Bilateral Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Repair Without Mesh Fixation

Background and Objectives:

Mesh fixation during laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair is thought to be necessary to prevent recurrence. However, mesh fixation may increase postoperative chronic pain. This study aimed to describe the experience of a single surgeon at our institution performing this operation.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of all patients who underwent bilateral laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair without mesh fixation for inguinal hernia from January 2005 to December 2011. Demographic, operative, and postoperative data were obtained for analysis.

Results:

A total of 343 patients underwent simultaneous bilateral laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair of 686 primary and recurrent inguinal hernias from January 2005 to December 2011. The mean operative time was 33 minutes. One patient was converted to an open approach (0.3%), and 1 patient had intraoperative bladder injury. Postoperative hematoma/seroma occurred in 5 patients (1.5%), wound infection in 1 (0.3%), hematuria in 2 (0.6%), and acute myocardial infarction in 1 (0.3%). Chronic pain developed postoperatively in 9 patients (2.6%); 3 of them underwent re-exploration. All patients were discharged home a few hours after surgery except for 3 patients. Among the 686 hernia repairs, there were a total of 20 recurrences (2.9%) in 18 patients (5.2%). Two patients had bilateral recurrences, whereas 16 had unilateral recurrences. Twelve of the recurrences occurred after 1 year (60%). Fourteen recurrences occurred among direct hernias (70%).

Conclusion:

Compared with the literature, our patients had fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications, less chronic pain, and no increase in operative time or length of hospital stay but had a slight increase in recurrence rate.     

Laparoscopic Total Extraperitoneal Hernia Repair Outcomes

Methods:A retrospective chart review examined outcomes of 1240 laparoscopic hernia operations in 783 patients, focusing on intraoperative and early postoperative complications, pain, and time until return to work and normal physical activities.Results:There were no intraoperative complications in this series; 106 patients experienced early postoperative complications across 8 evaluated categories: urinary retention (4.1%), seroma (3.0%), testicular/hemiscrotal swelling (1.9%), testicular atrophy (0%), hydrocele (0.6%), mesh infection (0.1%), and neurological symptoms (transient, 1.0%; persistent, 0.2%). Patients used an average of 5.6 Percocet pills after the procedure, and mean times until return to work and normal activities, including their routine exercise regimen, were 3.0 and 3.8 days, respectively.Conclusion:Complication rates and convalescence times were considered equivalent or superior to those found in other studies assessing both laparoscopic and open techniques. The usage of multiple Endostaples did not result in increased neurologic complications in the early postoperative period when compared with findings in the literature. In the hands of an experienced surgeon, total extraperitoneal repair is a safe, effective alternative to open inguinal hernia repair.     

腹腔镜完全腹膜外疝修补手术难点及操作技巧

目的探讨腹腔镜完全腹膜外疝修补术（totally extraperitoneal,TEP）难点及操作技巧。方法2006年5月～2010年5月,施行257例腹腔镜疝修补手术,对术中遇到的操作难点及手术技巧进行总结分析。结果254例行TEP,3例因腹膜破裂中转为经腹腔腹膜前疝修补术（transabdominalpreperitoneal,TAPP）。术后5例出现阴囊血肿,经非手术治愈;1例出现疝囊残端血肿,手术行血肿清除及残留疝囊切除。257例随访时间6～51个月,平均28个月,其中3例（1.2％）分别于术后6、14、23个月出现对侧疝,再次行TEP;2例分别于术后20、60d复发,行二次开放无张力疝修补手术;1例7个月后出现疝钉处疼痛,局麻取出疝钉后痛疼消失,其余患者均无异常。结论TEP的技术关键点主要是腹膜前间隙的建立、镜下解剖标志的应用、正确的疝囊分离方法、补片放置及固定和隐匿疝的恰当处理。     

Ventral Hernia Repair: Outcomes Change with Long-Term Follow-Up

Background and Objectives:

Ventral hernia repairs continue to have high recurrence rates. The surgical literature is lacking data assessing the time trend to hernia recurrence after ventral hernia repairs and whether over time the recurrence rates change with laparoscopic technique compared to open repairs. Our aim was to carry out a long-term comparative analysis of ventral hernia repairs performed at our hospital over the last 10-y period to assess if outcomes change during the follow-up period.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective observational study analyzing electronic medical records of all consecutive patients who had a ventral hernia repair from January 2001 to February 2010 at our hospital.

Results:

During the study period, 436 ventral hernia repairs were performed: laparoscopic repairs (n=156; 36%), laparoscopic converted to open (n=8; 2%), and open repairs (n=272; 62%). We analyzed the time distribution to hernia recurrence after surgery and found that 85% of recurrences after laparoscopic repairs and 77% of recurrences after open repairs occurred within 2 y of surgery. We did a Kaplan-Meier analysis for the subgroup of patients for whom we had a minimum 4-y follow-up and found that there continued to be a low subsequent yearly recurrence rate for open repairs after the initial 2-y follow-up.

Conclusion:

Most hernia recurrences occur within 2 y after surgery for ventral hernias. There appears to be a continued although low subsequent yearly rate of recurrence for open repairs.     

Evaluation of the Rebound Hernia Repair Device for Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

Background:

The characteristics of the ideal type of mesh are still being debated. Mesh shrinkage and fixation have been associated with complications. Avoiding shrinkage and fixation would improve hernia recurrence rates and complications. To our knowledge, this is the first study of a device with a self-expanding frame for laparoscopic hernia repair.

Methods:

Six Rebound Hernia Repair Devices were placed laparoscopically in pigs. This device is a condensed polypropylene, super-thin, lightweight, macro-porous mesh with a self-expanding Nitinol frame. The devices were assessed for adhesions, shrinkage, and histological examination. Laboratory and radiologic evaluations were also performed.

Results:

The handling properties of the devices facilitated their laparoscopic placement. They were easily identified with simple x-rays. The mesh was firmly integrated within the surrounding tissue. One device was associated with 3 small adhesions. The other 5 HRDs had no adhesions. We noted no shrinkage or folding. All devices preserved their original size and shape.

Conclusions:

At this evaluation stage, we found that the Rebound Hernia Repair Device may serve for laparoscopic hernia repair and has favorable handling properties. It prevents folding and shrinkage of the mesh. It may eliminate the need for fixation, thus preventing chronic pain. The Nitinol frame also allowed radiologic evaluation for gross movement. Further studies will be needed to evaluate its clinical application.     

Suture Versus Tack Fixation of Mesh in Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Repair

Background and Objectives:

Mesh fixation in laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair is poorly studied. We compared postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair in suture versus tack mesh fixation.

Methods:

Patients who underwent laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair were separated by method of mesh fixation: sutures versus primarily tacks. Medical history and follow-up data were collected through medical records. The primary outcome of this study was the recurrence rates of hernias. Postoperative major and minor complications, such as surgical site infection, small-bowel obstruction, and seroma formation, were regarded as secondary outcomes. Additionally, a telephone interview was conducted to assess postoperative pain, recovery time, and overall patient satisfaction.

Results:

Eighty-six patients were identified: 33 in the suture group and 53 in the tacks group. The number of emergent cases was increased in the tacks group (6 vs 0; P = .022). Mean follow-up time was 2.7 years for both groups. Documented postoperative follow-up was obtained in 29 (90%) suture group and 31 (58%) tacks group patients. Hernia recurrence occurred in 3 and 2 patients in the sutures and tacks groups, respectively (P was not significant). No differences were found in secondary outcomes, including subjective outcomes from telephone interviews, between groups.

Conclusions:

There are no differences in postoperative complication rates in suture versus tack mesh fixation in laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair.     

完全腹膜外腹腔镜疝修补术82例临床总结

目的探讨完全腹膜外腹腔镜疝修补术（total extraperitoneal hernia repair，TEP）的临床价值。方法2005～2007年行TEP手术82例97侧。男76例，女6例。年龄21～88岁，平均52岁。单侧腹股沟斜疝50例、直疝9例，双侧腹股沟斜疝9例，双侧腹股沟斜疝合并直疝6例，复发腹股沟斜疝8例。结果5例因下腹部手术史，腹壁严重粘连，腹膜损伤，其中1例无法修补，中转开放手术；4例以5-0可吸收缝线连续缝合，封闭腹膜破13。手术时间30～180min，平均单侧58min，双侧97min。术后无需使用镇痛剂。住院时间4～12d，平均7d。阴囊血清肿9例，局部穿刺抽液及理疗治愈。82例随访13～38个月，平均26个月，术后无复发。结论TEP是一种安全可靠的疝修补术，创伤小，术后疼痛轻，恢复快，特别适用于复发疝、双侧疝。     

Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with nonfixation of the mesh for 1,692 hernias

Background  This study aimed to examine the recurrence rate and postoperative pain in total extraperitoneal repair (TEP) performed without fixation of the mesh and to compare the rates with those for repairs using fixation of mesh. Methods  A retrospective analysis was conducted over a 3-year period for 929 patients (1,753 hernias) who had undergone TEP. The recurrence rate, pain scores at 24 h and 1 week, hospital stay, days until resumption of normal activities, seroma formation, and urinary retention rates were noted. Results  Of the 929 patients (1,753 hernias), the mesh was fixed (Fx) for 33 (61 hernias) and not fixed (NFx) for 896 (1,692 hernias). The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 40 months (mean, 17 months). The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of mean operating time, proportion of patients who had minimal or no pain (score, 1 or 2) 24 h after surgery, or proportion of patients who were totally pain free (score = 1) 1 week postoperatively. The proportions of patients reporting pain at the end of 1 month, the incidence of seroma formation and urinary retention, the hospital stay, and the days until resumption of normal activities were significantly greater in the Fx group than in the NFx group (p < 0.0001). Two patients (0.22%) in the NFx group had recurrence and one patient in the Fx group underwent conversion to open hernia repair. Conclusions  This study found TEP without mesh fixation to be safe and feasible with no increase in recurrence rates. The TEP procedure is associated with significantly less pain at 4 weeks, lower incidence of urinary retention and seroma formation, shorter hospital stay, and early resumption of normal activities.     

腹腔镜完全腹膜外免钉合腹股沟疝修补术45例

目的探讨腹腔镜完全腹膜外免钉合腹股沟疝修补术的可行性和安全性。方法 2007年1月~2010年3月我院对45例(52侧)腹股沟疝行腹腔镜完全腹膜外疝修补术,用镜头替代气囊分离器分离腹膜前间隙,用预成形巴德3D Max补片无钉合固定。结果 45例手术全部成功,手术时间(65.8±21.8)min,术中出血量(15.3±4.6)ml,术后住院时间(2.7±1.2)d。术后阴囊血清肿1例,局部穿刺抽液3次及理疗1个月后治愈。45例随访1~38个月,平均15.6月,其中随访1年36例,未见复发及腹股沟区慢性疼痛等并发症。结论免钉合TEP是一种可行、安全、有效的无张力疝修补技术。     

Slit versus Non-slit Mesh Placement in Total Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair

Background  

The goal of the present research was to study patients who underwent laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair using slit and non-slit mesh placement.     

Laparoscopic inguinal total extraperitoneal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia without mesh fixation in 1,220 hernia repairs

Background  The need for general anesthesia and the cost and pain due to metal staples required for fixing the mesh are the major reported disadvantages of laparoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair. We studied the feasibility and results of TEP done under spinal anesthesia with non-fixation of the mesh (SA-NF). This group was compared to TEP done under general anesthesia with non-fixation of the mesh (GA-NF) and repairs done under SA with fixation of the mesh (SA-F). Methods  A retrospective analysis was carried out in 675 patients (1,289 hernias) in whom TEP was performed. The recurrence rate, pain scores at 24 h and 1 week, hospital stay, days to resume normal activities, seroma formation, and urinary retention rates were noted. Results  A total of 1,289 TEP repairs (675 patients) were analyzed, with 636 patients (1,220 hernias) in the SA-NF group, 16 patients (27 hernias) in the GA-NF group, and 23 patients (42 hernias) in the SA-F group. Follow up ranged from 13 to 45 months. The recurrence rates, conversion rates, and complications were similar in all three groups. The mean hospital stay, days to resume normal activities, and pain scores were significantly higher in the mesh fixation (SA-F) group. Conclusions  TEP, done under SA and without fixation of the mesh, is safe, feasible, and associated with low recurrence rates. Since this procedure does not have the disadvantages usually attributed to TEP, it can be possibly recommended as a first-line procedure, even for unilateral inguinal hernias. Further studies are needed to substantiate this.     

A Technique for the Laparoscopic Repair of Paraoesophageal Hernia Without Mesh

Laparoscopic paraoesophageal hernia repair is a challenging procedure, both in surgical technical difficulty and in prevention of recurrence, in the setting of operating on an older patient cohort with associated co-morbidities. However, modifications based on sound surgical principles can lead to better outcomes. This article describes and illustrates in detail the technique for the laparoscopic repair of paraoesophageal hernia without mesh with cardio-oesophageal junction fixation. The data and results of the study supporting this technique have been published previously by Gibson et al. (Surgical Endoscopy 27: 618–623, 2013). The previously published article has reported on the numbers of patients, mean age, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System, body mass index, duration of follow-up, complications, Visick scores and quality of life pre- and post-operatively. The principles of complete reduction of the hernia sac, preservation of both crura, mobilisation of the phreno-oesophageal ligament and phreno-gastric attachments, adequate mediastinal mobilisation of the oesophagus and the cardio-oesophageal junction into the abdomen without tension, preservation of both vagi, a tension-free crural repair including the fascial aspects adjacent to the diaphragm, an anterior hiatal repair in combination with the recognised posterior approximation, a loose fundoplication and a secure cardiopexy to the median arcuate ligament and multiple points of attachment; we have found leads to good operative results(Gibson et. al.) without the need for mesh. This article outlines in detail the operative technique guided by these principles with annotated intra-operative photographs illustrating the anatomy and procedure. The technique used by our team since March 2009 for the last 154 cases, based on the experience of an aggregate of 544 cases since 1999, we believe results in an acceptable level of symptomatic and anatomic recurrence without using mesh.     

Female Gender and Diabetes Mellitus Increase the Risk of Recurrence after Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair

Background

Laparoscopic hernia repair is used widely for the repair of incisional hernias. Few case studies have focussed on purely ‘incisional’ hernias. This multicentre series represents a collaborative effort and employed statistical analyses to provide insight into the factors predisposing to recurrence of incisional hernia after laparoscopic repair. A specific hypothesis (ie, laterality of hernias as well as proximity to the xyphoid process and pubic symphysis predisposes to recurrence) was also tested.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of all laparoscopic incisional hernias undertaken in six centres from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2010. It comprised a comprehensive review of case notes and a follow-up using a structured telephone questionnaire. Patient demographics, previous medical/surgical history, surgical procedure, postoperative recovery, and perceived effect on quality of life were recorded. Repairs undertaken for primary ventral hernias were excluded. A logistic regression analysis was then fitted with recurrence as the primary outcome.

Results

A total of 186 cases (91 females) were identified. Median follow-up was 42 months. Telephone interviews were answered by 115/186 (62%) of subjects. Logistic regression analyses suggested that only female sex (odds ratio (OR) 3.53; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–8.97) and diabetes mellitus (3.54; 1–12.56) significantly increased the risk of recurrence. Position of the defect had no statistical effect.

Conclusions

These data suggest an increased risk of recurrence after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair in females and subjects with diabetes mellitus. These data will help inform surgeons and patients when considering laparoscopic management of incisional hernias. We recommend a centrally hosted, prospectively maintained national/international database to carry out additional research.     

全腹膜外补片植入术中补片不固定的实验研究

目的评价全腹膜外补片植入术中补片不固定的安全性和有效性。方法将50只SD大鼠建立疝缺损(3cm2)模型,按随机数字表分为2组,使用聚丙烯补片(12 cm2)采用腹膜外补片植入术进行修复。甲组为补片固定组,乙组为补片不固定组。大鼠于术后不同时间分批处死,记录补片的挛缩度、腹壁抗张强度以及组织细胞学变化。结果所有大鼠术后腹腔均无粘连。2组大鼠在术后7 d、14 d、30 d、60 d和90 d补片的挛缩度分别为6.7%±1.3%vs 7.3%±1.5%、12.3%±1.3%vs 12.4%±1.6%、14.0%±2.0%vs 14.5%±1.3%、17.4%±2.1%vs 18.4%±1.5%和18.9%±2.2%vs19.5%±2.6%(P>0.05);2组大鼠的腹壁抗张强度分别为(288.4±8.4)mm Hg vs(286.6±10.2)mm Hg、(300.4±11.2)mm Hg vs(298.8±11.4)mm Hg、(305.0±11.7)mm Hg vs(303.3±16.1)mm Hg、(309.0±10.8)mm Hg vs(307.6±8.9)mm Hg和(311.8±9.8)mm Hg vs(310.0±8.6)mm Hg(P>0.05);2组大鼠的组织细胞学变化一致。结论当补片面积是大鼠疝缺损的4倍以上时,不固定的腹膜外补片植入术是安全有效的。     

The Role of Suture Fixation on Mesh Contraction after Abdominal Hernia Repair

Mesh contraction is a threat for hernia repair. Our aim is to analyze the effects of fixation techniques on mesh contraction. Forty-eight rats with abdominal wall defects were equally divided into four groups (G): G1 (control) with no repair, G2 defects were repaired with free polypropylene mesh, and G3 and G4 defects were reinforced with prolene mesh fixed by running and interrupted sutures, respectively. The corners of the defect and prolene mesh were marked with silver clips. The contraction rate was calculated by radiological measurement of distances between corner clips and by measuring the mesh areas after harvesting abdominal wall containing the patch. Host reaction was histhopathologically and biochemically examined by inflammation score, fibroblast count, thickness of the granulation tissue, and tissue hydroxyproline level. Distances between corner clips and mesh area have decreased by 31.5% and 26.4% respectively in G2, while in G3 the decrease was 24.4% (p =. 008) and 22% (p =. 01), respectively. Granulation tissue thickness was highest in the group with mesh fixed by running suture. The tissue hydroxyproline levels were similar in mesh repair groups. Our study suggests that mesh contraction, which reduces mesh surface, occurs during the wound healing process. In order to decrease the contraction rate, it is important to keep the mesh in place until its incorporation into the surrounding tissue. Our results suggest that mesh contraction is minimized by suture fixation, and running fixation suture, which provides more balanced tension around the mesh, seems more beneficial for decreasing contraction rate.     

腹腔镜下完全腹膜外疝修补术12例

目的探讨腹腔镜下完全腹膜外疝修补术（TEP）的可行性和安全性。方法自2008年6月至2009年4月在全身麻醉下行腹腔镜下完全腹膜外疝修补术共12例次（10例患者）,其中双侧腹股沟疝2例,斜疝10例,直疝2例。结果手术全部成功,平均手术时间（40．5±15．8）min,术后平均住院时间（2．7±1．2）d,恢复日常活动时间（5．2土1．3）d,术中腹膜破裂1例,术后无阴囊血肿和其他手术并发症发生。随访时间1—5个月,复发1例,未见腹股沟区慢性疼痛等并发症。结论TEP是一种可行、安全、有效的无张力疝修补技术,能明显降低手术费用并获得最佳卫生经济学效益,可减少腹股沟区慢性疼痛症状的发生。