Laparoscopic repair of incidentally found Spigelian hernia

Background and Objectives:

A Spigelian hernia is a rare type of hernia that occurs through a defect in the anterior abdominal wall adjacent to the linea semilunaris. Estimation of its incidence has been reported as 0.12% of all abdominal wall hernias. Traditionally, the method of repair has been an open approach. Herein, we discuss a series of laparoscopic repairs.

Methods:

Case series and review of the literature.

Cases:

Three patients are presented. All were evaluated and taken to surgery initially for a different disease process, and all were incidentally found to have a spigelian hernia. These patients underwent laparoscopic repair of their hernias; 2 were repaired intraperitoneally and one was repaired totally extraperitoneally. Two patients initially underwent a mesh repair, while the third had an attempted primary repair.

Conclusions:

There is evidence that supports the use of laparoscopy for both diagnosis and repair of spigelian hernias. There are also reports of successful repairs both primarily and with mesh. In our experience with the preceding 3 patients, we found that laparoscopic repair of incidentally discovered spigelian hernias is a viable option, and we also found that implantation of mesh, when possible, resulted in satisfactory results and no recurrence.     

Laparoscopic repair of complicated umbilical hernia with Strattice Laparoscopic™ reconstructive tissue matrix

INTRODUCTION

Complex hernias continue to present a challenge. Surgical techniques for repair are carefully considered to reduce risk for complications. Laparoscopic repairs improve postoperative infection rates, and placement of biologic mesh decreases mesh infection rates. However, laparoscopic repairs using biologic mesh is generally challenging due to difficulty with maneuverability.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present a case of a complex ventral hernia that was laparoscopically repaired using a new FDA cleared laparoscopic biologic graft. The patient had multiple comorbidities, including obesity, hepatitis C, endocarditis secondary to IV drug use, tobacco smoking, bilateral inguinal hernia, and recurrent umbilical hernia. The recurrent hernia was larger, irreducible, and discolored compared to original defect. The patient underwent laparoscopic repair with primary closure and reinforcement with Strattice™ Tissue Matrix Laparoscopic (LifeCell Corporation, Branchburg, NJ). At nine months postoperative, the patient had no evidence of recurrence, infection, or chronic pain, demonstrating early success from the surgical management.

DISCUSSION

Presence of multiple comorbidities and incarcerated recurrent hernia increase risk for complications during and/or after hernia repair. Considering these factors, laparoscopic repair with Strattice Laparoscopic and defect closure was a reasonable technique for repair.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic suture repair reinforced with biologic dermal tissue matrix was successfully performed during a complex hernia repair.     

Symptomatic Right-Sided Diaphragmatic Hernia in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Background:

Laparoscopic repair of incarcerated diaphragmatic hernias is widely recognized as both safe and effective. However, symptomatic diaphragmatic hernias encountered in the setting of pregnancy, while rare, present a significant surgical challenge. Furthermore, right-sided diaphragmatic hernias account for only 13% of cases. Here, we present a case in which a symptomatic, posterior right-sided diaphragmatic hernia, presenting in the later stages of pregnancy, was successfully repaired using a laparoscopic approach.

Methods:

Our patient is a 42-y-old gravid woman who, at 27 wk gestation, was admitted to the gynecology service with a 2-d history of right upper quadrant abdominal pain, right shoulder pain, abdominal distension, and obstipation.

Results:

Computed tomography of the chest demonstrated an incarcerated right diaphragmatic hernia. Surgical consultation was obtained, and the patient was taken to the operating room urgently for repair. Intraoperatively, the cecum was reduced and the diaphragm repaired primarily using a laparoscopic approach. The patient recovered well and was discharged home on postoperative day 8 with no complications to the patient or the pregnancy.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic reduction and repair of symptomatic incarcerated diaphragmatic hernia can be safely performed in the third trimester of pregnancy.     

Current Trends in Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

Background and Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the surgical technique, postoperative complications, and possible recurrence after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) in comparison with open ventral hernia repair (OVHR), based on the international literature.

Database:

A Medline search of the current English literature was performed using the terms laparoscopic ventral hernia repair and incisional hernia repair.

Conclusions:

LVHR is a safe alternative to the open method, with the main advantages being minimal postoperative pain, shorter recovery, and decreased wound and mesh infections. Incidental enterotomy can be avoided by using a meticulous technique and sharp dissection to avoid thermal injury.     

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.     

Conversion to Stoppa Procedure in Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair

Background and Objectives:

Conversion to open surgery is an important problem, especially during the learning curve of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair.

Methods:

Here, we discuss conversion to the Stoppa procedure during laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair. Outcomes of patients who underwent conversion to an open approach during laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair between September 2004 and May 2010 were evaluated.

Results:

In total, 259 consecutive patients with 281 inguinal hernias underwent laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair. Thirty-one hernia repairs (11%) were converted to open conventional surgical procedures. Twenty-eight of 31 laparoscopic TEP hernia repairs were converted to modified Stoppa procedures, because of technical difficulties. Three of these patients underwent Lichtenstein hernia repairs, because they had undergone previous surgeries.

Conclusion:

Stoppa is an easy and successful procedure used to solve problems during TEP hernia repair. The Lichtenstein procedure may be a suitable option in patients who have undergone previous operations, such as a radical prostatectomy.     

Parastomal Hernia Repair: a Single Center Experience

Background/Objectives:

Despite multiple options for operative repair of parastomal hernia, results are frequently disappointing. We review our experience with parastomal hernia repair.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients with parastomal hernia who underwent LAP or open repair at our institution between 1999 and 2006. Information collected included demographics, indication for stoma creation, operative time, length of stay, postoperative complications, and recurrence.

Results:

Twenty-five patients who underwent laparoscopic or open parastomal hernia repair were identified. Laparoscopic repair was attempted on 12 patients and successfully completed on 11. Thirteen patients underwent open repair. Operative time was 172±10.0 minutes for laparoscopic and 137±19.1 minutes for open cases (P=0.14). Lengths of stay were 3.1±0.4 days (laparoscopic) and 5.1±0.8 days (open), P=0.05. Immediate postoperative complications occurred in 4 laparoscopic patients (33.3%) and 2 open patients (15.4%), P=0.38. Parastomal hernia recurred in 4 laparoscopic patients (33.3%) and 7 open patients (53.8%) after 13.9±4.5 months and 21.4±4.3 months, respectively, P=0.43.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic modified Sugarbaker technique in the repair of parastomal hernia affords an alternative to open repair for treating parastomal hernia.     

Obturator Hernia: Laparoscopic Diagnosis and Repair

Objective:

Review of international literature reveals eight reported cases of laparoscopic obturator hernia repair. Non-specific signs and symptoms make the diagnosis of an obturator hernia difficult. Laparoscopic intervention provides a minimally invasive method to simultaneously diagnose and repair these hernias.

Methods and Procedures:

A 35 year old woman presented with lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and dyspareunia. During gynecological diagnostic laparoscopy, a pelvic floor hernia was suspected, and a general surgical evaluation was sought. At a subsequent laparoscopy, the diagnosis of a left direct inguinal and a right obturator hernia was made. Both were repaired laparoscopically with polypropylene mesh.

Results:

At follow-up at one and six weeks postoperatively, the patient''s complaints of pain had completely resolved.

Conclusion:

The diagnosis of obturator hernia is problematic. The usual presenting signs and symptoms are non-specific. Without conclusive historical or physical findings, laparoscopy is an excellent method for diagnosing obturator hernia. This entity, once diagnosed laparoscopically, can be repaired simultaneously via laparoscopic mesh technique.     

Laparoscopic Hernia: Umbilical-Pubis Length Versus Technical Difficulty

Laparoscopic hernia repair is more difficult than open hernia repair. The totally extraperitoneal procedure with 3 trocars on the midline is more comfortable for the surgeon. We studied the impact of the length between the umbilicus and the pubis on the totally extraperitoneal procedure (95 hernias operated on in 70 patients). This length did not influence the totally extraperitoneal procedure in this study.

Background:

The laparoscopic repair of hernias is considered to be difficult especially for the totally extra-peritoneal technique (TEP) due to a limited working space and different appreciation of the usual anatomical landmarks seen through an anterior approach. The aim of our study has been to answer a question: does the umbilical-pubic distance, which influences the size of the mesh, affect the TEP technique used in the treatment of inguinal hernias?

Methods:

From January 2001 to May 2011, the umbilical-pubic (UP) distance was measured with a sterile ruler graduated in centimeters in all patients who underwent a symptomatic inguinal hernia by the TEP technique in two hernia surgery centers. The sex, age, BMI, hernia type, UP distance, operation time, hospital stay and complications were prospectively examined based on the medical records.

Results:

Seventy patients underwent 95 inguinal hernia repairs by the TEP technique. The umbilical-pubic distance average was 14 cm (10 to 22) and a 25 kg/m2 (16–30) average concerning the body mass index (BMI). Seventy percent of patients were treated on an outpatient basis. The postoperative course was very simple. There was no recurrence of hernia within this early postoperative period.

Conclusion:

The umbilical-pubic distance had no influence on the production of TEP with 3 trocars on the midline in this study.     

The Laparoscopic Approach for Repair of Morgagni Hernias

Background and Objectives:

Morgagni hernias are unusual congenital diaphragmatic hernias that are generally asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. Surgical treatment is indicated once the diagnosis is made. These hernias have traditionally been repaired by the open abdominal or thoracic approaches. We report a case of Morgagni hernia repaired successfully via the laparoscopic approach.

Methods and Results:

The patient was noted to have a large anteromedial diaphragmatic hernia by chest radiograph and CT imaging. He underwent laparoscopy, during which the hernia was reduced and the defect repaired with mesh placement. We used intracorporeal suture placement to anchor the mesh. The patient recovered uneventfully after a short hospitalization.

Conclusions:

The laparoscopic approach for repair of Morgagni hernias offers diagnostic advantages as well as the potential for reduced morbidity when compared to laparotomy. We report intracorporeal knot-tying for fixation of the mesh to be a secure and satisfactory means to achieve the laparoscopic repair.     

Gallbladder perforation by absorbable spiral tacker

Introduction

Mesh fixation with tacker systems is common in laparoscopic and open hernia repair. Complications due to absorbable tackers are rare and have not been described in the literature. However, we report a case of gallbladder erosion due to tacker dislocation.

Methods

An open hernia repair was performed using an intraperitoneal onlay mesh for a recurrent parastomal hernia after two previous mesh repairs in a 67-year-old patient.

Results

On postoperative day 2, the patient was reoperated because of a dislocated tacker that eroded and perforated the fundus region of the gallbladder. Putatively, tacker dislocation occurred owing to imbalanced traction forces. Initially, the mesh was fixed with absorbable tackers around the stoma on the right and transmuscular suture fixation was carried out on the left abdominal side. On revision surgery, tension forces to the right were therefore neutralised by additional transmuscular sutures on the right side.

Conclusions

Absorbable tackers in open hernia repair provide a safe and effective mesh fixation if tension forces are carefully avoided.     

Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: a Two-Port Technique

Objective:

Various ventral and incisional hernia repair techniques exist and have largely replaced the open ones. The purpose of this study was to document the 2-port technique and demonstrate that it is feasible, efficient, and safe. To our knowledge, this is the largest report on this topic to date in the English-language literature.

Methods:

Forty patients with ventral hernias (VH) or incisional hernias (IH) underwent laparoscopic repair with a 2-port technique. The technique involves insertion of one 10-mm to 12-mm balloon port and one 5-mm port, usually on the left side as laterally as possible. A mesh is inserted through the balloon port site and secured to the abdominal wall by using either 4 peripheral or 1 central Prolene suture. Helical fasteners are used to attach the mesh to the abdominal wall.

Results:

Forty patients with 47 hernias underwent repair. Operating time ranged from 15 minutes to 70 minutes. Early complications were seen in 5 patients and included 1 small bowel enterotomy, 2 small bowel obstructions (SBO) with bowel adhering to the visceral side of the mesh, 1 wound infection, and 1 seroma. Late postoperative complications occurred in 8 patients (20%) who experienced persistent abdominal pain that resolved without any treatment. There was one recurrence during a mean follow-up of 23.5 months.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy with the 2-port technique offers an efficient, safe, and effective repair for ventral and incisional hernias.     

Emergency Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh Repair of Incarcerated Spigelian Hernia

Background and Objectives:

Spigelian hernia is a rare cause of incarcerated ventral abdominal hernia that may pose a diagnostic dilemma. However, with the increasing utilization of double contrast computed tomography (CT) for undiagnosed small bowel obstruction in a virgin abdomen, more such cases are being diagnosed with increasing confidence. Furthermore, with the rapid expansion of the indications for minimal access surgery in emergency situations, these rare emergencies are increasingly tackled using a laparoscopic approach leading to swift patient recovery and discharge.

Methods:

We present the case of an emergency intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair of Spigelian hernia, causing acute small bowel obstruction in a 55-year-old man with liver disease and ascites that was diagnosed using a CT scan. We conducted a search of Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, Current Contents, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database to review the history of laparoscopic repair of Spigelian hernia and its various advancements, which are briefly presented here.

Results:

The hernia was successfully reduced using laparoscopy, revealing a moderate-size defect in the linea semilunaris. The hernial defect was repaired with a composite mesh that was tacked into position. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the second postoperative day.

Conclusions:

Spigelian hernia in an emergency setting can be easily and swiftly repaired using the IPOM method utilizing a composite mesh.     

Revisional Laparoscopic Parastomal Hernia Repair

Background:

We herein report a laparoscopically performed re-do operation on a patient who had previously undergone a laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair.

Case Report:

We describe the case of a 71-year-old patient who presented within 3 months of her primary laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair with recurrence. On relaparoscopy, dense adhesions to the mesh were found, and the mesh had migrated into the hernia sac. This had allowed loops of small bowel to herniate into the sac. The initial part of the procedure involved the lysis of adhesions. A piece of Gore-Tex DualMesh with a central keyhole and a radial slit was cut so that it could provide at least 3 cm to 5 cm of overlap of the fascial defect. The tails of the mesh were wrapped around the bowel, and the mesh was secured to the margins of the hernia with circumferential metal tacking and 4 transfascial sutures. The patient remains in satisfactory condition and no recurrence or any surgery-related problem has been observed during 8 months of follow-up.

Conclusion:

Revisional laparoscopic repair of parastomal hernias seems feasible and has been shown to be safe and effective in this case. The success of this approach depends on longer follow-up reports and standardization of the technical elements.     

Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair With Fibrin Glue in Select Patients

Background and Objective:

Laparoscopic treatment of incisional hernias can be performed using different types of fixation devices and prosthesis. We present a case series of 19 patients with incisional hernias with a diameter of <6cm, who underwent laparoscopic repair using Hi-tex dual-side mesh, positioned intraperitoneally, fixed to the abdominal wall by fibrin glue (Tissucol).

Methods:

Nineteen patients with incisional hernias <6cm in diameter were enrolled in this study and treated laparoscopically with Hi-tex and Tissucol. Surgical complications and patient outcomes were assessed with a clinical follow-up.

Results:

Laparoscopic repair of incisional hernias by using Hi-tex mesh affixed to the parietal wall with fibrin glue was feasible and easy in patients with parietal defects <6cm in diameter. Mean operating time was 30 minutes. Mean hospital stay was 1.5 days. Almost no postoperative pain, major surgical complications, seroma formation, relapses, or prosthesis infection occurred during a mean follow-up of 20 months.

Conclusions:

In select patients, Hi-tex mesh affixed using fibrin glue allows laparoscopic repair of incisional hernias with very good patient outcomes, especially in terms of postoperative pain and seroma formation.     

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.     

Preliminary study of hiatal hernia repair using polyglycolic acid: trimethylene carbonate mesh

Background:

Repairing large hiatal hernias using mesh has been shown to reduce recurrence. Drawbacks to mesh include added time to place and secure the prosthesis as well as complications such as esophageal erosion. We used a laparoscopic technique for repair of hiatal hernias (HH) >5cm, incorporating primary crural repair with onlay fixation of a synthetic polyglycolicacid:trimethylene carbonate (PGA:TMC) absorbable tissue reinforcement. The purpose of this report is to present short-term follow-up data.

Methods:

Patients with hiatal hernia types I-III and defects >5cm were included. Primary closure of the hernia defect was performed using interrupted nonpledgeted sutures, followed by PGA:TMC mesh onlay fixed with absorbable tacks. A fundoplication was then performed. Evaluation of patients was carried out at routine follow-up visits. Outcomes measured were symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or other symptoms suspicious for recurrence. Patients exhibiting these complaints underwent further evaluation including radiographic imaging and endoscopy.

Results:

Follow-up data were analyzed on 11 patients. Two patients were male; 9 were female. The mean age was 60 years. The mean length of follow-up was 13 months. There were no complications related to the mesh. One patient suffered from respiratory failure, one from gas bloat syndrome, and another had a superficial port-site infection. One patient developed a recurrent hiatal hernia.

Conclusions:

In this small series, laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernias >5cm with onlay fixation of PGA:TMC tissue reinforcement has short-term outcomes with a reasonably low recurrence rate. However, due to the preliminary and nonrandomized nature of the data, no strong comparison can be made with other types of mesh repairs. Additional data collection is warranted.     

The Role of Laparoscopy in the Management of Groin Hernia

Introduction:

The advantage of using minimally invasive techniques over open techniques in the repair of groin hernias is still debated. Despite its more widespread use, an apparent dichotomy exists. While some surgeons continue to believe that no advantage is gained using the laparoscopic technique, others argue laparoscopic hernia repair (LHR) offers a quicker recovery with the use of a tensionfree repair.

Methods:

A mailing to the general surgeon members of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, an international multidisciplinary laparoendoscopic society, was performed (mailing size=l680).

Results:

Nine hundred and ninety-three surgeons responded (60%). Across all demographic variables, 60% of respondents performed approximately 27% of their hernia repairs laparoscopically (40% of respondents did not perform LHR). Surgeon age less than 45 was the only demographic characteristic that predicted the likelihood to perform LHR (p<0.0001) and the percentage of hernias repaired laparoscopically (p<0.005). Most respondents felt that the presence of bilateral hernias (73%) or a recurrent hernia (74%) were indications for LHR. Eighty-nine percent of respondents felt that LHR would still be performed 20 years from now. Surgeons expressed concerns regarding increased cost, the need for more anesthesia, and a lack of long-term follow-up for LHR.

Conclusions:

Only surgeon age predicted the likelihood of a surgeon performing LHR or the percentage of hernias that would be repaired laparoscopically.     

Laparoscopic Repair of a Posttraumatic Left-Sided Diaphragmatic Hernia Complicated by Strangulation and Colon Obstruction

Background:

Posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernias (PDH) are serious complications of blunt and penetrating abdominal or thoracic trauma. Traditional thoracic or abdominal operations are usually performed in these cases.

Methods:

We present 2 cases of posttraumatic left-sided diaphragmatic hernia complicated by strangulation and colon obstruction. Both cases were successfully treated with laparoscopy.

Results:

We found that laparoscopy is a safe, successful, and gentle procedure not only for diagnosis but also for treatment of complicated PDH. Strangulation and colon obstruction were not contraindications to performing laparoscopic procedures. The postoperative course and long-term follow-up (range, 12 to 30 months) were uneventful and short. We expect the same good long-term results after laparoscopic repair as after open conventional surgery.

Conclusion:

We recommend the use a minimally invasive approach to treat posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia complicated by strangulation and colon obstruction in hemodynamically stable patients.