The PINCH-Phone: a new screenings method for recurrent incisional hernias

Multicenter observational study comparing robotic retrorectus and open preperitoneal mesh repair for treatment of primary ventral hernias

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the long-term surgical outcomes of the open preperitoneal (PREPER) approach versus a robot-assisted Transabdominal Retromuscular Umbilical Prothesis (rTARUP) approach in primary ventral hernia repair.

METHODS

Patients who underwent primary ventral hernia repair using either the PREPER or rTARUP technique were recruited. Data were collected on demographics, hernia, and mesh dimensions, as well as perioperative outcomes. Patients were contacted by telephone and assessed using the EuraHS-QoL and PINCH-Phone questionnaires to gather information on reoperations, recurrences, and patient reported outcomes. Clinical evaluations were conducted if recurrence was suspected.

RESULTS

The analysis included 82 patients having a PREPER repair and 80 patients having a rTARUP repair, with on overall follow-up time of 6.2 and 5.1 years respectively. BMI was higher in the rTARUP group (p = 0.007), and hernia and mesh sizes were significantly larger in the rTARUP group (p < 0.0001). No significant differences in 30-day complications were observed (p = 0.77). Recurrence rates were 0.0% in the PREPER group and 2.5% in the rTARUP group (p = 0.24). EuraHS-QoL scores showed low levels of pain, restriction of activities, and esthetic discomfort in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The PREPER and rTARUP techniques demonstrate favorable long-term outcomes, with low recurrence rates and high quality of life. No clear advantage of one approach over the other was observed in the treatment of small-to medium sized midline hernias. Considering evidence indicating longer operative times and higher costs associated with the robotic platform, its use may provide limited added value in cases of low complexity with inherently low complication and recurrence rates.

Trans rectus sheath extra-peritoneal procedure (TREPP) for inguinal hernia repair under local anesthesia with sedation in the outpatient clinic: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

The Trans Rectus Sheath Extra-Peritoneal Procedure (TREPP) is an open procedure in which the mesh is placed in the preperitoneal space and is therefore associated with less chronic post-operative inguinal pain. TREPP is primarily performed under general or spinal anesthesia, however, it is also possible to perform under sedation and local anesthesia with potentially advantages. This retrospective feasibility pilot study investigates the safety and efficiency of TREPP under local anesthesia in the outpatient clinic in comparison with Lichtenstein.

METHODS

Between 2019 and 2022, all patients who underwent an elective inguinal hernia repair under local anesthesia in the outpatient clinic operation theatre were assessed. 34 patients in the TREPP group and 213 patients in the Lichtenstein group were included. Outcomes were complications, operating time, theatre time, and early inguinal hernia recurrence within 8 weeks and 6 months post-operatively.

RESULTS

No significant differences in complications such as wound infection, hematoma, seroma, urine retention and early recurrence between TREPP and Lichtenstein were found. Post-operative pain at 8 weeks was not significantly higher after Lichtenstein (8.8% vs. 18.8%, P = 0.22). Operating time (21.0 (IQR: 16.0-27.3) minutes vs. 39.0 (IQR: 31.5-45.0) minutes, P < 0.001) and theatre time (37.5 (IQR: 30.8-42.5) minutes vs. 54.0 (IQR: 46.0-62.0) minutes, P < 0.001) was significantly shorter for TREPP.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study showed that TREPP appears to be feasible to perform safely under local anesthesia with comparable complication rates and substantially shorter operation time than Lichtenstein. These results justify further research with a larger study population and a longer period of follow up in order to provide firm conclusions.

Patient-reported outcomes after incisional hernia repair

Purpose

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are pivotal to evaluate the efficacy of surgical management. Debate persists on the optimal surgical technique to repair incisional hernias. Assessment of PROs can guide the selection of the best management of patients with incisional hernias. The objective of this cohort study was to present the PROs after incisional hernia repair at long term follow-up.

Methods

Patients with a history of incisional hernia repair were seen at the out-patient clinic to collect PROs. Patients were asked about the preoperative indication for repair and postoperative symptoms, such as pain, feelings of discomfort, and bulging of the abdominal wall. Additionally, degree of satisfaction was asked and Carolina Comfort Scales were completed.

Results

Two hundred and ten patients after incisional hernia repair were included with a median follow-up of 3.2 years. The main indication for incisional hernia repair was the presence of a bulge (60%). Other main reasons for repair were pain (19%) or discomfort (5%). One hundred and thirty-two patients (63%) reported that the overall status of their abdominal wall had improved after the operation. Postoperative symptoms were reported by 133 patients (63%), such as feelings of discomfort, pain and bulging. Twenty percent of patients reported that the overall status of their abdominal wall was the same, and 17% reported a worse status, compared to before the operation. Ten percent of the patients would not opt for operation in hindsight.

Conclusion

This study showed that a majority of the patients after incisional hernia repair still report pain or symptoms such as feelings of discomfort, pain, and bulging of the abdominal wall 3 years after surgery. Embedding patients’ expectations and PROs in the preoperative counseling discussion is needed to improve decision-making in incisional hernia surgery.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10029-021-02477-7.

Mesh fixation to fascia during incisional hernia repair results in increased prevalence of pain at long-term follow up: a multicenter propensity score matched prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes such as postoperative pain are critical for the evaluation of outcomes after incisional hernia repair. The aim of this study is to determine the long-term impact of mesh fixation on postoperative pain in patients operated by open and laparoscopic technique.

METHODS

A multicenter prospective observational cohort study was conducted from September 2011 until March 2016 in nine hospitals across Switzerland. Patients undergoing elective incisional hernia repair were included in this study and stratified by either laparoscopic or open surgical technique. Propensity score matching was applied to balance the differences in baseline characteristics between the treatment groups. Clinical follow-up was conducted 3, 12 and 36 months postoperatively to detect hernia recurrence, postoperative pain and complications.

RESULTS

Three-hundred-sixty-one patients were included into the study. No significant differences in hernia recurrence and pain at 3, 12 and 36 months postoperatively were observed when comparing the laparoscopic with the open treatment group. Mesh fixation by sutures to fascia versus other mesh fixation led to significantly more pain at 36 months postoperatively (32.8% vs 15.7%, p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

At long-term follow-up, no difference in pain was identified between open and laparoscopic incisional hernia repair. Mesh fixation by sutures to fascia was identified to be associated with increased pain 36 months after surgery. Omitting mesh fixation by sutures to the fascia may reduce long-term postoperative pain after hernia repair.

Enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) approach for the treatment of abdominal wall hernias: mid-term results

INTRODUCTION

Multiple minimally invasive techniques have been described for ventral hernia repair. The recently described enhanced view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) ventral hernia repair seems an appealing option since it allows to address midline and lateral hernias, placing the mesh in the retromuscular position without the use of traumatic fixation.

AIM

To report on the mid-term result of a series of patients with ventral hernias repaired by the eTEP approach.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of our case series between June 2017 and December 2019. Demographic and clinical data were gathered. Hernia characteristics, surgical details, hernia recurrences, and complications are reported.

RESULTS

66 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up was 22 months (interquartile range 12-26). 60% of patients were male. Mean age, BMI, % of Type-2 diabetes and % of smoking were 59 ± 12 years, 30 kg/m², 24% and 23%, respectively. Mean hernia defect size was 5.5 ± 2.9 cm. Forty-three eTEP Rives-stoppa and 23 eTEP-Transversus abdominis release (14 unilateral, 9 bilateral) were performed. 22 inguinal hernias and 15 lateral defects were simultaneously repaired. We report 1 recurrence (1.5%) and 10 surgical site occurrences (15%; 6 seromas, 2 hematomas and 2 surgical site infections). Four patients required reinterventions (6%).

CONCLUSION

eTEP is a promising approach to treat midline hernias and allows the simultaneous treatment of lateral and inguinal defects, keeping the mesh in the retromuscular position. However, comparative studies must be performed to know its real benefit in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

Protocol for a randomized controlled trial comparing wound COmplications in elective midline laparotomies after FAscia Closure using two different Techniques Of Running sutures: COFACTOR trial

BACKGROUND

Wound complications following midline laparotomies are common and the main source of postoperative morbidity including superficial or deep wound infection, skin dehiscence, fascia dehiscence, and incisional hernia. Abdominal closure complications are strongly associated with suture technique and material, in addition to other factors related to the patient and type of surgery performed. The traditional technique is to place the fascia sutures 1 cm apart and at least 1 cm away from the fascia edge. A Swedish study described a new technique of placing the sutures 5 mm apart and 5 mm away from the fascia edge, resulting in lower rates of abdominal wound complications. This study has a number of limitations. There is a need for improved quality evidence to convince the surgical community to change the closure technique of abdominal wounds aiming to reduce morbidity, which is exemplified in incisional hernias and other various postop complications.

METHODS

This is a 1:1 randomized, controlled, patient- and assessor-blinded, parallel design, superiority trial, with a primary endpoint of incisional hernia at 1 year. The study will be conducted at AUBMC over a 3-year period. Patients planned for a non-emergent midline laparotomy for general surgery or vascular procedure will be randomized to either fascia closure technique. In order to detect a drop of 12% in the incidence of incisional hernia, with 80% power and an alpha of 0.05, we will need to recruit 114 patients per arm. After adjusting for loss to follow-up, target recruitment is 274 subjects. We will compare both arms for the primary, secondary, and exploratory outcomes, using chi-square or t test as appropriate. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression will be done.

DISCUSSION

This trial will assess postop complications following abdominal midline wound closures via two different suturing techniques. This trial will generate evidence-based conclusions that will allow surgeons to assess the role of a new abdominal closure technique in decreasing short- and long-term postoperative complications, for a commonly performed procedure.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03527433 . Registered on 17 May 2018 before starting participant enrollment.