Long-term outcomes of seromas after ventral hernia repair: a propensity score-matched analysis of the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative

Hybrid intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair for incisional hernias: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic IPOM is technically challenging, especially regarding fascial closure. Hybrid repair has been proposed as a simpler approach. We aimed to compare hybrid and laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair (IPOM) in patients undergoing ventral hernia repair (VHR).

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of Cochrane, Scopus, and MEDLINE databases to identify studies comparing hybrid versus laparoscopic IPOM VHR reporting the outcomes of recurrence, mortality, seroma, postoperative complications, reoperation, surgical site infection, and operative time. Statistical analysis was performed using RStudio 4.1.2 using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

We screened 2,896 articles and fully reviewed 22 of them. A total of five studies, encompassing 664 patients were included. Among them, 337 (50.8%) underwent laparoscopic IPOM. All patients had incisional hernias, with a mean diameter varying from 3 to 12.7 cm, 60% were women, with a mean BMI varying from 29.5 to 38. The hybrid approach had a lower rate of seroma when compared to the laparoscopic (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.92; p = 0.038; I²=78%). We found no difference in recurrence, mortality, postoperative complications, reoperation, surgical site infection, and operative time between groups.

CONCLUSION

Hybrid IPOM is a safe and effective method for incisional hernia repair. Moreover, it facilitates fascial defect closure and decreases postoperative seromas.

Heavyweight versus non-heavyweight mesh in ventral hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

There is considerable variability among surgeons regarding the type of mesh used in ventral hernia repair. There has been an increasing incidence of mesh fractures with lightweight (LW) and mediumweight (MW) meshes. However, HW mesh has been associated with a greater foreign body sensation and chronic pain. This meta-analysis aims to compare the outcomes of HW and non-heavyweight (NHW) meshes in ventral hernia repair.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases to identify studies comparing HW with NHW meshes in hernia repair. Outcomes analyzed included hernia recurrence, seroma, hematoma, foreign body sensation, postoperative pain, and wound infection. We performed two subgroup analyses focusing on randomized controlled trials and open retromuscular repairs. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.

RESULTS

We screened 1704 studies. Nine studies were finally included in this meta-analysis and comprised 3001 patients from 4 RCTs and 5 non-randomized. The majority of patients (57.1%) underwent open retromuscular repair. HW mesh was significantly associated with increased in foreign body sensation (OR 3.71; 95% CI 1.40-9.84; p = 0.008), but there was no difference in other outcomes. In RCTs analysis, there was no difference between meshes. In open retromuscular repairs, HW mesh was associated with more seromas (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.01-2.17; p = 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study found that HW mesh was associated with more foreign body sensation. Also, open retromuscular repairs analysis showed that HW was associated with more seromas. Further randomized studies are needed to understand better the role of HW mesh in ventral hernia repair.

Drain placement in retromuscular ventral hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Drain placement in retromuscular ventral hernia repair is controversial. Although it may reduce seroma formation, there is a concern regarding an increase in infectious complications. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis on retromuscular drain placement in retromuscular ventral hernia repair.

METHODS

We performed a literature search of Cochrane, Scopus and PubMed databases to identify studies comparing drain placement and the absence of drain in patients undergoing retromuscular ventral hernia repair. Postoperative outcomes were assessed by pooled analysis and meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. Heterogeneity was assessed with I² statistics.

RESULTS

3808 studies were screened and 48 were thoroughly reviewed. Four studies comprising 1724 patients were included in the analysis. We found that drain placement was significantly associated with a decrease in seroma (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.12-0.96; P = 0.04; I² = 78%). Moreover, no differences were noted in surgical site infection, hematoma, surgical site occurrences or surgical site occurrences requiring procedural intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the analysis of short-term outcomes, retromuscular drain placement after retromuscular ventral hernia repair significantly reduces seroma and does not increase infectious complications. Further prospective randomized studies are necessary to confirm our findings, evaluate the optimal duration of drain placement, and report longer-term outcomes.

Results of Experimental Hernioplasty with Acellular Dermal Matrix

We performed a comprehensive assessment of the acellular dermal matrix obtained during the detergent-enzymatic treatment of the porcine dermis. Acellular dermal matrix was used for the experimental treatment of a hernial defect in a pig using the sublay method. Sixty days after the surgery, biopsy specimens were obtained from the area of hernia repair. The acellular dermal matrix can be easily modeled depending on the size and shape of the defect during surgical procedures, can eliminate the defect of the anterior abdominal wall, and is resistant to cutting by the suture material. Histological examination demonstrated replacement of the acellular dermal matrix with newly formed connective tissue.

Retromuscular drain versus no drain in robotic retromuscular ventral hernia repair: a propensity score-matched analysis of the abdominal core health quality collaborative

BACKGROUND

Drains may be placed during robotic retromuscular ventral hernia repair (rVHR) to decrease wound morbidity, but their use is controversial. We aimed to assess the impact of retromuscular drain placement on wound morbidity after robotic rVHR.

METHODS

Patients with and without drains after robotic rVHR in the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC) registry were compared using a propensity score-matched analysis. Outcomes included surgical site occurrences (SSO), surgical site infections (SSI), and surgical site occurrences requiring procedural interventions (SSOPI) at 30 days.

RESULTS

Propensity score matching compared 580 patients with drains to 580 without drains. The groups were well matched with respect to hernia width (drain: 8.0 cm [IQR 6.0; 10.0] vs no drain: 8.0 cm [IQR 5.0; 10.0]; P = 0.399) and transversus abdominis release (drain: 409 (70.5%) vs no drain: 408 (70.3%); P = 0.949). At 30 days, patients with drains had fewer seromas than those without drains (22 (3.8%) vs 88 (15.2%); P < 0.0001). Rates of SSIs and SSOPIs were similar between the two groups at 30 days. Logistic regression analysis showed drain placement lowered the risk of an SSO compared to no drain placement (OR 0.32, CI 0.21-0.47; P < 0.0001). Hospital stay was longer for patients with drains than those without drains (2.0 days [IQR 1.0; 3.0] vs 1.0 day [IQR 1.0; 2.0], respectively; P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Drain placement during robotic rVHR is associated with decreased postoperative seroma occurrence.