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Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and... Feb 2018Worldwide, more than 20 million patients undergo groin hernia repair annually. The many different approaches, treatment indications and a significant array of techniques...
INTRODUCTION
Worldwide, more than 20 million patients undergo groin hernia repair annually. The many different approaches, treatment indications and a significant array of techniques for groin hernia repair warrant guidelines to standardize care, minimize complications, and improve results. The main goal of these guidelines is to improve patient outcomes, specifically to decrease recurrence rates and reduce chronic pain, the most frequent problems following groin hernia repair. They have been endorsed by all five continental hernia societies, the International Endo Hernia Society and the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery.
METHODS
An expert group of international surgeons (the HerniaSurge Group) and one anesthesiologist pain expert was formed. The group consisted of members from all continents with specific experience in hernia-related research. Care was taken to include surgeons who perform different types of repair and had preferably performed research on groin hernia surgery. During the Group's first meeting, evidence-based medicine (EBM) training occurred and 166 key questions (KQ) were formulated. EBM rules were followed in complete literature searches (including a complete search by The Dutch Cochrane database) to January 1, 2015 and to July 1, 2015 for level 1 publications. The articles were scored by teams of two or three according to Oxford, SIGN and Grade methodologies. During five 2-day meetings, results were discussed with the working group members leading to 136 statements and 88 recommendations. Recommendations were graded as "strong" (recommendations) or "weak" (suggestions) and by consensus in some cases upgraded. In the Results and summary section below, the term "should" refers to a recommendation. The AGREE II instrument was used to validate the guidelines. An external review was performed by three international experts. They recommended the guidelines with high scores. The risk factors for inguinal hernia (IH) include: family history, previous contra-lateral hernia, male gender, age, abnormal collagen metabolism, prostatectomy, and low body mass index. Peri-operative risk factors for recurrence include poor surgical techniques, low surgical volumes, surgical inexperience and local anesthesia. These should be considered when treating IH patients. IH diagnosis can be confirmed by physical examination alone in the vast majority of patients with appropriate signs and symptoms. Rarely, ultrasound is necessary. Less commonly still, a dynamic MRI or CT scan or herniography may be needed. The EHS classification system is suggested to stratify IH patients for tailored treatment, research and audit. Symptomatic groin hernias should be treated surgically. Asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic male IH patients may be managed with "watchful waiting" since their risk of hernia-related emergencies is low. The majority of these individuals will eventually require surgery; therefore, surgical risks and the watchful waiting strategy should be discussed with patients. Surgical treatment should be tailored to the surgeon's expertise, patient- and hernia-related characteristics and local/national resources. Furthermore, patient health-related, life style and social factors should all influence the shared decision-making process leading up to hernia management. Mesh repair is recommended as first choice, either by an open procedure or a laparo-endoscopic repair technique. One standard repair technique for all groin hernias does not exist. It is recommended that surgeons/surgical services provide both anterior and posterior approach options. Lichtenstein and laparo-endoscopic repair are best evaluated. Many other techniques need further evaluation. Provided that resources and expertise are available, laparo-endoscopic techniques have faster recovery times, lower chronic pain risk and are cost effective. There is discussion concerning laparo-endoscopic management of potential bilateral hernias (occult hernia issue). After patient consent, during TAPP, the contra-lateral side should be inspected. This is not suggested during unilateral TEP repair. After appropriate discussions with patients concerning results tissue repair (first choice is the Shouldice technique) can be offered. Day surgery is recommended for the majority of groin hernia repair provided aftercare is organized. Surgeons should be aware of the intrinsic characteristics of the meshes they use. Use of so-called low-weight mesh may have slight short-term benefits like reduced postoperative pain and shorter convalescence, but are not associated with better longer-term outcomes like recurrence and chronic pain. Mesh selection on weight alone is not recommended. The incidence of erosion seems higher with plug versus flat mesh. It is suggested not to use plug repair techniques. The use of other implants to replace the standard flat mesh in the Lichtenstein technique is currently not recommended. In almost all cases, mesh fixation in TEP is unnecessary. In both TEP and TAPP it is recommended to fix mesh in M3 hernias (large medial) to reduce recurrence risk. Antibiotic prophylaxis in average-risk patients in low-risk environments is not recommended in open surgery. In laparo-endoscopic repair it is never recommended. Local anesthesia in open repair has many advantages, and its use is recommended provided the surgeon is experienced in this technique. General anesthesia is suggested over regional in patients aged 65 and older as it might be associated with fewer complications like myocardial infarction, pneumonia and thromboembolism. Perioperative field blocks and/or subfascial/subcutaneous infiltrations are recommended in all cases of open repair. Patients are recommended to resume normal activities without restrictions as soon as they feel comfortable. Provided expertise is available, it is suggested that women with groin hernias undergo laparo-endoscopic repair in order to decrease the risk of chronic pain and avoid missing a femoral hernia. Watchful waiting is suggested in pregnant women as groin swelling most often consists of self-limited round ligament varicosities. Timely mesh repair by a laparo-endoscopic approach is suggested for femoral hernias provided expertise is available. All complications of groin hernia management are discussed in an extensive chapter on the topic. Overall, the incidence of clinically significant chronic pain is in the 10-12% range, decreasing over time. Debilitating chronic pain affecting normal daily activities or work ranges from 0.5 to 6%. Chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) is defined as bothersome moderate pain impacting daily activities lasting at least 3 months postoperatively and decreasing over time. CPIP risk factors include: young age, female gender, high preoperative pain, early high postoperative pain, recurrent hernia and open repair. For CPIP the focus should be on nerve recognition in open surgery and, in selected cases, prophylactic pragmatic nerve resection (planned resection is not suggested). It is suggested that CPIP management be performed by multi-disciplinary teams. It is also suggested that CPIP be managed by a combination of pharmacological and interventional measures and, if this is unsuccessful, followed by, in selected cases (triple) neurectomy and (in selected cases) mesh removal. For recurrent hernia after anterior repair, posterior repair is recommended. If recurrence occurs after a posterior repair, an anterior repair is recommended. After a failed anterior and posterior approach, management by a specialist hernia surgeon is recommended. Risk factors for hernia incarceration/strangulation include: female gender, femoral hernia and a history of hospitalization related to groin hernia. It is suggested that treatment of emergencies be tailored according to patient- and hernia-related factors, local expertise and resources. Learning curves vary between different techniques. Probably about 100 supervised laparo-endoscopic repairs are needed to achieve the same results as open mesh surgery like Lichtenstein. It is suggested that case load per surgeon is more important than center volume. It is recommended that minimum requirements be developed to certify individuals as expert hernia surgeon. The same is true for the designation "Hernia Center". From a cost-effectiveness perspective, day-case laparoscopic IH repair with minimal use of disposables is recommended. The development and implementation of national groin hernia registries in every country (or region, in the case of small country populations) is suggested. They should include patient follow-up data and account for local healthcare structures. A dissemination and implementation plan of the guidelines will be developed by global (HerniaSurge), regional (international societies) and local (national chapters) initiatives through internet websites, social media and smartphone apps. An overarching plan to improve access to safe IH surgery in low-resource settings (LRSs) is needed. It is suggested that this plan contains simple guidelines and a sustainability strategy, independent of international aid. It is suggested that in LRSs the focus be on performing high-volume Lichtenstein repair under local anesthesia using low-cost mesh. Three chapters discuss future research, guidelines for general practitioners and guidelines for patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The HerniaSurge Group has developed these extensive and inclusive guidelines for the management of adult groin hernia patients. It is hoped that they will lead to better outcomes for groin hernia patients wherever they live. More knowledge, better training, national audit and specialization in groin hernia management will standardize care for these patients, lead to more effective and efficient healthcare and provide direction for future research.
Topics: Adult; Anesthesia; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Biomedical Research; Groin; Hernia, Femoral; Hernia, Inguinal; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Laparoscopy; Learning Curve; Surgical Mesh
PubMed: 29330835
DOI: 10.1007/s10029-017-1668-x -
Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and... Dec 2019The Accreditation and Certification of Hernia Centers and Surgeons (ACCESS) Group of the European Hernia Society (EHS) recognizes that there is a growing need to train... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The Accreditation and Certification of Hernia Centers and Surgeons (ACCESS) Group of the European Hernia Society (EHS) recognizes that there is a growing need to train specialist abdominal wall surgeons. The most important and relevant argument for this proposal and statement is the growing acceptance of the increasing complexity of abdominal wall surgery due to newer techniques, more challenging cases and the required 'tailored' approach to such surgery. There is now also an increasing public awareness with social media, whereby optimal treatment results are demanded by patients. However, to date the complexity of abdominal wall surgery has not been properly or adequately defined in the current literature.
METHODS
A systematic search of the available literature was performed in May 2019 using Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Springer Link, and the Cochrane Library, with 75 publications identified as relevant. In addition, an analysis of data from the Herniamed Hernia Registry was performed. The percentage of patients with hernia- or patient-related characteristics which unfavorably impacted the outcome of inguinal and incisional hernia repair was also calculated.
RESULTS
All present guidelines for abdominal wall surgery recommend the utilization of a 'tailored' approach. This relies on the prerequisite that any surgical technique used has already been mastered, as well as the recognized learning curves for each of the several techniques that can be used for both inguinal hernia (Lichtenstein, TEP, TAPP, Shouldice) and incisional hernia repairs (laparoscopic IPOM, open sublay, open IPOM, open onlay, open or endoscopic component separation technique). Other hernia- and patient-related characteristics that have recognized complexity include emergency surgery, obesity, recurrent hernias, bilateral inguinal hernias, groin hernia in women, scrotal hernias, large defects, high ASA scores, > 80 years of age, increased medical risk factors and previous lower abdominal surgery. The proportion of patients with at least one of these characteristics in the Herniamed Hernia Registry in the case of both inguinal and incisional hernia is noted to be relatively high at around 70%. In general surgery training approximately 50-100 hernia repairs on average are performed by each trainee, with around only 25 laparo-endoscopic procedures.
CONCLUSION
A tailored approach is now employed and seen more so in hernia surgery and this fact is referred to and highlighted in the contemporaneous hernia guidelines published to date. In addition, with the increasing complexity of abdominal wall surgery, the number of procedures actually performed by trainees is no longer considered adequate to overcome any recognized learning curve. Therefore, to supplement general surgery training young surgeons should be offered a clinical fellowship to obtain an additional qualification as an abdominal wall surgeon and thus improve their clinical and operative experience under supervision in this field. Practicing general surgeons with a special interest in hernia surgery can undertake intensive further training in this area by participating in clinical work shadowing in hernia centers, workshops and congresses.
Topics: Abdominal Wall; General Surgery; Hernia, Abdominal; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Laparoscopy; Learning Curve; Recurrence; Registries; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31754953
DOI: 10.1007/s10029-019-02062-z -
Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and... Dec 2021To systematically review technical aspects and treatment regimens of botulinum toxin A (BTA) injections in the lateral abdominal wall musculature. We also investigated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To systematically review technical aspects and treatment regimens of botulinum toxin A (BTA) injections in the lateral abdominal wall musculature. We also investigated the effect of BTA on abdominal muscle- and hernia dimensions, and clinical outcome.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL were searched for studies that investigate the injection of BTA in the lateral abdominal wall muscles. Study characteristics, BTA treatment regimens, surgical procedures, and clinical outcomes are presented descriptively. The effect of BTA on muscle- and hernia dimensions is analyzed using random-effects meta-analyses, and exclusively for studies that investigate ventral incisional hernia patients.
RESULTS
We identified 23 studies, comprising 995 patients. Generally, either 500 units of Dysport or 200-300 units of Botox are injected at 3-5 locations bilaterally in all three muscles of the lateral abdominal wall, about 4 weeks prior to surgery. No major procedural complications are reported. Meta-analyses show that BTA provides significant elongation of the lateral abdominal wall of 3.2 cm per side (95% CI 2.0-4.3, I = 0%, p < 0.001); 6.3 cm total elongation, and a significant but heterogeneous decrease in transverse hernia width (95% CI 0.2-6.8, I = 94%, p = 0.04). Furthermore, meta-analysis shows that BTA pretreatment in ventral hernia patients significantly increases the fascial closure rate [RR 1.08 (95% CI 1.02-1.16, I = 0%, p = 0.02)].
CONCLUSION
The injection technique and treatment regimens of botulinum toxin A as well as patient selection require standardization. Bilateral pretreatment in hernia patients significantly elongates the lateral abdominal wall muscles, making fascial closure during surgical hernia repair more likely.
STUDY REGISTRATION
A review protocol for this meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020198246).
Topics: Abdominal Muscles; Abdominal Wall; Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Hernia, Ventral; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Neuromuscular Agents; Preoperative Care; Surgical Mesh
PubMed: 34546475
DOI: 10.1007/s10029-021-02499-1 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2018This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2001.Hernias are protrusions of all or part of an organ through the body wall that normally contains it. Groin... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2001.Hernias are protrusions of all or part of an organ through the body wall that normally contains it. Groin hernias include inguinal (96%) and femoral (4%) hernias, and are often symptomatic with discomfort. They are extremely common, with an estimated lifetime risk in men of 27%. Occasionally they may present as emergencies with complications such as bowel incarceration, obstruction and strangulation. The definitive treatment of all hernias is surgical repair, inguinal hernia repair being one of the most common surgical procedures performed. Mesh (hernioplasty) and the traditional non-mesh repairs (herniorrhaphy) are commonly used, with an increasing preference towards mesh repairs in high-income countries.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the benefits and harms of different inguinal and femoral hernia repair techniques in adults, specifically comparing closure with mesh versus without mesh. Outcomes include hernia recurrence, complications (including neurovascular or visceral injury, haematoma, seroma, testicular injury, infection, postoperative pain), mortality, duration of operation, postoperative hospital stay and time to return to activities of daily living.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following databases on 9 May 2018: Cochrane Colorectal Cancer Group Specialized Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 1), Ovid MEDLINE (from 1950), Ovid Embase (from 1974) and Web of Science (from 1900). Furthermore, we checked the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov for trials. We applied no language or publication restrictions. We also searched the reference lists of included trials and review articles.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials of mesh compared to non-mesh inguinal or femoral hernia repairs in adults over the age of 18 years.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Where available, we collected information on adverse effects. We presented dichotomous data as risk ratios, and where possible we calculated the number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB). We presented continuous data as mean difference. Analysis of missing data was based on intention-to-treat principles, and we assessed heterogeneity using an evaluation of clinical and methodological diversity, Chi test and I statistic. We used GRADE to assess the quality of evidence for each outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 25 studies (6293 participants) in this review. All included studies specified inguinal hernias, and two studies reported that femoral hernias were included.Mesh repair probably reduces the risk of hernia recurrence compared to non-mesh repair (21 studies, 5575 participants; RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.80, I = 44%, moderate-quality evidence). In absolute numbers, one hernia recurrence was prevented for every 46 mesh repairs compared with non-mesh repairs. Twenty-four studies (6293 participants) assessed a wide range of complications with varying follow-up times. Neurovascular and visceral injuries were more common in non-mesh repair groups (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.76, I = 0%, NNTB = 22, high-quality evidence). Wound infection was found slightly more commonly in the mesh group (20 studies, 4540 participants; RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.86, I = 0%, NNTB = 200, low-quality evidence). Mesh repair reduced the risk of haematoma compared to non-mesh repair (15 studies, 3773 participants; RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.13, I = 0%, NNTB = 143, low-quality evidence). Seromas probably occur more frequently with mesh repair than with non-mesh repair (14 studies, 2640 participants; RR 1.63, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.59, I = 0%, NNTB = 72, moderate-quality evidence), as does wound swelling (two studies, 388 participants; RR 4.56, 95% CI 1.02 to 20.48, I = 33%, NNTB = 72, moderate-quality evidence). The comparative effect on wound dehiscence is uncertain due to wide confidence intervals (two studies, 329 participants; RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.12 to 2.48, I = 37% NNTB = 77, low-quality evidence). Testicular complications showed nearly equivocal results; they probably occurred slightly more often in the mesh group however the confidence interval around the effect was wide (14 studies, 3741 participants; RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.76, I = 0%, NNTB = 2000, low-quality evidence). Mesh reduced the risk of postoperative urinary retention compared to non-mesh (eight studies, 1539 participants; RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.73, I = 56%, NNTB = 16, moderate-quality evidence).Postoperative and chronic pain could not be compared due to variations in measurement methods and follow-up time (low-quality evidence).No deaths occurred during the follow-up periods reported in the seven studies (2546 participants) reporting this outcome (high-quality evidence).The average operating time was longer for non-mesh repairs by a mean of 4 minutes 22 seconds, despite wide variation across the studies regarding size and direction of effect, thus this result is uncertain (20 studies, 4148 participants; 95% CI -6.85 to -1.60, I= 97%, very low-quality evidence). Hospital stay may be shorter with mesh repair, by 0.6 days (12 studies, 2966 participants; 95% CI -0.86 to -0.34, I = 98%, low-quality evidence), and participants undergoing mesh repairs may return to normal activities of daily living a mean of 2.87 days sooner than those with non-mesh repair (10 studies, 3183 participants; 95% CI -4.42 to -1.32, I = 96%, low-quality evidence), although the results of both these outcomes are also limited by wide variation in the size and direction of effect across the studies.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Mesh and non-mesh repairs are effective surgical approaches in treating hernias, each demonstrating benefits in different areas. Compared to non-mesh repairs, mesh repairs probably reduce the rate of hernia recurrence, and reduce visceral or neurovascular injuries, making mesh repair a common repair approach. Mesh repairs may result in a reduced length of hospital stay and time to return to activities of daily living, but these results are uncertain due to variation in the results of the studies. Non-mesh repair is less likely to cause seroma formation and has been favoured in low-income countries due to low cost and reduced availability of mesh materials. Risk of bias in the included studies was low to moderate and generally handled well by study authors, with attention to details of allocation, blinding, attrition and reporting.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Hernia, Femoral; Hernia, Inguinal; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Length of Stay; Operative Time; Postoperative Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Secondary Prevention; Surgical Mesh
PubMed: 30209805
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011517.pub2 -
BJS Open Mar 2021Ventra hernias are increasing in prevalence and many recur despite attempted repair. To date, much of the literature is underpowered and divergent. As a result there is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Ventra hernias are increasing in prevalence and many recur despite attempted repair. To date, much of the literature is underpowered and divergent. As a result there is limited high quality evidence to inform surgeons succinctly which perioperative variables influence postoperative recurrence. This systematic review aimed to identify predictors of ventral hernia recurrence.
METHODS
PubMed was searched for studies reporting prognostic data of ventral hernia recurrence between 1 January 1995 and 1 January 2018. Extracted data described hernia type (primary/incisional), definitions of recurrence, methods used to detect recurrence, duration of follow-up, and co-morbidity. Data were extracted for all potential predictors, estimates and thresholds described. Random-effects meta-analysis was used. Bias was assessed with a modified PROBAST (Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool).
RESULTS
Screening of 18 214 abstracts yielded 274 individual studies for inclusion. Hernia recurrence was defined in 66 studies (24.1 per cent), using 41 different unstandardized definitions. Three patient variables (female sex, age 65 years or less, and BMI greater than 25, 30, 35 or 40 kg/m2), five patient co-morbidities (smoking, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ASA grade III-IV, steroid use), two hernia-related variables (incisional/primary, recurrent/primary), six intraoperative variables (biological mesh, bridged repair, open versus laparoscopic surgery, suture versus mesh repair, onlay/retrorectus, intraperitoneal/retrorectus), and six postoperative variables (any complication, surgical-site occurrence, wound infection, seroma, haematoma, wound dehiscence) were identified as significant prognostic factors for hernia recurrence.
CONCLUSION
This study summarized the current evidence base for predicting ventral hernia recurrence. Results should inform best practice and future research.
Topics: Hernia, Ventral; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Laparoscopy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recurrence; Surgical Mesh; Suture Techniques; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33839749
DOI: 10.1093/bjsopen/zraa071 -
Robotic versus laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: multicenter, blinded randomized controlled trial.BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Jul 2020To determine whether robotic ventral hernia repair is associated with fewer days in the hospital 90 days after surgery compared with laparoscopic repair. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether robotic ventral hernia repair is associated with fewer days in the hospital 90 days after surgery compared with laparoscopic repair.
DESIGN
Pragmatic, blinded randomized controlled trial.
SETTING
Multidisciplinary hernia clinics in Houston, USA.
PARTICIPANTS
124 patients, deemed appropriate candidates for elective minimally invasive ventral hernia repair, consecutively presenting from April 2018 to February 2019.
INTERVENTIONS
Robotic ventral hernia repair (n=65) versus laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (n=59).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary outcome was number of days in hospital within 90 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included emergency department visits, operating room time, wound complications, hernia recurrence, reoperation, abdominal wall quality of life, and costs from the healthcare system perspective. Outcomes were pre-specified before data collection began and analyzed as intention to treat.
RESULTS
Patients from both groups were similar at baseline. Ninety day follow-up was completed in 123 (99%) patients. No evidence was seen of a difference in days in hospital between the two groups (median 0 0 days; relative rate 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.37 to 2.19; P=0.82). For secondary outcomes, no differences were noted in emergency department visits, wound complications, hernia recurrence, or reoperation. However, robotic repair had longer operative duration (141 77 min; mean difference 62.89, 45.75 to 80.01; P≤0.001) and increased healthcare costs ($15 865 (£12 746; €14 125) $12 955; cost ratio 1.21, 1.07 to 1.38; adjusted absolute cost difference $2767, $910 to $4626; P=0.004). Among patients with robotic ventral hernia repair, two had an enterotomy compared none with laparoscopic repair. The median one month postoperative improvement in abdominal wall quality of life was 3 with robotic ventral hernia repair compared with 15 following laparoscopic repair.
CONCLUSION
This study found no evidence of a difference in 90 day postoperative hospital days between robotic and laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. However, robotic repair increased operative duration and healthcare costs.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03490266.
Topics: Emergency Service, Hospital; Hernia, Ventral; Herniorrhaphy; Hospital Costs; Humans; Laparoscopy; Length of Stay; Operative Time; Postoperative Complications; Quality of Life; Recurrence; Reoperation; Robotic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 32665218
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m2457 -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia... Feb 2019Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has been shown to be superior than open repairs with faster return to daily activities and decrease in the occurrence of chronic...
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has been shown to be superior than open repairs with faster return to daily activities and decrease in the occurrence of chronic pain. However, higher direct costs and mandatory use of general anesthesia are arguments against their use. In addition, increased complexity of surgery resulting from an anatomy that is unusual to general surgeons prevents the widespread adoption of laparoscopic approach.
AIM
To propose a technical systematization for transabdominal laparoscopic repair (TAPP) of inguinal hernias based on anatomical concepts.
METHOD
To offer a systematization of TAPP repair based on well defined anatomic landmarks, describing the concept of "inverted Y", identification of five triangles and three zones of dissection, to achieve the "critical view of safety" for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.
RESULTS
Since this standardization was developed five years ago, many surgeons were trained following these precepts. Reproducibility is high, as far as, it´s rate of adoption among surgeons.
CONCLUSION
The concept of the "inverted Y", "Five triangles" and the dissection based in "Three Zones" establish an effective and reproducible standardization of the TAPP technique.
Topics: Hernia, Inguinal; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Laparoscopy; Male; Reproducibility of Results; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30758474
DOI: 10.1590/0102-672020180001e1426 -
Danish Medical Journal Mar 2018Inguinal hernias are a protrusion of the peritoneum through a weakening in the groin in which abdominal content (intestines or fat) can herniate and cause a bulge.... (Review)
Review
Inguinal hernias are a protrusion of the peritoneum through a weakening in the groin in which abdominal content (intestines or fat) can herniate and cause a bulge. Inguinal hernias can be painful and require surgery. Worldwide, approximately 20 million patients are operated each year, with 10,000 in Denmark. The repair of inguinal hernias causes pain and 16% of patients experience chronic pain six months after the standard, open, mesh-based Lichtenstein technique. Therefore, surgeons are trying to improve the techniques by finding new ways of operating. The Onstep method was a new method for the repair of inguinal hernias, presented along with excellent results regarding pain, recurrence and complications. However, the technique had not been tested outside the department of the inventors. The overall aim was to clarify whether the Onstep technique should be implemented on a larger scale outside the departments of the inventors. Six papers are included in this thesis: a systematic review, a protocol article, three reports on the Onstep versus Lichtenstein trial, and finally a focus group interview. The systematic review identified nine different methods of placing a preperitoneal mesh through and open anterior approach. In general, the techniques seem to provide good results regarding pain and discomfort, but more studies are needed. The protocol article describes the randomized, double blinded Onstep versus Lichtenstein study, with focus on the statistical analysis and sample size calculations. Four separate sample size calculations were conducted, making several primary outcomes possible. The three reports of the Onstep versus Lichtenstein study reported on early postoperative outcomes, on chronic pain, and lastly on sexual dysfunction. The overall findings from the trial demonstrated that there were no differences between the Onstep and the Lichtenstein technique regarding early and chronic pain (30 days, six months, and 12 months). However, for the group of patients operated with the Onstep technique, fewer patients experienced pain during sexual activity. The focus group interview was done with experienced surgeons teaching the Onstep technique. They described their experience, thoughts, and concerns regarding teaching the technique. The results from the focus group interview can be used to guide future trainings sessions. In this thesis the Onstep technique has been investigated in comparison with the Lichtenstein technique, but the results have not been as promising as the initial studies from the inventors. However, implementation of the Onstep technique outside the departments of the inventors is unlikely to result in increased risk of complications. Furthermore, the Onstep technique could possibly benefit patients by reducing the risk of pain during sexual activity.
Topics: Chronic Pain; Hernia, Inguinal; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Pain, Postoperative; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recurrence; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Surgical Mesh; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29510815
DOI: No ID Found -
British Journal of Hospital Medicine... Mar 2016Abdominal wall hernias can be challenging and complicated to manage. The techniques to deal with them are evolving rapidly with increasing adaptation and utilization in... (Review)
Review
Abdominal wall hernias can be challenging and complicated to manage. The techniques to deal with them are evolving rapidly with increasing adaptation and utilization in general surgery.
Topics: Abdominal Wall; Biocompatible Materials; Clinical Trials as Topic; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Laparoscopy; Postoperative Complications; Recurrence; Surgical Flaps; Surgical Mesh; Sutures
PubMed: 26961444
DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2016.77.3.151 -
Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and... Dec 2022Spigelian hernias (SpH) belong to the group of eponymous abdominal wall hernias. Major reasons for diagnostic difficulties are its low incidence reaching maximum 2% of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Spigelian hernias (SpH) belong to the group of eponymous abdominal wall hernias. Major reasons for diagnostic difficulties are its low incidence reaching maximum 2% of abdominal wall hernias, a specific anatomical localization with intact external oblique aponeurosis covering the hernia sac and non-constant clinical presentation.
METHODS
A literature review was completed to summarize current knowledge on surgical treatment options and results.
RESULTS
SpH presents a high incarceration risk and therefore should be operated upon even if the patient is asymptomatic. Both laparoscopic and open repair approaches are validated by current guidelines with lesser postoperative complications and shorter hospital stay in favour of minimally invasive surgery, regardless of the technique used. Overall recurrence rate is very low.
CONCLUSION
All diagnosed SpH should be planned for elective operation to prevent strangulated hernia and, therefore emergency surgery. Both open and laparoscopic SpH treatment can be safely performed, depending on surgeon's experience. In most cases, a mesh repair is generally advised.
Topics: Humans; Herniorrhaphy; Surgical Mesh; Hernia, Ventral; Laparoscopy; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 34665343
DOI: 10.1007/s10029-021-02511-8