Sugarbaker Versus Keyhole Repair for Parastomal Hernia: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies

The Role of AI in Modern Hernia Surgery: A Review and Practical Insights

BackgroundArtificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various aspects of health care, particularly in the surgical field, where it offers significant potential for improving surgical risk assessment, predictive analytics, and research advancement. Despite the development of numerous AI models in surgery, there remains a notable gap in understanding their specific application within the context of hernia surgery.PurposeThis review aims to explore the evolution of AI utilization in hernia surgery over the past 2 decades, focusing on the contributions of Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision (CV), and Robotics.ResultsWe discuss how these AI fields enhance surgical outcomes and advance research in the domain of hernia surgery. ML focuses on developing and training prediction models, while NLP enables seamless human-computer interaction through the use of Large Language Models (LLMs). CV assists in critical view detection, which is crucial in procedures such as inguinal hernia repair, and robotics improves minimally invasive techniques, dexterity, and precision. We examine recent evidence and the applicability of various AI models on hernia patients, considering the strengths, limitations, and future possibilities within each field.ConclusionBy consolidating the impact of AI models on hernia surgery, this review provides insights into the potential of AI for advancing patient care and surgical techniques in this field, ultimately contributing to the ongoing evolution of surgical practice.

Comparison of different mesh placement techniques for parastomal hernia repair: an updated systematic review and network meta-analysis

PURPOSE

We performed a network meta-analysis to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of different mesh placement techniques in parastomal hernia repair on clinical and patient-reported outcomes.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science for articles published until January 2025, focusing on recurrence rates, cumulative complication rates, operative time, length of hospital stay, surgical site infection rate, and Postoperative bowel obstruction rate. The risk of bias was assessed with ROBINS-I and RoB 2. GRADE assessment was performed to evaluate the body of evidence.

RESULTS

Twenty studies were included in the meta-analysis. Hybrid 3D had lower rates of hernia recurrence than Keyhole (OR 0.20, 95% CI: 0.07-0.59) and had lower rates of surgical site infections than Sugarbaker (OR 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07-0.90). Sandwich had the highest ranking with the lowest recurrence rate (P-score: 0.8188), followed by Hybrid 3D. Hybrid 3D was associated with lower rates of cumulative complications than the keyhole technique (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15-0.74) and compared with the Sugarbaker technique (OR 0.35, 95% CI:0.17-0.75). No statistically significant differences were observed between techniques for postoperative bowel obstruction, operative time, or length of hospital stay. However, Hybrid 3D and Sandwich consistently ranked higher for favorable outcomes across these metrics.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that Hybrid 3D and Sandwich techniques offer superior outcomes regarding hernia recurrence and cumulative complications. Further high-quality randomized trials are required to confirm these results.

Short-term outcomes of mesh-suture repair in the treatment of ventral hernias: a single-center study

BACKGROUND

Defect closure with mesh suture is a novel technique for hernia repair. Originally described as the construction of lightweight macroporous polypropylene mesh strips as a suture material, it is now available as an FDA-approved product. Mesh suture better distributes tensile forces and reduces fascial tearing compared to traditional suture but requires less implanted material and tissue dissection compared to planar mesh. Limited studies have demonstrated mesh suture's effectiveness in short-term recurrence rates. This study describes the short-term outcomes of our initial experience with mesh-suture-based herniorrhaphy.

METHODS

This study is an IRB-approved, single-center, retrospective review of surgeon case logs from May 2023 to February 2024. All patients who had undergone hernia repair utilizing mesh suture (Duramesh, Mesh Suture Inc, Chicago, IL) as the method of repair at our medical center were enrolled. A descriptive analysis regarding patient and hernia characteristics was performed and short-term outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified 63 patients (Mean age 61, Mean BMI 31.0 kg/m2, 60% female) who had undergone mesh-suture repair since its availability at our institution. Hernias included 31.7% primary, 27.0% incisional, 34.9% parastomal, and 6.4% other. Of these, 8 (12.7%) were recurrent hernia repairs. The average defect size was 41.0 cm2, with a range from 0.25 to 459 cm2. Average length of stay was 3.2 days, with a range of 0 to 20. Eleven patients (17.5%) were readmitted in the 90-day postoperative period. With an average follow-up of 45 days, there were ten surgical site occurrences (including four surgical site infections) and three recurrences (4.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our initial experience with mesh-suture herniorrhaphy has demonstrated acceptable short-term rates of surgical site occurrences and recurrences. This provides additional support for its use, particularly in patients where a planar mesh-based repair might traditionally be avoided. Further studies of mesh-suture herniorrhaphy long-term recurrence rates and cost-effectiveness are needed.

Outcomes after surgical repair of primary parastomal hernia

PURPOSE

Parastomal hernia is a frequent complication after stoma construction, with increasing incidence over time. Surgical repair is reported with a high recurrence rate and the evidence on the topic is limited. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the incidence of recurrence after parastomal hernia repair and assessed the risk factors and predictors for recurrence at the Regional Hernia Center at Horsens Regional Hospital, Denmark.

METHODS

119 patients underwent primary parastomal hernia repair from January 2017 until April 2021. Mean follow-up period was 72 months. Information including demographic data, non-modifiable risk factors and modifiable risk factors were assessed and analyzed using LASSO to select relevant predictors and GLM was employed hereafter.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that age, diabetes, IBD, constipation, and fecal incontinence were strong pre-operative predictors, with age, IBD, ileostomy, and colorectal cancer also reaching significance in univariate analyses. Post-operatively, EHS classification 1, and Clavien Dindo Grade 3b were identified as strong predictors in univariate analyses.

CONCLUSION

Recurrence after parastomal hernia repair was 17.64% during a follow-up period of minimum 3.5 years.

Robotic sugarbaker parastomal hernia repair: updated series and outcomes

PURPOSE

To present updated outcomes after previously describing a novel technique for the robotic repair of parastomal hernias.

METHODS

Patients who underwent parastomal hernia repair with a robotic Sugarbaker technique at a tertiary hernia center were identified from an institutional database. The approach involves mesh placement in the intraperitoneal or preperitoneal position after closure of the fascial defect. Baseline demographics, intra-operative variables, and post-operative outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were identified who underwent robotic Sugarbaker parastomal hernia repair with mesh. Median age was 61.5 (IQR 58.0-67.0) years, 17 (65%) were male, and median BMI was 29.5 (IQR 25.7-32.6) kg/m2. Stoma types included 11 (42%) colostomies, 8 (31%) ileostomies, and 7 (27%) urostomies. All but one case was elective (96%) and 2 (8%) were recurrent. Median operative time was 182.5 (IQR 149-209) min. Biologic mesh was used in 5 (19%) and synthetic mesh in 21 (81%) cases. Concurrent hernia repair was performed in 11 (42%) cases. Two (8%) patients were converted from a robotic to open procedure. Median length of stay was 4 (IQR 3-6) days. A total of 3 (11.5%) patients underwent reoperation related to obstruction at the stoma site. There were no additional 30-day readmissions, seromas requiring intervention, or wound complications. There were 4 (15%) total recurrences during a median follow up of 29.1 (IQR 10.0-55.8) months.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic Sugarbaker parastomal hernia repair is an effective technique for minimally invasive repair of parastomal hernias. Care should be taken to prevent obstruction of the stoma related to fascial and peritoneal flap reconstruction or mesh placement, which is a significant risk of this technique.

Initial and recurrent management of parastomal hernia after cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion: a 10 year single-center experience

PURPOSE

The management of parastomal hernia following cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion is challenging due to its specific nature and a high recurrence rate, yet is poorly described.

METHODS

We retrospectively searched the clinical data warehouse of our center for patients who had primary parastomal hernia repair following cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion. The primary endpoint was recurrence of parastomal hernia; secondary endpoints were postoperative complications and surgical management of recurrences.

RESULTS

From January 1st 2012 to January 1st 2022, 35 patients were included in the study, 13 patients (37.1%) were operated with the Keyhole technique and 22 patients (62.9%) with the Sugarbaker technique. The median follow-up was 24 months. The main complication was urinary tract infection, in 6 patients (17.4%). Postoperative complications were severe in 4 patients (11.4%), 3 (8.6%) for prosthesis extraction due to infection. Ninety-day mortality was null. Eight patients (22.9%) had a symptomatic recurrence of parastomal hernia leading to a second surgery, 4 patients (30.7%) in the Keyhole group and 4 patients (18.2%) in the Sugarbaker group. Surgical management of recurrences involved repair without synthetic mesh in 4 patients (50%) due to difficult adhesiolysis, leading to a third surgery for 3 patients (37.5%).

CONCLUSION

The high rates of recurrence observed with the Keyhole technique, in particular, but also with the Sugarbaker technique, suggest that these techniques should no longer be used for the repair of parastomal hernia after ileal conduit urinary diversion. New preventive and curative approaches need to be explored to improve the surgical management of parastomal hernia.

Minimally Invasive Pauli Parastomal Hernia Repair

BACKGROUND

Although originally described as an open procedure, the application in the setting of minimally invasive surgery of the Pauli technique for parastomal hernia repair is gaining interest among surgeons owing to encouraging early results. We aimed at combining and analyzing the results of minimally invasive Pauli repair by assessing the available evidence.

METHODS

A literature search in Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science was undertaken to include all articles reporting on minimally invasive repair of parastomal hernias using the Pauli technique.

RESULTS

Data regarding a total of 75 patients across 11 articles published between 2019 and 2023 were included. Patients received surgery either by a laparoscopic (27%) or robotic (73%) approach. A transabdominal route was chosen in 62 patients (83%), while an extraperitoneal technique was employed in the remaining 13 patients. The rate of postoperative morbidity was 34%, with 10% being the incidence of grade >II complications. The reported overall rate of recurrence was 7% at a median follow-up of 1 to 43 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence derived from a growing number of centers suggests that minimally invasive Pauli repair is a viable option to treat parastomal hernias. Despite robust, high-level data still lacking, preliminary experiences indicate promising results.

Robotic parastomal hernia repair: A single-center cohort study

Parastomal hernia is a common occurrence following stoma construction, necessitating surgical intervention in symptomatic cases. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of Robotic-Assisted Parastomal Hernia Repair (r-PSHR), utilizing the Da Vinci Xi™ Surgical System. Retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing r-PSHR at a high-volume center. Surgical variables, complications, and recurrence rates were assessed. The primary technique involved a modified Sugarbaker intraperitoneal onlay mesh. Eighty-six patients underwent r-PSHR, predominantly females (59.3%), with mean age 60.8 years. Mean BMI was 31.0. Most patients were classified as ASA 2 (31.4%) or ASA 3 (65.1), with 64.6% having no prior PSH repair. Index procedures primarily involved laparoscopic colonic resections (27.8%) and open abdominoperineal resections (27.8%). Parastomal hernias were mainly associated with end ileostomy (50%) and end colostomy (47.7%). A hybrid modification was required in 22.1% of cases, with only one conversion to open repair. Mean operative time was 257 min. Thirty-day morbidity was 40.7% and includes ileus (24.4%), deep surgical-site infections (7.0%), acute kidney injury (5.8%), and sepsis (5.8%). Grade IIIB complications occurred in 5.8% of cases. Thirty-day readmissions were observed in 19.8% of cases. There were five cases (5.8%) of recurrence within 15 months post-surgery. This study highlights the effectiveness of r-PSHR in managing parastomal hernia. R-PSHR shows promising outcomes with an acceptable post-operative occurrence profile and a favorable recurrence rate.

Stoma Complications

Stoma-related complications are among the most common sources of perioperative morbidity in colorectal surgery. Complications can occur intraoperatively, in the immediate postoperative period, or even months to years after stoma creation. Although some will require urgent surgical intervention, most are treated nonoperatively with a combination of education, appliance adjustment, and behavioral intervention. Optimal management of stoma complications nearly always requires a multidisciplinary team approach, including surgeons, enterostomal therapists, and other allied health professionals, depending on the specific situation. Patients with a functional stoma should be expected to be able to do anything that patients without a stoma can do with minimal exceptions. The treatment of stoma complications therefore centers on improving stoma function and maximizing quality of life. Although timely and comprehensive intervention will result in the resolution of most stoma complications, there is no substitute for preoperative planning and meticulous stoma creation.

Evaluating EHS parastomal hernia classification for surgical planning: a retrospective analysis of 160 consecutive cases in a single center

INTRODUCTION

Parastomal hernia (PH) is a prevalent complication following ostomy formation, presenting significant challenges in surgical management. This study aims to validate the European Hernia Society classification for PH through the application of the Hybrid Parastomal Endoscopic Repair (HyPER) method. The study focuses on establishing the practical utility of the European Hernia Society classification in a clinical setting, particularly in guiding surgical approaches and improving patient outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective observational study aimed to assess the utility of the European Hernia Society classification in planning surgical strategies for parastomal hernias. The validation of the classification of PH was based on the experience involving 160 patients in single center. Patients were classified according to the European Hernia Society criteria, and data were collected on patient demographics, clinical presentations, and surgical outcomes. Main goal was to assess the consistency and applicability of the European Hernia Society classification in predicting surgical challenges and outcomes.

RESULTS

The study found a predominance of complex Type III and IV hernias. The European Hernia Society classification was effective in categorizing PH, aiding in surgical planning and highlighting the increased complication rates associated with more complex hernia types. This study represents the largest single-center cohort treated for PH by a single team, providing a controlled evaluation of the HyPER technique's effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

The validation of the European Hernia Society classification in this study is a significant advancement in the standardization of PH management. The findings demonstrate the classification's utility in enhancing surgical planning and patient-centered care. The study also opens avenues for further research into standardized approaches and techniques in PH treatment.

Establishment and evaluation of rat models of parastomal hernia

PURPOSE

Parastomal hernia poses a challenging problem in the field of hernia surgery. The high incidence and recurrence rates of parastomal hernia necessitate surgeons to enhance surgical techniques and repair materials. This study aimed to develop a rat model of parastomal hernia by inducing various types of defects on the abdominal wall with colostomy. This established method has potential for future studies on parastomal hernia.

METHODS

In this study, 32 male rats were included and randomly divided into four groups: the oblique abdominis excision (OE), oblique abdominis dissection (OD), rectus abdominis excision (RE), and rectus abdominis dissection (RD) groups. In each group, colostomy was performed and an abdominal wall defect was induced. The rats were observed for 28 days following surgery. The survival rate, body weight, parastomal hernia model scores, abdominal wall adhesion and inflammation, and collagen level in the hernial sac were compared.

RESULTS

No significant differences in survival rate and weight were observed among the four groups. The parastomal hernia model scores in the RE and RD groups were significantly higher than those in the OE and OD groups. The ratio of collagen I/III in the RE and RD groups was significantly lower than that in the OE and OD groups. Adhesion and inflammation levels were lower in the RE group than in the RD group.

CONCLUSION

Based on a comprehensive comparison of the findings, RE with colostomy emerged as the optimal approach for establishing parastomal hernia models in rats.

Open Retromuscular Sugarbaker vs Keyhole Mesh Placement for Parastomal Hernia Repair: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Durable parastomal hernia repair remains elusive. There is limited evidence comparing the durability of the open retromuscular Sugarbaker and keyhole mesh configurations.

Objective

To determine if the open retromuscular Sugarbaker mesh placement technique would lower parastomal hernia recurrence rates.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this single-center, randomized clinical trial, 150 patients with a permanent stoma and associated parastomal hernia who were candidates for open retromuscular parastomal hernia repair were enrolled and randomized from April 2019 to April 2022 and followed up for 2 years.

Interventions

Following intraoperative assessment to determine the feasibility of either technique, enrolled patients were randomized to receive either retromuscular Sugarbaker or keyhole synthetic mesh placement.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was parastomal hernia recurrence at 2 years. Secondary outcomes included mesh-related complications, wound complications, reoperations, as well as patient-reported pain, abdominal wall-specific quality of life, stoma-specific quality of life, and decision regret at 1 year and 2 years.

Results

A total of 150 patients were randomized, and with 91% follow-up at 2 years, there were 13 (17%) parastomal hernia recurrences in the retromuscular Sugarbaker arm and 18 (24%) in the keyhole arm (adjusted risk difference, -0.029; 95% CI, -0.17 to 0.153, and adjusted risk ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.69). There were no statistically significant differences between the Sugarbaker and keyhole groups regarding reoperations for recurrence (2 vs 7, respectively), nonhernia intra-abdominal pathology (4 vs 10, respectively), stoma necrosis (1 vs 0, respectively), mesh-related complications (4 vs 1, respectively), patient-reported pain, abdominal wall-specific quality of life, stoma-specific quality of life, and decision regret at any time point.

Conclusions and Relevance

In the setting of open parastomal hernia repair, a retromuscular Sugarbaker mesh placement technique was not superior to a keyhole configuration 2 years after repair. Further innovation is necessary to improve parastomal hernia repair outcomes.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03972553.

Repair of Parastomal Hernias

Parastomal hernias are an inevitable consequence of ostomy formation and their repairs remain a challenge to many surgeons. With multiple systems of classification and a multitude of techniques for hernia repair ranging from suture to mesh repair, the literature remains sparse with regards to the optimal method of repair. The authors describe the most commonly adopted techniques, discuss preventative measures, and review the current literature in the context of perioperative outcomes and hernia recurrence.

Parastomal hernia repair, trying to optimize the impossible reconstruction

PURPOSE

Parastomal hernias are a common and challenging problem with high rates of wound complications and hernia recurrence after repair. We present our approach to optimizing parastomal hernia repair through preoperative preparation, surgical approach, and postoperative management.

METHODS

Patients are carefully evaluated and optimized prior to surgery. Our typical surgical approach involves a generous midline laparotomy and retrorectus dissection followed by a posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release. We typically utilize a Sugarbaker technique for retromuscular mesh placement but also use the retromuscular keyhole or cruciate technique if there is insufficient bowel length.

RESULTS

Previously published results from our institution include wound complication rates of up to 16% after open retromuscular parastomal hernia repair. Stoma-specific complications, such as mesh erosion in the bowel, may be attributed to the mesh placement techniques. Hernia recurrence rates range from 11 to 30% up to 2 years postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

We prefer an open retromuscular approach with a Sugarbaker mesh configuration to treat complex parastomal hernias. However, wound morbidity and repair failure rates remain high, and additional research is needed to optimize surgical outcomes.

Management of the Difficult Stoma

Fecal ostomy creation is a commonly performed procedure with many indications. Better outcomes occur when preoperative patient education and stoma site marking are provided. Despite a seemingly simple operation, ostomy creation is often difficult and complications are common. Certain risk factors, particularly obesity, are strongly associated with stoma-related complications. The ability to optimize the ostomy and stoma in the operating room and to troubleshoot frequently encountered post-operative stoma-related issues are critical skills for surgeons and ostomy nurses alike.

The clinical applications of D-type parastomal hernia repair surgery

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the use of a modified laparoscopic repair of paraostomy hernia technique, called "D-Type parastomal hernia repair surgery" which combines abdominal wall and extraperitoneal stoma reconstruction, in patients with parastomal hernia (PSH) following colorectal stoma surgery. The aim was to determine whether D-type parastomal hernia repair surgery is a promising surgical approach compared to the traditional laparoscopic repair technique (Sugarbaker method) for patients with PSH.

METHODS

PSH patients were selected and retrospectively divided into two groups: the study group underwent D-type parastomal hernia repair, while the control group underwent laparoscopic Sugarbaker repair. Clinical data from both groups were analyzed.

RESULT

Compared to control group (n = 68), the study group undergoing D-type stoma lateral hernia repair had significant increase in total operative time (98.82 ± 12.37 min vs 124.61 ± 34.99 min, p < 0.001). The study group also showed better postoperative stoma bowel function scores in sensory ability, frequency of bowel movements, and clothing cleanliness without a stoma bag (p = 0.037, 0.001, 0.002). The treatment cost was significantly higher in the control group (3899.97 ± 260.00$ vs 3215.91 ± 230.03$, p < 0.001). The postoperative recurrence rate in the control group was 26.4%, while in the study group, it was 4.3%, with a significant statistical difference (p = 0.024). In terms of long-term postoperative complications, the study group had an overall lower incidence compared to the control group (p = 0.035). Other parameters showed no significant differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that D-type parastomal hernia repair surgery is a safe and feasible procedure. Compared to traditional surgery, it can reduce the recurrence of lateral hernia, improve postoperative stoma bowel function, and save medical resources.

Outcomes of Emergency Parastomal Hernia Repair in Older Adults: A Retrospective Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Parastomal hernias are common and many are never repaired. Emergency parastomal hernia repair (PHR) is a feared complication following ostomy creation, yet the incidence and long-term outcomes of emergency PHR are unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 100% Medicare claims data (2007-2015) to evaluate complications, readmissions, reoperations, hospitalizations, and mortality after emergency PHR. We used logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models to determine the association of surgical approach, including repair with ostomy reversal, resiting, mesh, minimally invasive approach, or a myofascial flap. Analysis took place between June 2022 and February 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 6658 patients underwent emergency PHR (mean [standard deviation] age, 75.9 [9.8] y; 4031 female individuals [60.5%]). Overall, 3433 (51.2%) patients underwent primary PHR, 1626 (24.4%) underwent PHR with ostomy resiting, and 1599 (24.0%) underwent PHR with ostomy reversal. In the 30 d after surgery, 4151 (62.3%) patients had complications and 55 (0.83%) underwent reoperation. Compared to local repair, the 30-d odds of complications were lower for patients who underwent ostomy resiting (odds ratio 0.82 [95% confidence interval 0.72-0.93]). Five y after surgery, the cumulative incidence of reoperation was 12.0% and was lowest for patients who underwent PHR with ostomy reversal (hazard ratio 0.15 [95% confidence interval 0.11-0.21]) when compared to local repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency PHR is associated with significant morbidity. However, technique selection may influence outcomes. Understanding the prognosis of emergency PHR may improve decision-making and patient counseling for patients living with this common disease.

Laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair: keyhole, Sugarbaker, sandwich, or hybrid technique with 3D mesh? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Parastomal hernia is the most common complication after stoma formation with an incidence that approaches 50% at 2 years postoperatively. In the last decade, different approaches of minimally invasive procedures have been proposed for the treatment of parastomal hernia. Nevertheless, the superiority of one technique over the others remains still unclear. Our objective was to update and systematically analyze current state of research concerning the postoperative outcomes of the four most prevalent minimally invasive techniques.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of three databases (Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar) was undertaken for articles published from January 2015 to November 2022. Fifteen studies from a previous meta-analysis on the topic were included.

RESULTS

Thirty-three studies incorporating 1289 total patients were deemed eligible for inclusion in the final analysis. The keyhole technique was associated with the highest incidence of postoperative complications and recurrences (31.3% and 24.1%, respectively), followed by the Sugarbaker technique (27.6% and 9%, respectively). Operative time was among the lowest in patients operated with the 3D mesh technique, while patients undergoing the keyhole technique experienced the shortest cumulative length of hospital stay (6 days).

CONCLUSION

Each technique demonstrates a unique profile of effectiveness offset by the propensity towards developing postoperative complications. While no conclusive evidence on the optimal technique exist to date, newer minimally invasive techniques show promising results, albeit based on limited data. The future of parastomal hernia repair seems to rely on a highly individualized approach, tailored to the distinctive characteristics of both the hernia and the patient.