Herniology: past, present, and future

Neuropathic causes of groin pain in athletes: understanding nerve involvement

PURPOSE

Groin pain in athletes, particularly inguinal-related groin pain, remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge despite recent consensus on terminology. This study aims to explore nerve disorders as a key contributor to groin pain in athletes, focusing on the anatomy, aetiology, diagnosis, and management options.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, focusing on the anatomical variability of the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genital branch of the genitofemoral nerves, clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, and conservative and surgical treatments for nerve-related inguinal pain. Key studies on nerve entrapment, neuropathic and nociceptive pain mechanisms, and surgical outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Variability in nerve pathways and sensory overlap complicate diagnosis and management. Neuropathic pain often presents with burning or electric sensations due to nerve compression or entrapment, while nociceptive pain manifests as dull or stabbing pain. Conservative treatment, including exercise-based rehabilitation and nerve blocks, offers relief in many cases. For refractory cases, surgical treatment can provide significant pain resolution, with nerve identification and potential neurectomy improving outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Nerve disorders play a critical role in inguinal-related groin pain in athletes. Accurate diagnosis relies on detailed clinical examination and targeted imaging. Conservative treatments are first line, but surgical interventions addressing nerve entrapment or compression are effective for persistent cases. Future research should focus on the role of collagen deficiencies, nerve histopathology, and long-term outcomes of different treatment modalities.

Follow-up of inguinal hernia repairs using a modified Kugel mesh without the optional onlay mesh for more than 10 years

PURPOSE

In this 10-year follow-up study, we evaluated the long-term postoperative results of single-layer modified Kugel (MK) herniorrhaphy without an onlay mesh.

METHODS

Patients who underwent anterior modified Kugel herniorrhaphy without an onlay mesh between May 1, 2009, and June 31, 2012, were included in this study. The criterion for onlay mesh omission was that the posterior inguinal hernia defect did not exceed the memory recoil ring of the MK mesh. Long-term results, including pain, foreign body sensation, and recurrence, were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 175 hernia repairs in 163 patients were analyzed. Within 3 months postoperatively, there was one recurrence (0.6%), nine patients (5.5%) had persistent pain, and six (3.6%) had foreign body sensations. Other complications included one case of orchitis (0.6%), two epididymitis (1.2%), two hydrocele (1.2%), and two hematoma (1.2%) cases. One year postoperatively, three patients had pain (1.8%), and six had foreign body sensations (3.6%). Five years postoperatively, one patient had pain (0.6%), three had foreign body sensations (1.8%), and two had newly observed inguinal bulging (1.2%). Ten years postoperatively, one patient had pain (0.6%), two had foreign body sensations (1.2%), and two had newly observed inguinal bulging (1.2%). The recurrence rate during the long-term follow-up was 0.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we demonstrated the long-term safety and efficacy of single-layer MK-mesh herniorrhaphy without an onlay mesh. Omitting the onlay mesh minimized the amount of foreign material implanted into patients, resulting in decreased long-term postoperative complications without sacrificing the efficacy of mesh herniorrhaphy.

Incidence of opioid use and early postoperative pain intensity after primary unilateral inguinal hernia repair at a single-center specialty hospital

PURPOSE

This research examined opioid use, pain intensity, and pain management after primary unilateral inguinal hernia repair (PUIHR) at a single-center specialty hospital.

METHODS

After research, ethics board approval, and informed consent, pain scores (0-10 numerical rating scale [NRS]) were obtained from survey-based questionnaires administered at the pre- and 3-day postoperative timepoints. Descriptive results are presented as frequency, mean, standard deviation, range, median, and interquartile ranges, as appropriate. Significance tests were conducted to compare participants who did and did not receive opioids after surgery. p-value <0.05 is considered statistically significant. As the standard of care, participants received nonopioid multimodal analgesia (acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)) and opioids, when necessary.

RESULTS

A total of 414 and 331 participants completed the pre- and 3-day postoperative questionnaires, respectively. Out of the 414 participants, 38 (9.2%) received opioids during the postoperative stay. There was no significant difference between pain frequency or mean preoperative NRS pain intensity scores of those who did and did not receive opioids. Mean NRS pain intensity scores on day 3 after surgery were significantly higher for participants who received opioids (3.15±2.08) than those who did not (2.19±1.95), p=0.005.

CONCLUSION

Most participants did not receive opioids after PUIHR and had lower mean postoperative NRS pain intensity scores compared to those who did, most likely reflecting the need for opioids among the latter. Opioids were discontinued by day 3 for all participants who received them. Therefore, for most patients undergoing PUIHR, effective pain control can be achieved with nonopioid multimodal analgesia in the early postoperative period.

Comparative Study of Self-Gripping Mesh vs. Polypropylene Mesh in Lichtenstein's Open Inguinal Hernioplasty

Background Inguinal hernia is one of the most common conditions in India, and history has many repair techniques recorded in it. Postoperative pain still remains a problem despite tension-free hernioplasty being accepted as the gold standard. Increased duration of surgery not only exposes the patient to unwanted increased chances of mesh infection but also reduces the surgeon's productivity if continued persistently. In this study, the main aim was to compare the fixation techniques of polypropylene mesh vs. self-gripping mesh in inguinal hernia surgery in terms of duration of surgery, postoperative pain, seroma, recurrence, foreign body sensation, and wound infections. Methods It is a prospective, comparative, and quantitative study conducted at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research in the Department of General Surgery. Patients presenting with inguinal hernia to the OPD were included in the study. The sampling technique used in this study is simple, convenient sampling. As a result, the calculation of the margin of error and confidence levels may be difficult. Nevertheless, the sample accurately represents the population. Patients were divided into two groups: the study group (25), patients undergoing hernioplasty with self-gripping mesh, and the control group (25), patients undergoing hernioplasty with polypropylene mesh using conventional suturing. The duration of surgery, postoperative pain, seroma, recurrence, foreign body sensation, and wound infections were compared and analyzed between the two groups. Results In this study, the duration of surgery was less than one hour for three patients (12%) in the control group (polypropylene), compared to 13 (52%) patients in the study group (self-gripping), which is statistically significant. The early postoperative pain on POD 0 was greater than 4 (visual analogue score) in 8 (32%) patients in the control group and two (8%) patients in the study group. There were no significant differences in chronic pain, recurrence rate, seroma rate, or wound infection between the two groups. Conclusions In our study, we conclude that self-gripping mesh is superior to polypropylene mesh in surgery of inguinal hernia in terms of shorter duration of surgery. There is also reduced pain in the immediate postoperative period though not statistically significant. There is no significant difference in both the groups in terms of seroma formation, wound infection, foreign body sensation, and recurrence.

Regional block anesthesia for adult patients with inguinal hernia repair: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia repair (IHR) is a common surgical technique performed under regional block anesthesia (RBA). Although previous clinical trials have explored the effectiveness and safety of RBA for IHR, no systematic review has investigated its effectiveness and safety in adult patients with IHR.

METHODS

This systematic review searched electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wangfang, and VIP) from their inception to July 1, 2022. We included all potential randomized controlled trials that focused on the effects and safety of RBA in adult patients with IHR. Outcomes included operative time, total rescue analgesics, numerical rating scale at 24 hours, occurrence rate of nausea and vomiting, and occurrence rate of urinary retention (ORUCR).

RESULTS

Five randomized controlled trials, involving 347 patients with IHR, were included in this study. Meta-analysis results showed that no significant differences were identified on operative time (MD = -0.20; fixed 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.87, 3.47; P = .92; I² = 0%), total rescue analgesics (MD = -8.90; fixed 95% CI, -20.36, 2.56; P = .13; I² = 28%), and occurrence rate of nausea and vomiting (MD = 0.39; fixed 95% CI, 0.13, 1.16; P = .09; I² = 0%) between 2 types of anesthesias. However, significant differences were detected in the numerical rating scale at 24 hours (MD = -1.53; random 95% CI, -2.35, -0.71; P < .001; I² = 75%) and ORUCR (MD = 0.20; fixed 95% CI, 0.05, 0.80; P = .02; I² = 0%) between the 2 management groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrated that IHR patients with RBA benefit more from post-surgery pain relief at 24h and a decrease in the ORUCR than those with CSA.

Tipp versus the Lichtenstein and Shouldice techniques in the repair of inguinal hernias - short-term results

OBJECTIVE

The Lichtenstein mesh technique is recommended as the standard surgical procedure for inguinal hernias. Shouldice is the best non-mesh technique. However, there are reports that the transinguinal preperitoneal technique (TIPP), which uses a preperitoneal mesh, has potential advantages in relation to the Lichtenstein and the Shouldice techniques.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred patients with inguinal hernias were randomized into three groups of hundred patients each: Group 1 whose inguinal hernia repair was performed using the Lichtenstein technique; Group 2 using the Shouldice technique; and Group 3 using TIPP. The parameters for monitoring were: length of operation, blood loss, length of hospitalization, length of incision, post-operative pain, and the patient's satisfaction level.

RESULTS

The visual analog scale (VAS) score after 6, 12, 24 and 48 h, and 14 d was lower in TIPP than the Lichtenstein and Shouldice groups (p < .0001). The satisfaction level was higher in TIPP than in the Lichtenstein and Shouldice groups (p < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

TIPP technique has advantages in comparison with the Lichtenstein and Shouldice techniques. This method takes a shorter time, the skin incision is smaller, the VAS score is lower and the patient satisfaction level is higher. These advantages are in balance with the higher costs of this procedure.

Fascinating history of groin hernias: Comprehensive recognition of anatomy, classic considerations for herniorrhaphy, and current controversies in hernioplasty

Groin hernias include indirect inguinal, direct inguinal, femoral, obturator, and supravesical hernias. Here, we summarize historical turning points, anatomical recognition and surgical repairs. Groin hernias have a fascinating history in the fields of anatomy and surgery. The concept of tension-free repair is generally accepted among clinicians. Surgical repair with mesh is categorized as hernioplasty, while classic repair without mesh is considered herniorrhaphy. Although various surgical approaches have been developed, the surgical technique should be carefully chosen for each patient. Regarding as interesting history, crucial anatomy and important surgeries in the field of groin hernia, we here summarized them in detail, respectively. Points of debate are also reviewed; important points are shown using illustrations and schemas. We hope this systematic review is surgical guide for general surgeons including residents. Both a skillful technique and anatomical knowledge are indispensable for successful hernia surgery in the groin.

Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal ligation for pediatric inguinal hernia: a novel surgical treatment

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic repair is widely performed for the management of pediatric inguinal hernia (PIH), and different laparoscopic surgical methods are used. Herein, we present the application of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal ligation (TEPL), which is a novel surgical method for PIH repair and is similar to traditional high ligation.

METHODS

In this study, 103 pediatric patients underwent laparoscopic TEPL for inguinal hernia. Data including demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, time of surgery, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The patient's median age at surgery was 4.3 years, and the median body weight at surgery was 18 kg. The preoperative diagnoses were as follows: n = 53, right inguinal hernia; n = 45, left inguinal hernia; and n = 5, bilateral inguinal hernia. All patients were discharged on the day of surgery. The operative times were 27.2 min for unilateral inguinal hernia and 28.8 min for bilateral inguinal hernia. All patients, except one who had scrotal bruise, did not present with postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic TEPL, which is similar to traditional high ligation, is used for the treatment of PIH. Moreover, it is safe, beneficial, and feasible. Double ligation is performed on the extraperitoneal space, and the assessment of contralateral patent processus vaginalis is not complex. However, further studies should be conducted to assess for long-term outcomes.

Postoperative Pain Scores After Open Inguinal Hernia Repair: Comparison of Three Postoperative Analgesic Regimens

INTRODUCTION

Pain management after open inguinal hernia repair has become an issue that physicians deal with on a daily basis.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect of three different regimens of analgesics administered to patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

A total of 259 patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups on admission, which would determine the prescribed post-operative analgesic regimen. Patients allocated to group A receiving a combination of 1gr/8hours intravenous (IV) acetaminophen and 50mg/6hours intramuscular (IM) pethidine, patients in group B receiving a combination of 1gr/8hours IV acetaminophen and 40mg/12hours IV parecoxib, while patients of group C received 1gr/8hours IV acetaminophen monotherapy. All patients remained overnight at the hospital and discharged the day after. Analgesic therapy was administered at regular intervals. Pain was evaluated utilizing the numeric rating scale (NRS) at 5 time points: the first assessment was done at 45 minutes, the second at 2 hours, the third at 6 hours, the fourth at 12 hours and the fifth at 24 hours post-administration. The postoperative pain intensities measured by NRS within groups and between groups at each time were analyzed using one-way repeat measured ANOVA and Post Hoc Test-Bonferroni Correlation.

RESULTS

The analgesic regimens of groups A and B (combination regimens consisting of IV acetaminophen and intramuscular pethidine and IV acetaminophen and IV parecoxib, respectively) were found to be of equivalent efficacy (P-value=1.000). In contrast, patients in group C (acetaminophen monotherapy) had higher NRS scores, compared to both patients in groups A (P-value<0.0001) and B (P-value<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The combinations of IV acetaminophen with either intramuscular pethidine or IV parecoxib are superior to IV acetaminophen monotherapy in achieving pain control in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair.

Comparison between single-incision and multiple-incision laparoscopic surgery for totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair

Introduction: We compared the clinical outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and multiple-incision laparoscopic surgery for totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair.Material and methods: This retrospective study included 134 consecutive patients undergoing single-incision or multiple-incision laparoscopic surgery for inguinal hernia between January 2012 and December 2016 at our hospital.Results: In total, 62 patients undergoing SILS-TEP and 72 receiving multiple-incision laparoscopic surgery were included in this study. No significant differences in patients' characteristics between the two groups were noted. No patient required conversion to open surgery in either group. No significant differences were noted between the two groups in operative time, bleeding volume, post-operative hospital stay, and analgesics used. Postoperative complications were observed in 5.7% (4 of 62) of patients in the SILS group and 3.2% (2 of 72) of patients in the control group. Among the few patients who experienced complications, most had hematomas. No major complications or hernia recurrences were observed during the follow-up period in either group.Conclusions: SILS-TEP produced good cosmetic outcomes for patients regardless of previous surgery, and it could be safely performed with acceptable morbidity. It also does not increase the possibility of conversion to open surgery.

Application of shaft method assisted biological mesh in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair

To compare the feasibility and advantage of traditional tiling method and shaft method to place biological mesh following laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernia.Sixty cases from January 2013 to January 2014 treated with laparoscopic inguinal hernia neoplasty with biological patches were included. All the cases were randomly divided into control group and observation group. Observation group was treated with shaft method to place biological mesh, while control group was treated with traditional tiling method. The length of the operation, hospital fees, and rate of occurrence of surgical complications were compared.All 60 cases were successfully treated with laparoscope inguinal hernia repair. None were converted to open operations. Total operation times for the observation group and control group were 54 ± 4.5 and 71 ± 7.2 minutes, respectively (P < .05). The hospital fees of the observation group and control group were 21,280 ± 365 RenMinBi Yuan (RMB) and 24,280 ± 428 RMB, respectively (P < .05). The rates of occurrence of surgical complications were 3.33% (1/30) and 16.7% (5/30), respectively (P < .05).The shaft method can be applied in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with biological mesh. Compared with the traditional method, the shaft method has apparent advantages, fewer complications during and after the operation.

An 11-year analysis of reoperated groins after endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair in a high volume hernia center

BACKGROUND

Developments in inguinal hernia surgery have substantially lowered recurrence rates, yet recurrences remain an important outcome parameter of inguinal hernia repair. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of all reoperated groins after endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair in a high-volume hernia clinic in the Netherlands.

METHODS

All groins with recurrence-like symptoms reoperated after previous TEP inguinal hernia repair between January 2006 and December 2016 were analyzed. Patient characteristics, imaging findings, primary hernia type, time to recurrence and recurrence type were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 137 groins were reoperated in 130 patients. The median age at the TEP procedure was 55 years [interquartile range (IQR) 45-64 years]. Fifty-seven groins were initially part of a bilateral procedure (42%). Median time until recurrence was 9 months (IQR 4-26 months). Reoperation findings were a hernia recurrence in 76%, an isolated lipoma in 18%, and no recurrence or lipoma in 6%. The majority of hernias recurred at their initial site (70%), of which the greatest part involved direct hernias. Isolated lipomas were more frequently seen after indirect hernia repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Inguinal hernia recurrences were still observed in this high-volume hernia clinic. Recurrences were most frequently seen at their initial hernia site, the majority involving direct hernias. Isolated lipomas presenting as a pseudorecurrence were most frequently seen after correction of indirect hernias. In accordance with the current guidelines, reducing recurrence rates can be achieved by mesh fixation in bilateral, large and direct defects and by thoroughly reducing lipomas.

A New Approach to an Old Technique—The S.U.T.R. First Technique

Ventral and incisional hernias of the abdominal wall are common problems treated by surgeons around the globe. Incisional hernias are common postoperative complications of abdominal laparotomies with a reported incidence of up to 20 per cent. The increasing use of prosthetic mesh in open ventral hernia repairs necessitated the development of different operative techniques used in the repairs. It also required that surgeons become facile with placement of the mesh in different anatomical positions on the abdominal wall. One of the most common locations is placement of the mesh in the underlay position. Many surgeons who use the underlay technique have expressed significant concerns. Among these are fear of an inadvertent bowel injury while placing the mesh, poor visualization during mesh placement, and the inability to use the underlay technique for difficult hernias. We present a very useful, if not, novel technique of open hernia repair using mesh in the underlay position that helps to 1) prevent complications, 2) facilitate easier mesh fixation, 3) simplify open repair of atypical ventral hernias, and 4) reduce total operative time while still adhering to the important fundamental principles of a tension-free hernia repair. This technique as we describe it has been compared with the old parachute technique, but we think this is a significant improvement of that seldom used technique. We believe the use of this technique for the underlay position makes open ventral hernia repair safer, faster, and easier; however, our goal for this article is to describe the procedure in detail. In addition, we recently have started using this technique to fix the mesh when doing the retrorectus approach as well.

The HerniaSurge Group. International guidelines for groin hernia management

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.

A systems analysis of ward rounds in plastic surgery at a single center

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Ward rounds permeate health care delivery worldwide and form an important daily activity within all hospitals. In this study, the daily morning ward round in plastic surgery was examined from a teleological and systems point of view.

Current Status of Hernia Centres Around the Globe

Institutions specifically dedicated to treatment of abdominal wall hernias have gained popularity over the last years. This study aimed to determine the current situation of hernia centres worldwide. A web-based search was conducted using the common search engines Google and PubMed. The details recorded were as follows: name of the centre, country, establishment year, administrative structure (hospital affiliated, private practice group, or independent solo practice), whether or not the centre has its own operation room, the number of employed surgeons, preferred anaesthesia type, preferred repair type, laparoscopic technique option, case volume per year, and the number of scientific publications. A total of 182 centres were found in 30 different countries. Eighty-one (44.5 %) centres provide services as part of an affiliation within a general hospital (18 in university hospitals). Only 28 (15.5 %) of the centres have published a paper on abdominal wall hernias indexed by PubMed. The total number of papers in PubMed by 182 centres is 354. We observed that clinical outcomes in hernia centres are not shared globally by publishing them in scientific journals, and whether specific hernia surgeons and centres provide better outcomes in treating abdominal wall hernias, compared to general surgeons who deal with all kinds of surgical procedures, remains unclear.

Initial experience with application of single layer modified Kugel mesh for inguinal hernia repair: Case series of 72 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVE

This is an initial review of the safety and efficacy of anterior preperitoneal modified Kugel (MK) mesh herniorrhaphy application without using optional onlay mesh.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent herniorrhaphy by a single surgeon from July 1^st, 2009 to December 31^st, 2010. During these 18 months, a total of 72 patients underwent single-layer MK mesh herniorrhaphy. Anterior preperitoneal approach was used to place the mesh. If the patient's inguinal hernia defect did not exceed the memory ring of MK mesh, the onlay mesh was omitted. Postoperative results (wound infection, recurrence, and chronic pain/discomfort) were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 72 patients underwent anterior preperitoneal single layer MK mesh herniorrhaphy. One patient had recurrent hernia after 1 year and was treated with a laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal operation. The most common postoperative complaint was mild soreness which was self-resolving after 1 month. Mean total operative time (skin to skin) was 73 minutes. The average hospital stay was 2 days. Most of the postoperative complications including soreness (14%), pain for > 3 months (1.4%), and scrotal hematoma (1.4%) were self-resolving. One patient experienced wound infection, which was treated with oral antibiotics. One patient had recurrence 1 year after the operation.

CONCLUSION

The postoperative complication and recurrence rates of single-layer MK mesh herniorrhaphy was comparable with previously reported tension-free repair. Single-layer application is safe and feasible. A longer follow-up period and larger study group with a control group are needed to verify our method.

Comparison of Coskun and Lichteinstein hernia repair methods for groin hernia

PURPOSE

Coskun hernia repair technique has been reported to be an effective new fascia transversalis repair with its short-term follow-up results. Our aim is to determine the results of Coskun hernia repair technique and to compare it with Lichtenstein technique.

METHODS

At this comparative retrospective study a total of 493 patients, who had groin hernia repair procedure using Coskun or Lichtenstein technique, between January 1999 and March 2010 were enrolled into the study. Patients were reached by telephone and invited to get a physical examination.

RESULTS

Out of 493 groin hernia repairs, 436 (88.5%) were carried out by residents and 57 (11.5%) by attending surgeons. Lichtenstein technique was the choice in 241 patients and 252 patients underwent Coskun hernia repair technique. Groin hernia recurrence was detected in 8 patients (3.1%) in Coskun hernia repair group and 7 patients (2.9%) in Lichtenstein group. Comparison of early complication rates in Coskun group (3.9%) and Lichtenstein group (4.5%) showed no significant difference. Late complication rates were significantly higher in Lichtenstein group (1.2% vs. 4.9%). The operation time was shorter in Coskun group (44 minutes) than in Lichtenstein group (60 minutes). Subgroup of patients, whose hernia repair operations were carried out by attending surgeons, had a recurrence rate of 0% and 3.8%, in Coskun group and Lichtenstein group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that Coskun hernia repair technique has a similar efficacy with Lichtenstein repair, on follow-up.

Morphologic Basis for Developing Diverticular Disease, Diverticulitis, and Diverticular Bleeding

Diverticula of the colon are pseudodiverticula defined by multiple outpouchings of the mucosal and submucosal layers penetrating through weak spots of the muscle coat along intramural blood vessels. A complete prolapse consists of a diverticular opening, a narrowed neck, and a thinned diverticular dome underneath the serosal covering. The susceptibility of diverticula to inflammation is explained by local ischemia, translocation of pathogens due to retained stool, stercoral trauma by fecaliths, and microperforations. Local inflammation may lead to phlegmonous diverticulitis, paracolic/mesocolic abscess, bowel perforation, peritonitis, fistula formation, and stenotic strictures. Diverticular bleeding is due to an asymmetric rupture of distended vasa recta at the diverticular dome and not primarily linked to inflammation. Structural and functional changes of the bowel wall in diverticular disease comprise: i) Altered amount, composition, and metabolism of connective tissue; ii) Enteric myopathy with muscular thickening, deranged architecture, and altered myofilament composition; iii) Enteric neuropathy with hypoganglionosis, neurotransmitter imbalance, deficiency of neurotrophic factors and nerve fiber remodeling; and iv) Disturbed intestinal motility both in vivo (increased intraluminal pressure, motility index, high-amplitude propagated contractions) and in vitro (altered spontaneous and pharmacologically triggered contractility). Besides established etiologic factors, recent studies suggest that novel pathophysiologic concepts should be considered in the pathogenesis of diverticular disease.

Slow femoral venous flow and venous thromboembolism following inguinal hernioplasty in patients without or with low molecular weight heparin prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

Prosthetic material (mesh) is commonly used to repair inguinal hernias. Its implantation close to the common femoral vein (CFV) can induce slow flow and favor the appearance of venous thromboembolism (VTE) events.

AIM

To investigate the speed of flow, diameter and area of the CFV after inguinal hernioplasty.

METHODS

Two hundred and fifty patients receiving open hernioplasty with a non-resorbable mesh for the repair of a unilateral, primary, simple inguinal hernia were prospectively investigated. Patients were stratified, by consensus, into a low or a moderate risk of VTE group. The moderate-risk group (n = 163) received low molecular weight heparin. On day 10 post-operation a blinded Echo-Doppler was carried out, and repeated 7 days later in patients with a venous flow of <15 cm/s. The speed of flow (cm/s), diameter (cm), and area (cm(2)) of the ipsilateral and contralateral CFV of the groin operated upon were measured.

RESULTS

No event symptomatic of VTE was documented. One case of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (1/163, 0.6%) was found in the moderate-risk group. In 29 patients (2 and 27 in the low- and moderate-risk groups, respectively; p < 0.001) a maximum blood flow velocity of <15 cm/s was found in the ipsilateral CFV; these flows were close to normal in the second measurement. Taking the entire sample into account, the maximum venous blood flow found in the ipsilateral CFV of the operated groin was less than that measured in the contralateral CFV (20.88 vs. 24.01 cm/s; p < 0.001); this difference was significant in both VTE risk groups. The diameter and area of the CFV were both greater in the ipsilateral than the contralateral CFV (p < 0.01); this finding proved to be significant only in hernias of the left groin (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In the immediate postoperative period, inguinal hernioplasty with mesh induces a temporarily slow venous flow in the ipsilateral CFV. However, this does not lead to an increase in the incidence of VTE.

[Anatomy and pathogenesis of diverticular disease]

BACKGROUND

Although diverticular disease is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal disorders the pathogenesis is not yet sufficiently clarified.

OBJECTIVES

The aim is to define the anatomy and pathogenesis of diverticular disease considering the risk factors and description of structural and functional alterations of the bowel wall.

METHODS

This article gives an appraisal of the literature, presentation and evaluation of classical etiological factors, analysis and discussion of novel pathogenetic concepts.

RESULTS

Colonic diverticulosis is defined as an acquired out-pouching of multiple and initially asymptomatic pseudodiverticula through muscular gaps in the colon wall. Diverticular disease is characterized by diverticular bleeding and/or inflammatory processes (diverticulitis) with corresponding complications (e.g. abscess formation, fistula, covered and open perforation, peritonitis and stenosis). Risk factors for diverticular disease include increasing age, genetic predisposition, congenital connective tissue diseases, low fiber diet, high meat consumption and pronounced overweight. Alterations of connective tissue cause a weakening of preformed exit sites of diverticula and rigidity of the bowel wall with reduced flexibility. It is assumed that intestinal innervation disorders and structural alterations of the musculature induce abnormal contractile patterns with increased intraluminal pressure, thereby promoting the development of diverticula. Moreover, an increased release of pain-mediating neurotransmitters is considered to be responsible for persistent pain in chronic diverticular disease.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the present data the pathogenesis of diverticular disease cannot be attributed to a single factor but should be considered as a multifactorial event.

[The modified Lichtenstein technique for complex inguinal hernia repair--how I do it]

The Lichtenstein technique is modified for solving complex groin hernias such as huge hernias with massive transversal fascia destruction associated with the increased intraabdominal pressure or recurrent hernias with the destroyed Poupart's ligament. Whilst these hernias are usually managed by preperitoneal techniques (open or laparoscopic) under general or regional anesthesia, as an "inpatient" procedure, they can be solved applying a modified Lichtenstein technique, most frequently under local anesthesia, as an "out-patient" procedure. The modifications of Lichtenstein technique include the foIlowing: a) lateral movement and fixation of the lower corner of the mesh, caudally to the tubercle, by 20-30 degrees in relation to its lower border, fully protecting the medial triangle (direct inguinal recurrence prevention); b) fixation of the lower border of the mesh by a running "U" suture to both Poupart's and Coopers's ligaments, from the tubercle to the femoral vein, fully protecting the femoral triangle (femoral recurrence prevention); c) the lower mesh border fixation by a running suture, 2-3 cm laterally to the internal inguinal ring, together with the "locking" of the internal inguinal ring by two interrupted sutures, one fixing the superior mesh tail to the inferior one--cranial to the spermatic cord, 1-1,5 cm medially to the Poupart's ligament, and the other fixing the lower border of the superior mesh tail and the lower border of the inferior mesh tail to the inferior part of the Poupart's ligament, 1 cm cranially and laterally to the preceding suture, fully protecting the lateral triangle (indirect inguinal recurrence prevention). One thousand eighteen patients with 1236 (unilateral 800, bilateral 218) inguinal hernias were electively operated on by the modified Lichtenstein technique between January 2003-January 2011. All operations were performed by a single surgeon. One hundred and thirty (10.5%) hernias were recurrent following one or more tension or tension-free repairs, and 203 (16.4%) hernias had a > or = 5 cm hernial defect. In seven hundred and twentyfour (71.1%) patients, the operation was performed under local, in 271 (26.6%) under general, and in 23 (2.3%) under regional anesthesia, while 635 (62.4%) patients were operated on an "out-patient" basis, and 383 (37.6%) on an "in-patient" basis. The ASA score was: 388 ASA I, 450 ASA II, 153 ASA III, and 27 ASA IV. The mean stay at a day surgery unit was 2.5 (2-8) hours, and the mean hospital stay was 1.6 (1-10) days. During the mean follow-up of 37 (1-96) months, the rate of complications was: 23 (1.86%) haematoma, 5 (0.4%) seroma, 5 (0.4%) wound infections, 6 (0.48%) ischaemic orcihitis, 2 (0.16%) testicle atrophy, 1 (0.08%) disejaculation, 3 (0.24%) hydrocoella, 21 (1.7%) pain, and 2 (0.16%) recurrence. There were 6 reoperations due to the complications. The modified Lichtenstein technique performed usually under local anesthesia as "a day-case" procedure is a good solution for challenging groin hernias.