Peritoneal approach to prosthetic mesh repair of paraostomy hernias.

A new method for repair of large hernias at stoma sites is presented. The old abdominal incision is reopened and prosthetic mesh is sutured in place aseptically. The bowel courses above the mesh to be secured to the lateral abdominal wall creating a flap valve. Seven paraostomy hernia repairs in six patients were performed with no recurrences in a 4- to 7-year follow-up. The peritoneal approach to insertion of prosthetic mesh into the hernia defect is recommended especially for recurrent paraostomy hernias. This technique is appropriate for a hernia that possesses a large fascial defect.     

Lichtenstein repair of inguinal hernia with Surgisis inguinal hernia matrix soft-tissue graft in immunodepressed patients

While polypropylene mesh remains the preferred prosthesis material for hernioplasties, there are some problems with infections, intestinal obstruction and fistulization, and migration particularly in immunodepressed patients. A new degradable and reabsorbable material, the porcine small intestinal submucosa (Surgisis) has been developed for hernia repairs in humans. This prospective study evaluated the safety and efficacy of Lichtenstein hernioplasty using the Surgisis inguinal hernia matrix soft-tissue graft as a mesh in ten immunodepressed subjects. Six subjects were HIV-positive in the immunodepressive phase, and the other four had undergone transplantation (three kidney, one liver). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, recurrences, or wound infections. Thus Lichtensteins hernioplasty using the Surgisis inguinal hernia matrix soft-tissue graft in immunodepressed patients promises safety and efficacy.     

Ventral herniorrhaphy: experience with two different biosynthetic mesh materials, Surgisis and Alloderm

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and the complications associated with the use of two new bioactive meshes, Surgisis Gold 8-ply mesh, a product obtained by the processing of porcine small intestine sub-mucosa (Cook Surgical, Bloomington, IN, USA), and Alloderm, processed cadaveric human acellular dermis (Life Cell Corporation, Branchburg, NJ, USA), for ventral herniorrhaphy. Background Ventral hernia repair in potentially contaminated or potentially infected fields limit the use of synthetic mesh products. In this scenario, biosynthetic mesh products that are absorbed and/or replaced with the body’s own tissue reduce the incidence of post-operative chronic wound complications (Franklin et al. in Hernia 8(3):186–189, 2004; Franklin et al. in Hernia 6(4):171–174, 2002; Hirsch in J Am Coll Surg 198(2):324–328, 2004; Holton et al. in J Long Term Eff Med Implants 15(5):547–558, 2005; Buinewicz and Rosen in Ann Plast Surg 52(2):188–194, 2004). Rapid revascularization, repopulation, and remodeling of the matrix occur on contact with the patient’s own tissue. Only limited, and mostly preliminary data, is available on the use of these types of mesh and concerning the potential complications associated with the use of these types of meshes. We publish our experience with the use of these mesh products, along with their associated complications. Furthermore, we have also provided suggestions for improvements in the mesh designs. Methods Between June 2002 and March 2005, 74 patients underwent ventral hernia repair using biosynthetic or natural tissue mesh. The first 41 procedures were performed using Surgisis Gold 8-ply mesh formed from porcine small intestine sub-mucosa, and the remaining 33 patients had ventral hernia repair with Alloderm. The patients had their first follow-up 7–10 days after discharge from the hospital. They were again seen at 6 weeks, or, if needed, earlier, and, thereafter, as needed. Patients who reported any complications to the office were followed up immediately within 1–2 days. Any signs of wound infection, diastasis, hernia recurrence, changes in bowel habits, and seroma formation were evaluated. Results Non-perforated Surgisis mesh resulted in significant seroma formation in 10/11 patients. The seroma complication was reduced, but not eliminated, with the use of the perforated Surgisis mesh (3/30 patients). Explanted material revealed separated layers of un-incorporated middle layers of the 8-ply Surgisis mesh. Three of the patients had the mesh placed in a contaminated field with no resultant sequela, and there were no hernia recurrences. Patients also had a significant degree of discomfort and pain during the immediate post-operative period. The use of the Alloderm mesh resulted in eight hernia recurrences. Fifteen of the Alloderm patients (15/33) developed a diastasis or bulging at the repair site. Seroma formation was only a problem in two patients. Conclusions Seroma formation was a major problem with the non-perforated Surgisis mesh repair, as was the post-operative pain. On the other hand, post-operative diastasis and hernia recurrence were a major problem with the Alloderm mesh. Further design improvements are required in both forms of these new mesh products. Surgeons should be aware of these potential complications prior to the selection of either of these products and the patient should be informed and educated accordingly.     

Late complication of open inguinal hernia repair: Small bowel obstruction caused by intraperitoneal mesh migration

We describe a case of small bowel obstruction due to prosthetic mesh migration. A 67-year-old male, who had undergone prosthetic repair of inguinal hernia 3 years before, was admitted for a mechanical small bowel obstruction. Laparotomy revealed the penultimate ileal loop choked by an adhesion drawing it towards a polypropylene mesh, firmly attached to the parietal peritoneum of the inguinal region. The intestinal loop was released; the mesh was embedded deep with continuous whip suture after folding the parietal peritoneum. The patient was dismissed on the 11th postoperative day surgically healed. The "tension-free" technique is undoubtedly the gold standard for hernia repair. However, it is not free of complications, mostly due to technical errors, of which the surgeon must be aware, both when he is responsible for correcting defects in the wall, as well as when he has to face an occlusion in a patient who has undergone plastic surgery for inguinal hernia.     

Late intestinal fistula following implantation of parietal abdominal prostheses]

STUDY AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to describe an unusual complication of the nonabsorbable meshes used for repair of incisional hernia or inguinal hernia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included eight observations of intestinal fistulas that occurred between 1 and 13 years after using Mersilène (Dacron) mesh for repair of an incisional hernia (7 cases) and an inguinal hernia (1 case). There were 6 men and 2 women (mean age: 58 years, range: 35-85 years) with an external intestinal fistula (n = 6) or an internal intestinal fistula (n = 2). All the patients required a reoperation for extraction of the mesh and treatment of the bowel injuries. RESULTS: There was one secondary death in a 85 years old woman in relation with a vascular complication after incomplete excision of the prosthesis. In five patients out of six, there was a recurrence of the incisional hernia. CONCLUSION: The intestinal fistulas associated with prosthetic repair of the abdominal wall are mostly observed with intraperitoneal mesh but this factor is not exclusive. Their frequency after repair of incisional or inguinal hernia with non absorbable mesh is estimated between 0.3 and 3.5%. The use of nonabsorbable mesh should be limited to the indications of strict necessity, without any septic context or emergency surgery. The contact of the mesh with the bowel should be formally avoided.     

Fate of the inguinal hernia following removal of infected prosthetic mesh

Open tension-free hernioplasty using a prosthetic mesh is a common operation for inguinal hernia repair because of the relative ease of the operation and low recurrence rate. Wound infection is a potential complication of all hernia repairs and deep-seated infection involving an inserted mesh may result in chronic groin sepsis which usually necessitates complete removal of mesh to produce resolution. Removal of mesh would potentially result in a weakness of the repair and subsequent hernia recurrence. We reviewed the outcome of all our patients who had mesh removal for sepsis over an 8-year period, particularly examining for hernia recurrence and chronic groin pain. This was a retrospective review of the database of patients who had mesh repair of inguinal hernias over an 8-year period. There were 2,139 inguinal hernias repaired using prosthetic mesh. All patients who had mesh removal for infection were identified and followed up. Fourteen patients had deep-seated wound infection which required mesh removal for resolution of sepsis. No peri-operative complications occurred during mesh removal. After a median follow-up of 44 months (range 5–91 months), there were two asymptomatic recurrences and none of the patients had chronic groin pain. Hernia recurrence is uncommon following mesh removal for chronic groin sepsis, suggesting that the strength of a mesh repair lies in the fibrous reaction evoked within the transversalis fascia by the prosthetic material rather than in the physical presence of the mesh itself. When there is established deep infection, there should be no unnecessary delay in removing an infected mesh in order to allow resolution of chronic groin sepsis.     

Intra Peritoneal Polypropylene Mesh and Newer Meshes in Ventral Hernia Repair: What EBM Says?

Incisional hernias and other ventral hernias are common surgical problems. It is estimated that incisional hernia complicates about 2 % to 10 % of laparotomies. Ventral and incisional hernia repairs are among the common surgeries done by a general surgeon. It is proven beyond any doubt that suture repair of these hernias should not be done as recurrence rates are unacceptably high, some series reporting as high as 54 % on long-term follow-up. A prosthetic mesh should always be used in ventral hernia repair (VHR). Now, the polypropylene mesh (PPM) has become the prosthetic mesh of choice in the repair of hernias, including inguinal hernia. However, with the advent of laparoscopic repair where the mesh is placed intraperitoneally, concerns regarding safety of PPM are raised. Newer meshes are introduced, claiming lesser complication rate. Many types of newer meshes are available now. Newer meshes are invariably costlier than PPM by 15–20 times. Is this extra cost worth? We looked in to available literature for an answer.     

The single-staged approach to the surgical management of abdominal wall hernias in contaminated fields

Introduction The surgical treatment of large ventral hernias with accompanying contamination is challenging. We have reviewed our institution's experience with single-staged repair of complex ventral hernias in the setting of contamination. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent ventral hernia repairs in the setting of a contaminated field. Pertinent details included baseline demographics, reason for contamination, operative technique and details, postoperative morbidity, mortality and recurrence rates. Results Between December 1999 and January 2006, 19 patients were identified with ventral hernia repairs performed in contaminated fields. There were 6 males and 13 females with a mean age of 61 years (40–82), ASA 3.2 (2–4), and BMI of 34 kg/m² (20–65). Fourteen patients had prior mesh: prolene (9), composix (3), goretex (1), and alloderm (1). Reasons for contamination included: mesh infection (14), enterocutaneous fistula (7), concomitant bowel resection (8), chronic non-healing wound (2), and necrotizing fasciitis (1). Operative approaches included primary repair (3), component separation without reinforcement (2), and with prosthetic reinforcement (9). In five patients the fascia could not be reapproximated in the midline and the defect was bridged with surgisis (1), Marlex (1), lightweight polypropylene (1) placed in the retrorectus space, and alloderm (2). Mean operative time was 260 min (90–600). Twelve postoperative complications occurred in nine (47%) patients and included wound infection (6), respiratory failure (1), ileus (2), postoperative hemorrhage (1), renal failure (1), and atrial fibrillation (1). One patient died in this series. During routine follow-up two recurrences were identified by physical exam. Conclusions This study shows that single-stage treatment of ventral hernias in contaminated fields can be accomplished with a low recurrence rate and acceptable morbidity in these extremely challenging patients.     

Preperitoneal gridiron hernia repair for inguinal hernia: Single-center experience with 2 years of follow-up

The optimal operation technique for groin hernia repair has not been established. This study evaluates the long-term recurrence rate and perioperative complications after posterior inguinal mesh hernia repair using a gridiron incision described by Frans Ugahary. A retrospective analysis was performed of the medical records of 366 patients who underwent Ugahary hernia repair. Operative results and perioperative morbidity were evaluated retrospectively. Follow-up was done by clinical examination. The main outcome measure was recurrence rate at a mean follow-up of 2 years. Of the 386 groin hernia repairs, 263 hernia repairs were examinated in the outpatient clinic. The overall recurrence rate was 6.5% with a mean follow-up of 2 years, and 10.1% of the patients had minor complications. This retrospective study demonstrates that the repair according to Ugahary is a safe technique for operating on groin hernia. However, the procedure is difficult to reproduce in nonexpert hands. This technique must be compared to other inguinal hernia operation techniques in the near future.     

潜在污染及污染腹壁疝修补环境中补片的应用进展

腹壁疝修补术是富有挑战性的手术之一,具有较高的并发症发生率及复发率,尤其是潜在污染或污染的腹壁疝。疝补片的应用显著降低了复发率,然而不同类型补片各有优缺点,对于潜在污染及污染腹壁疝修补环境中补片选择尚存争议,曾被认为具有抗感染优势而被广泛使用的生物补片在近期研究中发现并未降低感染率,反而导致较高的复发率及昂贵的医疗成本...