Is endoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty justified for the repair of groin hernia in female patients?

BACKGROUND

Groin hernia is an uncommon surgical pathology in females. The efficacy of the endoscopic approach for the repair of female groin hernia has yet to be examined. The current study was undertaken to compare the clinical outcomes of female patients who underwent open and endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal or femoral hernioplasty (TEP).

METHODS

From July 1998 to June 2004, 108 female patients who underwent elective repair of groin hernia were recruited. The patients were divided into TEP (n = 30) and open groups (n = 78) based on the type of operation. Clinical data and outcome parameters were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The mean ages and hernia types were comparable between the two groups. All TEPs were successfully performed. The mean operative times were 52 min for unilateral TEP and 51 min for open repair. The difference was not statistically significant. Comparisons of the length of hospital stay, postoperative morbidity, pain score, and time taken to resume normal activities showed no significant differences between the two groups. A single patient in the TEP group experienced recurrence of hernia.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings show equivalent postoperative outcomes after TEP and open repair of groin hernia in female patients. Because the wound scar after open repair is well concealed beneath the pubic hair and no superior clinical benefits are observed after TEP, open repair appears to be the technique of choice for the management of primary groin hernia in females. The TEP approach should be reserved for female patients with recurrent or multiple groin hernia.

Day-case endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty versus open Lichtenstein hernioplasty for unilateral primary inguinal hernia in males

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TEP) is an accepted technique for the repair of recurrent and bilateral inguinal hernia, but its role in the management of unilateral primary inguinal hernia remains controversial. The current randomized trial was undertaken to compare the postoperative and 1-year outcomes of day-case TEP and open Lichtenstein hernioplasty for unilateral primary inguinal hernia in males.

METHODS

From January 2002 to January 2004, a total of 200 male patients were randomized to undergo either day-case unilateral TEP or open Lichtenstein hernioplasty under general anesthesia. The primary outcome measures included postoperative pain score, time until return to work, incidence of chronic groin pain, and recurrence rate 1 year after the operation.

RESULTS

All TEP procedures were successfully performed without conversion. The mean operation time for TEP (50 +/- 13.2 min) was significantly shorter than for open Lichtenstein hernioplasty (58 +/- 17.6 min) (p < 0.001). The pain score at rest was significantly lower in the TEP group than in the open group on postoperative days 0, 1, 4, 5, and 6. On the average, the patients returned to work 8.6 days after TEP and 14 days after Lichtenstein hernioplasty (p = 0.006). Postoperative recovery and morbidity rates were otherwise comparable between the two groups. The incidence of chronic groin pain 1 year after TEP (9.9%) was significantly lower than after open surgery (21.7%) (p = 0.032). None of the patients in either group showed recurrence at the last follow-up assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Day-case TEP was superior to open Lichtenstein hernioplasty for the repair of unilateral primary inguinal hernia in males. The benefits of day-case TEP included less postoperative pain, a faster return to work, and a lower incidence of chronic groin pain.

Early versus delayed-interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a metaanalysis

BACKGROUND

Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been advocated for the management of acute cholecystitis, but little evidence exists to support the superiority of this approach over delayed-interval operation. The current systematic review was undertaken to compare the outcomes and efficacy between early and delayed-interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in an evidence-based approach using metaanalytical techniques.

METHODS

A search of electronic databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, was conducted to identify relevant articles published between January 1988 and June 2004. Only randomized or quasi-randomized prospective clinical trials in the English language comparing the outcomes of early and delayed-interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis were recruited. Both qualitative and quantitative statistical analyses were performed. The effect size of outcome parameters was estimated by odds ratio or weighted mean difference where feasible and appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of four clinical trials comprising 504 patients met the inclusion criteria. Failure of conservative treatment requiring emergency cholecystectomy occurred for 43 patients (23%) in the delayed group. Metaanalyses demonstrated a significantly shortened total length of hospital stay in the early group (weighted mean difference, -1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.42 to -0.99; p < 0.001). Pooled estimates did not show any significant differences between the two approaches in terms of operation time, conversion rate, overall complication rate, incidence of bile leakage, and intraabdominal collection.

CONCLUSIONS

The safety and efficacy of early and delayed-interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis were comparable. Because evidence suggested that early laparoscopic cholecystectomy reduced the total length of hospital stay and the risk of readmissions attributable to recurrent acute cholecystitis, it is therefore a more cost-effective approach for the management of acute cholecystitis.

Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma `pilomyxoid variant' with spinal metastases

We report a case of juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma of the hypothalamic/chiasmatic region with cerebrospinal fluid dissemination in a 16-month old girl. The tumour in this case had unusual histological features including the abundance of myxoid background, the absence of Rosenthal fibres and the presence of an angiocentric pattern. These features are consistent with the recently described "variant" named pilomyxoid astrocytoma. It remains unclear whether pilomyxoid astrocytoma represents an aggressive variant of classical juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma, or an entirely distinct clinico-pathological entity. Larger series and new molecular techniques may answer this question in the future.

Laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer has been gaining popularity in recent years, but few data exist to support the superiority of the laparoscopic approach over open repair. The objective of the current study was to compare the safety and efficacy of open and laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer in an evidence-based approach using meta-analytical techniques.

METHODS

A search of electronic databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, was conducted to identify relevant articles published between January 1990 and December 2002. Only studies in the English language comparing the outcomes of laparoscopic and open repair of perforated peptic ulcer were recruited. All reports were critically appraised with respect to their methodology and outcome. Data from all included studies were extracted using standardized data extraction forms developed a priori. Both qualitative and quantitative statistical analyses were performed. The effect size of outcome parameters was estimated by odds ratio where feasible and appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 13 publications comprising 658 patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall success rate of laparoscopic repair was 84.7% (n = 249). Postoperative pain was lower after laparoscopic repair than after open repair, supported by a significant reduction in postoperative analgesic requirement after laparoscopic repair. Meta-analyses demonstrated a significant reduction in the wound infection rate after laparoscopic repair, as compared with open repair, but a significantly higher reoperation rate was observed after laparoscopic repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence suggests that laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer confers superior short-term benefits in terms of postoperative pain and wound morbidity. This approach is as safe and effective as open repair. Laparoscopic Graham-Steele patch repair of perforated duodenal or justapyloric ulcer is beneficial for patients without Boey's risk factors.

Biliary complications of living related pediatric liver transplant patients

Patients who undergo living related left lateral segment liver transplants have been reported to have a high incidence of biliary complications and some studies suggest that most patients will ultimately need operative revision. We reviewed our experience with living related transplantation in pediatric recipients to examine the occurrence of biliary complications and the utility of percutaneous biliary procedures in their management. Over a 10-yr period, 48 living donor transplants were performed in 47 patients. Sixteen patients (33%) had biliary complications. Complications included 10 leaks (20%) and eight strictures (17%). Although leaks were treated predominantly with operation, other biliary complications were treated almost exclusively non-operatively. Self limited leaks that lead to biloma accumulation were most often treated via percutaneous catheter drainage and all strictures were treated using percutaneous transhepatic biliary cholangioplasty and stenting. Sixty-seven percent of biliary complications underwent non-operative biliary intervention. Most strictures were focal anastomotic strictures and were successfully treated with cholangioplasty although multiple interventions were necessary and patients required stenting for an average of 13 months. Three of eight strictures were diffuse in nature and these included the only patient who required retransplantation. Graft survival with respect to biliary complications was 94%; 1 yr, 5 yr and overall patient survival for those with biliary complications was 88, 88 and 81%, and for the entire living related group was 84, 81 and 77%, respectively. Although biliary complications are frequent in pediatric living related transplantation, they are not associated with decreased patient survival. Excepting significant bile leaks, the majority can be treated non-operatively via biliary cholangioplasty and stenting. Strictures are especially amenable to this technique which, in our experience, has been successful at decreasing or postponing the need for retransplantation.

Umbilical hernia in adults

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus on the best technique for the repair of umbilical hernia in adults. The role of laparoscopic hernioplasty of umbilical hernia remains controversial. This study was undertaken to compare the outcomes of open and laparoscopic onlay patch repair of umbilical hernia in adults.

METHODS

From January 1996 to December 2002, 102 patients underwent elective repair of umbilical hernia. Operative techniques included Mayo repair ( n = 43), laparoscopic onlay Gore-Tex patch hernioplasty ( n = 26), suture herniorrhaphy ( n = 24), and mesh hernioplasty ( n = 9).

RESULTS

Demographic features and risk factors were similar among the four groups. The operative time of laparoscopic hernioplasty (median, 66 min) was significantly longer than those for patients who underwent Mayo repair (60 min) or sutured herniorrhaphy (50 min) ( p < 0.05). None of the patients who underwent laparoscopic patch repairs required conversion to open repair. The median pain score at rest on postoperative day 1 was significantly lower in patients who underwent laparoscopic repair compared to those who had Mayo repair. A significantly shorter hospital stay and a lower wound morbidity rate were also observed in patients who underwent laparoscopic repair. With a mean follow-up of 2 years, suture herniorrhaphy had a relatively high recurrence rate (8.7%), whereas no recurrence was documented for the other techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic onlay patch hernioplasty is a safe and efficacious technique for the repair of umbilical hernia. Compared to Mayo repair, the laparoscopic approach confers the advantages of reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay, and a diminished morbidity rate.

Acute pain after endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernioplasty: multivariate analysis of predictive factors

BACKGROUND

Pain is the most common complaint after inguinal hernia surgery. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the significance of various perioperative clinical factors on the severity of postoperative pain following endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernioplasty.

METHODS

Between November 1999 and December 2002, 509 patients who underwent unilateral ( n = 389) and bilateral ( n = 120) TEP were recruited for this study. There were 491 men and 18 women. Severity of postoperative pain at rest and on coughing was assessed by a linear analogue pain score (scale, 0-10) on a daily basis after operation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the significant independent factors affecting pain.

RESULTS

By univariate analysis, pain scores at rest were significantly higher in young (< or =65 years) female patients, as well as patients who underwent unilateral and day case TEP. Clinical factors associated with a significantly higher pain score on coughing included mesh fixation by stapling, female sex, and age (< or =65 years). Other factors, including unilateral vs bilateral TEP, seroma formation, direct vs indirect hernia, primary vs recurrent hernia, and operative time, had no impact on postoperative pain. On multiple regression analysis, age and sex were found to be independent predictive factors for mean daily pain score at rest. Independent factors influencing mean pain score on coughing included age, sex, and prosthetic stapling.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient age and sex are the most significant factors determining the degree of pain after TEP. Analgesic therapy should therefore be adjusted in accordance with the age of the patient. With regard to operative factors, avoidance of prosthetic stapling might help to reduce the severity of pain on coughing.

Seroma following endoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty

BACKGROUND

Because it mimics a postoperative recurrence of hernia, seroma has been a concern to patients. There has been no consensus on the management of this condition after endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TEP). The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the incidence and treatment of seroma after TEP. Risk factors for the development of seroma were also examined.

METHODS

A total of 450 consecutive patients who underwent TEP between June 1999 and May 2002 were recruited. All data were collected prospectively. The outcomes of patients who developed seromas were compared to those without this postoperative complication. Regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for seroma formation.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of seroma formation was 7.2% ( n = 40). The postoperative recovery of patients was not influenced by the development of seroma. The mean size of the seromas was 3.8 cm. Adopted treatment strategies included observation ( n = 29), oral lysozyme ( n = 10), and percutaneous aspiration ( n = 3), but neither of the two interventions appeared to be effective. The seromas resolved spontaneously by an average of 2.4 (mean) months. Significant clinical factors associated with seroma formation included old age, large hernial defects, an extension of the hernia into the scrotum, and the presence of a residual distal indirect sac. By logistic regression, a large hernial defect and an extension of the hernia into the scrotum were found to be independent risk factors for seroma formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although seroma is a frequent minor morbidity after TEP, it has no impact on postoperative recovery. Because all seromas invariably resolve, expectant treatment with observation is recommended. Inguinoscrotal hernia carries a four-fold increased risk of developing seroma after TEP.

Prevalence and severity of chronic groin pain after endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty

BACKGROUND

Chronic groin pain after open inguinal hernia repair is a common long-term morbidity, but its incidence after endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TEP) has not been studied in detail. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of chronic groin pain after TEP.

METHODS

Between June 1999 and September 2001, 313 consecutive patients who underwent TEP at our institution were recruited. To evaluate the incidence and severity of chronic pain, a cross-sectional telephone survey using a standardized questionnaire was conducted by a research assistant. Clinical data between the chronic pain group and the pain-free group were compared to identify any clinical factors that had a significant association with the subsequent development of chronic groin pain.

RESULTS

The prevalence of chronic groin pain was 9.2% ( n = 24). The severity of the pain was mild ( n = 18), moderate ( n = 5), or severe ( n = 1). In more than half of the patients, the groin pain occurred less often than once a month and its duration did not exceed 1 min. Only one patient reported an impairment of functional activities as a result of the pain. Multivariate analyses identified a significant association between a high postoperative pain score on coughing on postoperative day 6 and the subsequent development of groin pain.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of chronic groin pain in patients after TEP was low. The pain was mostly mild and transient without associated sensory symptoms. The occurrence of pain had a negligible impact on daily activities.

A prospective endoscopic study of retropubic vascular anatomy in 121 patients undergoing endoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty

BACKGROUND

A sound knowledge of retropubic pelvic vascular anatomy is pivotal to the successful performance of endoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernioplasty. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the incidence and anatomy of iliopubic and aberrant obturator vessels.

METHODS

Between July 2001 and March 2002, a prospective endoscopic evaluation of retropubic vascular anatomy was performed on patients who underwent TEP. Endoscopic photographs of the vasculature overlying the superior pubic ramus in the recruited patients were captured on a computer.

RESULTS

The retropubic vascular anatomy of 121 patients, who underwent either unilateral (n = 100) or bilateral (n = 21) TEP was examined. The iliopubic artery and vein were invariably present in every patient, and traversed along the iliopubic tract toward the pubic symphysis. The aberrant obturator artery was present in 31 pelvic halves, giving an overall incidence of 22%. The aberrant obturator vein existed between the external iliac and obturator venous system in 27% (n = 38) of the 141 pelvic halves examined. The overall incidence of corona mortis, in the form of either an aberrant obturator vein or artery, was 40% (n = 56).

CONCLUSIONS

Iliopubic vein and artery are universal findings in every patient. Both aberrant obturator artery and vein cross the superior pubic rami, and are therefore susceptible to injuries during dissection of the Bogros space and stapling of the mesh onto Cooper's ligament. Awareness of these aberrant vessels will help to reduce bleeding and subsequent morbidity. Tracing along the aberrant vessel can easily identify the obturator foramen, which is an anatomic landmark that indicates an adequate inferior dissection of the preperitoneal space.

A prospective comparative study of needlescopic and conventional endoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty

BACKGROUND

Needlescopic inguinal hernioplasty has been made feasible with the miniaturization of instruments and recent advances in laparoscopic surgical technique. Postoperative outcome of needlescopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TEP) has not been previously compared with that of conventional TEPs. The objective of the current study is to compare the postoperative outcomes of needlescopic and conventional TEPs.

METHODS

From March 1, 2001, to December 30, 2001, a total of 30 patients underwent attempted unilateral needlescopic TEPs. Of these, 12 and 18 patients underwent ambulatory and inpatient procedures, respectively. The results were compared to those of an age-matched cohort of 30 patients who underwent either ambulatory (n = 12) or inpatient (n = 18) conventional TEPs. All data were prospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Needlescopic TEPs were successfully performed in 90% of patients (n = 27). Three procedures were converted to conventional TEPs because of adhesions. Demographic features, hernia types, and mean operative times of the two groups were similar. The mean pain score upon coughing on postoperative day 1 was significantly lower in patients who underwent needlescopic TEPs than in those who had conventional TEPs. Pain scores at rest and upon coughing on days 0 to 6 were otherwise comparable between the two groups. Comparisons of the mean duration of hospitalization, postoperative morbidity, and time taken to resume normal activities showed no significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Needlescopic TEP is a safe technique for the repair of inguinal hernia. Postoperative recovery following needlescopic and conventional TEPs was similar. Needlescopic TEP conferred a significantly lower pain score upon coughing on the first day after operation.

Laparoscopic incisional hernioplasty utilising on-lay expanded polytetrafluoroethylene DualMesh: prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the early outcomes of laparoscopic incisional hernioplasties using on-lay GORE-TEX DualMesh.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Medical centre of a regional hospital, Hong Kong.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Between June 2000 and October 2001, 11 consecutive patients underwent attempted laparoscopic incisional hernioplasties at the University of Hong Kong Medical Centre. A prospective collection of perioperative data and assessment of postoperative outcomes was performed.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic incisional hernioplasty was successfully performed for 10 (91%) patients. One patient was converted to open repair because of extensive adhesions within the peritoneal cavity. The overall mean operative time was 107 minutes. Five (45%) patients were found to have more than one hernial defect after reduction of the hernial contents. Eight (73%) patients were discharged within 2 days after operation. Postoperative morbidities included wound bruising (n=4), seroma (n=2), and prolonged suture site pain (n=1). All postoperative morbidities resolved spontaneously without intervention. With a mean follow-up of 3 months, no early recurrence was detected.

CONCLUSION

Early outcomes of laparoscopic incisional hernioplasty utilising GORE-TEX DualMesh were promising. This technique confers the advantages of minimal access surgery and allows clear identification of multiple hernial defects. Extensive adhesion, which does not allow the establishment of pneumoperitoneum, is a condition that precludes the safe performance of laparoscopic repair.

Learning curve for unilateral endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernioplasty

BACKGROUND

Performance of endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TEP) requires specialized anatomical knowledge and surgical dexterity. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the learning curve for a general surgeon to master the technique of TEP in the absence of an experienced supervisor.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the first 120 consecutive unilateral TEPs was performed. Medical records were reviewed to evaluate demographic features, perioperative outcome, and follow-up results. The study population was divided into six consecutive groups of 20 patients. Clinical data were compared among the groups to evaluate the impact of operative experience on perioperative outcome.

RESULTS

Operative time was the only clinical parameter that showed significant improvement with experience; it reached a plateau value of <1 h after the fourth group. Conversions to transabdominal and open approaches were required in only one patient in groups 1 and 6, respectively. Comparison of demographic features, hernia types, postoperative morbidity rates, length of hospital stay, and number of days to resume normal activities showed no significant differences among the groups. All complications were minor and resolved uneventfully. No recurrence was detected during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The learning curve for unilateral TEP by a general surgeon peaked after performing 80 procedures. In most cases, unilateral TEP can be accomplished safely within 1 h. Even during the learning process, TEP carries a low morbidity and conversion rate.

Urinary retention following endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty

BACKGROUND

The impact of preperitoneal mesh after endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TEP) on voiding function has not been previously examined. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for urinary retention following TEP.

METHODS

Three hundred consecutive patients who underwent TEP between June 1999 and September 2001 were recruited. Patient records were reviewed retrospectively to identify those who developed postoperative urinary retention. For each case patient, five age-matched control patients were randomly selected. We then compared the clinical data for the case and control groups. A prospective study of uroflowmetry in patients who underwent bilateral TEP was conducted to evaluate the effect of preperitoneal mesh on voiding function.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of urinary retention following TEP was 4% (n = 12). Patients who developed urinary retention stayed in hospital for a significantly longer period than the control group. No significant association was found between the clinical data and postoperative urinary retention. Bilateral TEPs were not associated with significant deterioration in uroflowmetry.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary retention is a frequent morbidity after TEP and significantly prolongs the length of hospital stay. Preperitoneal Prolene mesh did not cause outflow obstruction or alter bladder contractility. No specific clinical factors were identified that might predict postoperative urinary retention, which was probably multifactorial in causation in our patient population.