Respiratory physiopathology in surgical repair for large incisional hernias of the abdominal wall

Application of bridging mesh repair in giant ventral incisional hernia

Achieving ideal abdominal wall reconstruction in giant ventral incisional hernia has been a challenging for surgeons. This study aimed to verify the safety and efficacy of bridging repair by comparing it with primary fascial closure (PFC) repair in the treatment of giant ventral incisional hernia. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 92 patients with giant ventral incisional hernia who underwent mesh repair at our medical institution from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the bridging repair group with 40 patients in whom repair was completed using the bridging technique and the PFC group with 52 patients in whom primary fascial closure was achieved and all patients underwent mesh reinforcement during the operation. The main outcome measures were recurrence rate and morbidity, especially intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). Follow-up time of both groups lasted at least 24 months after surgery. After a median of 46 months and 65 months of follow-up, respectively, in the two groups, bridging repair did not increase the long-term recurrence rate (2.56%) in the larger defect area group compared to the PFC group (1.96%). There were no significant differences in perioperative morbidity, IAH, incidence of postoperative chronic pain, and sensory impairment of the abdominal wall between both groups. The application of bridging surgery in the treatment of complex giant ventral incisional hernias is safe and effective and does not significantly increase the postoperative recurrence rate.

Immediate changes in intra-abdominal pressure and lung indicators in patients undergoing complex ventral hernia repair with the transversus abdominis muscle release, with and without preoperative botulinum toxin

PURPOSE

The current treatment of complex ventral hernias involves muscle closure with components separation techniques and mesh placement. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the immediate postoperative changes in the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), and lung indicators after treatment of complex ventral hernias with the transversus abdominis reléase (TAR) technique.

METHODS

All patients with complex ventral hernias treated between November 28th, 2016 and October 6th, 2021 were initially included. We excluded patients with lung and/or heart comorbidities. A total of 43 patients were studied, measuring IAP, lung compliance, pulmonary plateau pressure (PPP), and end-tidal CO₂ before and after surgical treatment.

RESULTS

Median IAP increased from 5 to 9 mmHg (p < 0.0001), and PPP from 11 to 12 mmHg (p = 0.004). Increased body mass index (BMI) was associated to a PPP increase above normal values. Postoperative changes were not different in patients receiving preoperative preparation with botulinum toxin.

CONCLUSION

After complex ventral hernia closure, there is an immediate impact on IAP and PPP, the latter more frequent in patients with the highest BMI, and this may not be prevented by the preoperative administration of botulinum toxin.

Combining anterior and posterior component separation for extreme cases of abdominal wall reconstruction

PURPOSE

The closure of midline in abdominal wall incisional hernias is an essential principle. In some exceptional circumstances, despite adequate component separation techniques, this midline closure cannot be achieved. This study aims to review the results of using both anterior and component separation in these exceptional cases.

METHODS

We reviewed our experience using the combination of both anterior and posterior component separation in the attempt to close the midline. Our first step was to perform a TAR and a complete extensive dissection of the retromuscular preperitoneal plane developed laterally as far as the posterior axillary line. When the closure of midline was not possible, an external oblique release was made. A retromuscular preperitoneal reinforcement was made with the combination of an absorbable mesh and a 50 × 50 polypropylene mesh.

RESULTS

Twelve patients underwent anterior and posterior component separation. The mean hernia width was 23.5 ± 5. The majority were classified as severe complex incisional hernia and had previous attempts of repair. After a mean follow-up of 27 months (range 8-45), no case of recurrence was registered. Only one patient (8.33%) presented with an asymptomatic bulging in the follow-up. European Hernia Society's quality of life scores showed a significant improvement at 2 years postoperatively in the three domains: pain (p = 0.01), restrictions (p = 0.04) and cosmetic (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of posterior and anterior component separation can effectively treat massive and challenging cases of abdominal wall reconstruction in which the primary midline closure is impossible to achieve despite appropriate optimization of surgery.

A new technique for tension-free reconstruction in large incisional hernia

In the surgical management of large incisional hernias, the main target is the closure of the abdominal wall defect on the midline without a dangerous increase in the intraabdominal pressure. In this setting, new intraperitoneal prosthesis and components separation techniques were proposed to solve this problem. Both solutions present some critical issues. A new surgical approach with a free lateral double layer prosthesis totally in polypropylene both sides (FLaPp^®) is proposed to overcome this problem. This is a retrospective cohort analysis study with a prospectively collected database from two different Italian hospitals. Twenty-nine patients operated from April 2010 to December 2015 were treated using the new prosthesis. Four patients developed postoperative complications: one (3.4%) presented wound infection, two (6.9%) experienced seroma, and one had a hematoma (3.4%). No deaths were recorded. At a median follow-up of 28.5 months (IQR 22–36), no hernia relapse occurred. The application of FLaPp^® mesh is a safe and feasible option that can be employed to manage Rives repair in cases of abdominal wall defects with difficult closure of the posterior plan when the conventional prosthetic meshes could be unsuitable.

Free Versus Pedicled TRAM Flaps: Cost Utilization and Complications

INTRODUCTION

Conventionally, free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (fTRAM) flap breast reconstruction has been associated with decreased donor site morbidity and improved flap inset. However, clinical success depends upon more sophisticated technical expertise and facilities. This study aims to characterize postoperative outcomes undergoing free versus pedicled TRAM (pTRAM) flap breast reconstruction.

METHODS

Nationwide inpatient sample database (2008-2011) was reviewed for cases of fTRAM (ICD-9-CM 85.73) and pTRAM (85.72) breast reconstruction. Inclusion criteria were females undergoing pTRAM or fTRAM breast reconstruction; males were excluded. We examined demographics, hospital setting, insurance information, patient income, and comorbidities. Clinical endpoints included postoperative complications, length-of-stay (LOS), and total charges (TC). Bivariate/multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors associated with increased complications and resource utilization.

RESULTS

Overall, 21,655 cases were captured. Seventy-percent were Caucasian, 95 % insured, and 72 % treated in an urban teaching hospital. There were 9 pTRAM and 6 fTRAM in-hospital mortalities. On bivariate analysis, the fTRAM cohort was more likely to be obese (OR 1.2), undergo revision (OR 5.9), require hemorrhage control (OR 5.7), suffer hematoma complications (OR 1.9), or wound infection (OR 1.8) (p < 0.003). The pTRAM cohort was more likely to suffer pneumonia (OR 1.6) and pulmonary embolism (OR 2.0) (p < 0.004). Reconstruction type did not affect risk of flap loss or seroma occurrence. TC were higher with fTRAM (p < 0.001). LOS was not affected by procedure type. On risk-adjusted multivariate analysis, fTRAM was an independent risk factor for increased LOS (OR 1.6), TC (OR 1.8), and postoperative complications (OR 1.3) (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Free TRAM has an increased risk of postoperative complications and resource utilization versus pTRAM on the current largest risk-adjusted analysis. Further analyses are required to elucidate additional factors influencing outcomes following these procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

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Natural Course of Incisional Hernia and Indications for Repair

Background:

Incisional hernias and incisional hernia repair can be a significant challenge for both surgeon and patient. Despite the growing amount of literature describing various methods of surgical techniques, little has been published the natural course of an incisional hernia and regarding indications for incisional hernia repair.

Methods:

An internet database search was performed to identify articles describing symptoms presented by patients and indications for incisional hernia repair.

Results:

Various symptoms and indications regarding incisional hernia repair and the natural course of an incisional hernia are mentioned in the literature. Nevertheless, published data accurately describing these symptoms and indications are rare.

Conclusion:

A prospective trial monitoring incisional hernias as well as comparing conservative treatment with repair should be performed.

Definition of giant ventral hernias: Development of standardization through a practice survey

BACKGROUND

Giant ventral hernias represent a real handicap for patients and constitute a challenge for surgeons. European Hernia Society classification defines all ventral hernia over 10 cm in the same group. However, this group represents different clinical entities with numerous therapeutic possibilities, and no standardized recommendation has been made. The objective of our work was to define consensual criteria that define giant ventral hernias requiring specific management and determine management modalities.

METHODS

A national survey consisting of 21 questions was proposed through a secure, anonymous internet interface and on a voluntary basis to all surgeons practising in France involved in care of patients affected by giant ventral hernias.

RESULTS

For more than 68% of respondents, loss of domain and a hernia volume greater than 30% of abdominal volume were mandatory to define giant ventral hernias. Pre-operative screening should include abdominal CT scan, functional respiratory exploration, and a cardiology consultation for 98%, 71% and 50% of the respondents respectively. Respiratory and cutaneous preparations were systematically proposed before surgery by 91% and 56% of respondents. Regarding surgical techniques, none has gained the support of the majority of respondents. However, 71% of respondents use a non-resorbable mesh in retro muscular position for more than 70% of their patients treated for giant ventral hernias.

CONCLUSION

Giant ventral hernias could be defined as ventral hernia larger than 10 cm with loss of domain. A specific management is advocated.

Use of a porcine dermal collagen implant for contaminated abdominal wall reconstruction in a 105-year-old woman: a case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Repair of contaminated abdominal wall defect in a geriatric patient is a challenge for the surgeon. We present the case of the oldest patient (105-years old) to successfully undergo a single-stage repair of a contaminated abdominal wall defect with a Permacol™ implant.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 105-year-old Caucasian woman presented to our emergency room with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of small bowel obstruction due to prior operative adhesions. She underwent laparotomy with small bowel resection and primary closure of her abdomen. There was total eventration of her bowel through the suture line 9 days after surgery. She underwent a second laparotomy that revealed no signs of peritonitis or turbid fluid. Her abdomen was closed with a 15 × 10 cm Permacol™ implant sutured sublay with prolene sutures. Her postoperative period was unremarkable. After a follow-up period of 3 years and 2 months, there was no sign of recurrent hernia or wound contamination.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that Permacol™ mesh can be considered an efficient alternative to primary closure or synthetic mesh in geriatric patients with contaminated abdominal wall defects.

Pulmonary Function After Pedicled Transverse Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap Breast Reconstruction

Tight abdominal closures, as can be seen during transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction, have been shown to increase intra-abdominal pressure, thereby decreasing thoracopulmonary compliance and increasing the workload of breathing. The purpose of this article was to quantitate pulmonary function in patients who underwent pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction.A prospective clinical trial was conducted involving 22 women undergoing unilateral or bilateral pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction. Pulmonary function testing was conducted 1 week before the operation, 24 hours postoperatively, and 2 months postoperatively. The patients were stratified by age (<50 years vs ≥50 years), type of TRAM flap (unilateral vs bilateral), tobacco use (smoker vs nonsmoker), and body mass index. Changes were analyzed using 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and paired t tests. All comparisons used a 2-tailed test at the 0.05 level of significance.Other than residual volume, the 24-hour postoperative values were significantly lower than the preoperative values. The smokers had less change in functional residual capacity, total lung capacity, and forced vital capacity values than the nonsmokers at 24 hours postoperatively; however, they were noted to have decreased pulmonary function at baseline. The patients 50 years or older had significantly greater decline in functional residual capacity and residual volume compared with the younger cohort. No significant difference in pulmonary function testing values existed between those undergoing bilateral versus unilateral pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction. Pulmonary function tests returned to baseline at 2-month follow-up.Pulmonary function test values were significantly decreased at 24 hours after pedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction.

Effect of an elastic girdle on lung function, intra-abdominal pressure, and pain after midline laparotomy: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Girdles and abdominal binders may reduce pain and stabilize the abdominal wall after laparotomy, but a risk for increased intra-abdominal pressure and decreased lung function is also hypothesized. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an abdominal girdle after midline laparotomy in a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients undergoing laparotomy were randomized to wear an elastic girdle postoperatively and 25 were randomized to no girdle. Pulmonary function was evaluated with; forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume during one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and cough PEF. Pain was recorded using a visual analog scale (VAS). All patients completed the ventral hernia pain questionnaire (VHPQ) before surgery and at the end of the study. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured via an indwelling urinary catheter. Wound healing was assessed from photographs.

RESULTS

FVC, FEV1, PEF, and cough PEF were reduced by about 30 % after surgery, but there were no differences between patients with or without a girdle (ANOVA). Intra-abdominal pressure and wound healing were the same in both groups. Pain was significantly lower on day 5 in the girdle group (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

An individually fitted elastic girdle used after midline laparotomy was found to be safe, as this did not affect lung function, coughing, intra-abdominal pressure, or wound healing. The immediate decline in lung function after surgery is restrictive and due to anesthesia and the surgical procedure. Pain was significantly decreased in the girdle group. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01517217.

Repair of giant ventral hernias

Repair of huge ventral hernias is technically challenging for the surgeon and a major operation for the patient and should be performed by experienced surgeons in centers that are used to caring for patients who are commonly massively obese with significant comorbidities. Preoperative medical optimization of patients is an important part in the overall management of these large hernias. Conventional component separation with retromuscular mesh repair is the workhorse operation, which successfully deals with many giant ventral hernias, but multiple alternative strategies must be available to address situations in which myofascial elements are completely deficient or there is significant loss of domain The complexity of this surgery is reflected by recurrence rates ranging from 10% to 30% and wound complication rates as high as 40% to 50% in experienced centers.

Wall defects after abdominoperineal resection: A modified tension-free technique

Background

The treatment of wall defects after abdominoperineal resection has yet to be defined. In this study we report the outcome of a modified prosthetic technique for the treatment of combined large incisional and parastomal hernia performed after abdominoperineal resection.

Material and methods

Between January 2005 and July 2008, 21 consecutive patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer received surgical repair for large incisional hernias with a modified mesh technique consisting of a tension-free attachment of the prosthetic material to the posterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle. The surgical outcome was assessed mainly as the recurrence rate of abdominal hernia and postoperative complications.

Results

Among the 21 patients we reported two minor complications: partial necrosis of the skin flap (4.8%) and a seroma (4.8%). One major complication occurred: extensive necrosis of the skin flap (4.8%). We reported one death due to stroke 20 days after surgery. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.1 days (SD, 2.3).

Conclusions

This study encourages the use of a tension-free modified prosthetic technique for the repair of combined wall defects after abdominoperineal resection. The technique does not lead to an increase in the incidence of complications, offering a considerable advantage to the patient.

[Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum in the treatment of giant abdominal hernias]

Careful preoperative treatment of giant abdominal hernias can prevent severe postoperative complications such as abdominal compartment syndrome and uncontrollable cardiorespiratory failure. Our departments have been studying the various pathological conditions associated with enormous abdominal hernias (eventration disease) and the possibilities of preventing visceral abnormalities caused by the reconstruction of the abdominal wall. Here, we present the indication, technique and the results of using progressive preoperative pneumo-peritoneum based on two cases.

Use of porcine dermal collagen graft (Permacol) for hernia repair in contaminated fields

BACKGROUND

Complicated hernias often involve contaminating surgical procedures in which the use of polypropylene meshes can be hazardous. Prostheses made of porcine dermal collagen (PDC) have recently been proposed as a means to offset the disadvantages of polypropylene meshes and have since been used in humans for hernia repairs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of incisional hernia repair using PDC as a mesh in complicated cases involving contamination.

METHODS

A prospective study of hernia repair of complicated incisional hernias with contamination using PDC grafts was carried out at the Department of General, Emergency and Transplant Surgery of St Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital.

RESULTS

From January 2004 up to the writing of this article, seven patients were treated for complicated incisional hernias with a PDC prosthesis. In six out of seven patients a bowel resection was carried out. There were not surgical complications. Morbidity was 14.2%. No recurrences and wound infections were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Incisional hernioplasty using PDC grafts is a potentially safe and efficient approach in complicated cases with contamination.

The management of incisional hernia

Many thousand laparotomy incisions are created each year and the failure rate for closure of these abdominal wounds is between 10-15%, creating a large problem of incisional hernia. In the past many of these hernias have been neglected and treated with abdominal trusses or inadequately managed with high failure rates. The introduction of mesh has not had a significant impact because surgeons are not aware of modern effective techniques which may be used to reconstruct defects of the abdominal wall. This review will cover recent advances in incisional hernia surgery which affect the general surgeon, and also briefly review advanced techniques employed by specialist surgeons in anterior abdominal wall surgery.