Retromuscular Sublay Technique for Ventral Hernia Repair

Interim analysis of single - centre randomised controlled trial on incisional hernia repair with vs without synthetic mesh fixation

INTRODUCTION

In a prospective randomised trial, we aimed to compare incisional hernia repair with mesh fixation versus incisional hernia repair without mesh fixation.

METHODS

The study was performed from June 2018 to August 2024 at a single centre in Vilnius, Lithuania. Fifty-seven patients with incisional abdominal wall hernia were randomly included into two groups: group one-"sublay" hernia repair with mesh fixation and the second - without mesh fixation. The duration of surgery, hospital stay, pain levels, quality of life and rate of complications were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 38 women and 19 men who were included in the study, 30 were with mesh fixation and 27 without mesh fixation. The median patient's body mass index was 31.57 ± 5.96 (19.5-49.6). The most common hernia width was W2 according to the European Hernia Society (EHS) classification. A significant difference between the groups was found in duration of surgery - 108.00 ± 47.35 (40-235) minutes in the mesh fixation group vs. 75.74 ± 30.25 (35-150)-without the mesh fixation group (p < 0.05). A higher pain level was observed on the 10th postoperative day-3.03 ± 2.54 in the mesh fixation group versus 1.67 ± 2.22 in the group without the mesh fixation group (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was also observed in seroma rate after 6 months (16.6% versus 0%, p < 0.05). There have been no hernia recurrences in either group so far.

CONCLUSIONS

No mesh fixation on "sublay" hernia repair does not worsen the patient's postoperative condition. It does not increase postoperative pain, worsen the quality of life, or increase the risk of postoperative complications. On the 10th postoperative day, the non-fixed mesh group had less postoperative pain, however, later the pain was equal. A lower number of seromas was also observed in this group after 6 months. However, the operative time in the group without mesh fixation was significantly shorter.

Is it safe not to fix the mesh in an open incisional hernia repair? Literature review

INTRODUCTION

Review the articles with incisional hernia repair without mesh fixation in open hernia repair.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature published from 01/01/2008 to 31/12/2023 was performed using Medline PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. The search used the keywords: incisional hernia, open mesh repair, and without mesh fixation.

RESULTS

Nine publications were identified for the present analysis. The quality of each study was assessed. Information about operative methods, main results, conclusions, and recommendations was collected.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results and findings of reviewed articles, postoperative abdominal wall hernia repair without mesh suturing is safe and can improve postoperative results. Still, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether it is associated with better outcomes than hernia repair with mesh fixation. Further clinical studies are needed to clarify whether this method is clinically essential.

Long-term outcomes of open midline ventral hernia repair using a narrow well-fixed retrorectus polypropylene mesh

INTRODUCTION

The ultimate measure of successful abdominal wall reconstruction is a pain-free, complication-free, and durable hernia repair. Open techniques have generally lost favor, but they still have much to offer for patients with skin deficits and excess. The long-term complication rates for open hernia repairs is unknown. Electronic medical records now provide the ability to easily follow patients who have switched medical institutions. Using this tool, we followed a cohort of abdominal wall reconstruction patients who had an early high "success" rate.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of 101 patients who underwent open ventral hernia repair with a narrow well-fixed retrorectus uncoated polypropylene mesh by a single surgeon (GAD) between the years of 2010 and 2015. These patients were initially reported in a 2016 publication. Patients' post-operative follow-up by any medical provider assessing the abdominal region were studied up until August 2023. Patient demographics, operative reports, and postoperative course were re-reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients underwent ventral hernia repair. Mean follow-up time was 7.68 years (range 1.8 - 13.0 years). There were no recurrent hernias across the studied time period and no instances of enterocutaneous fistulas. 15 patients (15%) had abdominal surgery after hernia repair unrelated to their original surgery and 5 patients (5%) reported chronic post-operative pain. 13 patients died in the follow-up period, all unrelated to the abdominal wall surgery.

CONCLUSION

Open well-fixed narrow retrorectus mesh hernia repairs perform well in the long-term without fistulas, extrusions, and hernia recurrence.

Short-Term Outcomes of Transabdominal Preperitoneal Ventral Hernia Repair With Rectus Aponeuroplasty (TAPPRA) for the Management of Incisional Hernias

Introduction

Options for minimally invasive ventral hernia repair continue to evolve as a function of our understanding of the abdominal wall and the development of new techniques. We describe a robotic transabdominal pre-peritoneal repair with concurrent rectus aponeuroplasty (TAPPRA) for incisional and recurrent ventral hernias.

Methods

All patients in this retrospective cohort study underwent TAPPRA repair between October 2023 and March 2024. This study aimed to determine intraoperative feasibility of the technique and to assess immediate postoperative outcomes.

Results

Twelve patients underwent TAPPRA repair for incisional and/or recurrent ventral hernias at an academic hernia center. The median case duration was 135 min with no significant intraoperative complications noted. Average defect size for the hernias measures 6.5 × 8.5 cm. Polypropylene mesh was used to reinforce all defects, with the average dimensions being 19.7 × 21.5 cm. 83% of patients were discharged within 24 h of their procedure. No significant postoperative complications were noted.

Conclusion

We describe the first use of a novel ventral hernia repair technique, TAPPRA, and demonstrate that it is safe, feasible, and associated with appropriate short-term outcomes for repair of moderate sized incisional hernias.

From Meshes to Minimally Invasive Techniques: A Comprehensive Review of Modern Hernia Repair Approaches

Hernias are a common medical condition characterized by the protrusion of organs or tissues through weakened muscle walls, affecting millions worldwide annually. Historically, from being treated with open surgeries using tension-free mesh repairs, the landscape of hernia repair has evolved significantly. This evolution has been marked by the advent and refinement of minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approaches, which offer reduced postoperative pain, shorter recovery times, and improved patient outcomes compared to traditional methods. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the evolution of hernia repair techniques, emphasizing the transition from conventional mesh repairs to advanced minimally invasive methodologies. By examining the historical progression and current state of hernia surgery, this review thoroughly analyzes the advancements in surgical techniques, materials, and technologies. Furthermore, it explores emerging trends such as biological meshes, ultrasound-guided procedures, and 3D printing applications in hernia repair. The clinical significance of these advancements lies in their potential to enhance the patient's quality of life, minimize complications, and optimize healthcare resource utilization. Insights gained from this review will inform clinicians and researchers about the efficacy, safety, and comparative effectiveness of various hernia repair approaches, guiding future directions in hernia management and fostering innovation in surgical practice.

Rives-Stoppa Repair Versus Bilateral Inguinal Hernioplasty: A Comprehensive Review of Surgical Techniques and Patient Outcomes

Hernia repair surgery is a common procedure to address the protrusion of organs or tissues through weakened muscles or connective tissue. This review compares two prominent surgical techniques for hernia repair: the Rives-Stoppa repair and bilateral inguinal hernioplasty. The Rives-Stoppa repair involves a posterior approach with extensive mesh placement suitable for complex and recurrent hernias. In contrast, bilateral inguinal hernioplasty focuses on simultaneously repairing bilateral hernias, potentially reducing operative time and enhancing recovery. This review examines each approach's technical aspects, including incision methods, mesh placement, and closure techniques. Patient outcomes, such as postoperative pain, recovery time, recurrence rates, and quality of life, are critically analyzed based on current research and clinical data. Economic considerations are also evaluated, encompassing each technique's cost-effectiveness and economic impact. By synthesizing these findings, this review aims to provide valuable insights for surgeons, healthcare providers, and policymakers in optimizing hernia repair strategies. The evolving landscape of surgical techniques and materials underscores the importance of ongoing research to refine practices and improve outcomes for patients undergoing hernia repair surgery.

Investigation of optimal hernia repair techniques in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

INTRODUCTION

Multiple laparotomies, immunosuppressive therapy, wound infection, and malnutrition are risk factors for incisional hernia development, which places inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients at high risk. With advances in minimally invasive techniques, this study assesses incisional hernia repair techniques and complications in the IBD population.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective review of adults with IBD who underwent incisional hernia repair from 2008 to 2022. Complications relative to operative approach and mesh placement location were assessed using descriptive and univariate statistics.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight IBD patients underwent incisional hernia repair. Fifty-two (59.1%) were on immunomodulators and 30 (34.1%) were repaired primarily. Thirty-five (39.7%) hernias recurred, of whom 19 (33%) had mesh placed. Three (30%) occurred in onlay repairs and 16 (33%) occurred in underlay repairs. Subdivision of underlay repairs into intraperitoneal, preperitoneal and retrorectus mesh placement revealed recurrence rates of 35.1%, 50%, and 14.3%, respectively. Patients with open repair were more likely to have intraoperative bowel injury (28.6% vs 9.7%, p = 0.041) and develop postoperative seromas/abscesses (12.5% vs 0%, p = 0.001) and wound complications (17.9% vs 0%, p = 0.012) compared to laparoscopic. Seromas/abscesses developed more frequently in onlay repairs compared to underlay (40% vs 2.13%, p = 0.001). Twelve (13.6%) patients presented with postoperative small bowel obstruction (SBO), 7 (58.3%) of whom had mesh placed, and 6 (85.7%) were underlay. All SBO after underlay repair had intraperitoneally placed mesh. When comparing surgeons, hernias were more likely to recur performed by colorectal surgeons compared to hernia surgeons (63.3% vs 21.3%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In IBD patients, minimally invasive approaches lead to fewer perioperative complications compared to open. Underlay mesh placement demonstrated decreased incidence of seroma/abscess formation compared to onlay. When sub-grouped, underlay placements were similar in terms of complications. Retrorectus placement, however, had fewer recurrences and no readmissions for SBO. This suggests a minimally invasive approach or placement of retrorectus mesh may provide the optimal repair in this patient population.

Learning curves of robotic extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) hernia repair among two surgeons at a high-volume community hospital: a cumulative sum analysis

INTRODUCTION

Robotic extended totally extraperitoneal hernia (eTEP) repair is a novel technique for minimally invasive ventral hernia repair with retromuscular placement of mesh. This study aimed to evaluate the learning curve for robotic eTEP hernia repair using risk-adjusted cumulative sum (RA-CUSUM) analysis for two general surgeons-one with dedicated fellowship training in robotic eTEP technique (surgeon 2) and another without robotic eTEP-specific training (surgeon 1).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 98 patients undergoing robotic eTEP hernia repair from July 2020 to February 2022 for two surgeons. RA-CUSUM method was applied to the overall operative time (OT) in minutes, adjusting for transversus abdominis release (TAR).

RESULTS

Figures 3 (surgeon 1) and 4 (surgeon 2) illustrate the three phases in the RA-CUSUM graphs of OT. For surgeon 1, the cases for each phase were determined: phase 1 (1 to 12), phase 2 (13 to 24), and phase 3 (25 to 51). For surgeon 2, the three phases were similarly determined as 1 to 8, 9 to 32, and 33 to 47, respectively. A significant (p = 0.017) difference existed for the OTs between phases 1 (262 ± 69) and 3 (192 ± 63.0) for surgeon 1. OT compared to the risk-adjusted value stabilized after case 12 and decreased after case 24 for surgeon 1; it began to decrease after case 8 for surgeon 2.

CONCLUSIONS

The initial learning curve for surgeon 1 reached its plateau after 12 cases, shorter than comparable studies. This was likely due to the surgeon's intentional focus on learning this technique through courses, proctoring, and active mentorship. The flat learning curve seen in surgeon 2's series illustrates the value of experience gained during fellowship training. Our data support that, given the right resources and support, a short learning curve for eTEP is attainable for community surgeons without prior training in the technique.

The Use of Inlay Bridge of the Posterior Fascia as Adjuvants to a Modified Rives-Stoppa Repair for Difficult Abdominal Wall Hernias

BACKGROUND

Major abdominal wall defects remain a highly morbid complication. Occasionally a fascial defect is encountered, that despite all surgical efforts, is unable to completely approximate at the midline. Here we describe our method and outcomes of using a bridging mesh when the posterior fascia was unable to be approximated during the repair of large postoperative ventral hernias using the modified Rives-Stoppa technique.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted looking at all the open abdominal wall hernia repairs between 2014 and 2020. The cohort of patients who had a bridge placed in addition to the traditional open modified Rives-Stoppa repair were used for this study.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients had a mesh inlay bridge placed in addition to a modified Rives-Stoppa repair with a sublay (retrorectus) Ultrapro mesh. For the inlay mesh 13 Symbotex composite meshes were placed and 6 Vicryl meshes used. The average surface area of the defect was 358.1 cm^2. The average length of hospitalization was 8.8 days with a range of 3-24 days. During the immediate postoperative course there were 6 minor complications. During the follow-up period there were 2 recurrences.

DISCUSSION

The use of inlay mesh bridge as an adjuvant to a modified Rives-Stoppa repair with a sublay ultrapro mesh is an effective technique for difficult abdominal wall repairs where the posterior fascia is unable to be approximated without tension.

A novel mini-open sublay hernioplasty combined with D10 mesh for primary lumbar hernia: a retrospective analysis of 48 cases

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to explore the safety and efficacy of a novel mini-open sublay hernioplasty with D10 mesh for primary lumbar hernias.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 48 patients with primary lumbar hernias who underwent mini-open sublay hernioplasty with D10 mesh from January 2015 to January 2022 in our hospital. Observation indicators were intraoperative measured diameter of hernia ring defect, operation time, length of hospital stay, postoperative follow-up, complications, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score, chronic pain.

RESULTS

The operations were completed successfully in all 48 cases. The mean diameter of hernia ring was 2.66 ± 0.57 cm (range 1.5-3.0 cm), the mean operation time was 41.54 ± 13.21 min (range 25-70 min), the intraoperative blood loss was 9.89 ± 6.16 ml (range 5-30 ml), and the mean hospital stay was 3.14 ± 1.53 days (range 1-6 days). The mean preoperative and postoperative VAS scores at 24 h were 0.29 ± 0.53 (range 0-2) and 2.52 ± 0.61 (range 2-6), respectively. All cases were followed-up for 53.4 ± 24.3 months (range 12-96 months) without seroma, hematoma, incision or mesh infection, recurrence, and obvious chronic pain.

CONCLUSION

A novel mini-open sublay hernioplasty with D10 mesh for primary lumbar hernias is safe and feasible. Its efficacy in the short term is favorable.

The effect of an abdominal binder on postoperative outcome after open incisional hernia repair in sublay technique: a multicenter, randomized pilot trial (ABIHR-II)

INTRODUCTION

Although the evidence is minimal, an abdominal binder is commonly prescribed after open incisional hernia repair (IHR) to reduce pain. This study aimed to investigate this common postoperative treatment.

METHODS

The ABIHR-II trial was a national prospective, randomized, multicenter non-AMG/MPG pilot study with two groups of patients (wearing an abdominal binder (AB) for 2 weeks during daytime vs. not wearing an AB following open IHR with the sublay technique). Patient enrollment took place from July 2020 to February 2022. The primary endpoint was pain at rest on the 14th postoperative day (POD) using the visual analog scale (VAS). The use of analgesics was not systematically recorded. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used.

RESULTS

A total of 51 individuals were recruited (25 women, 26 men; mean age 61.4 years; mean body mass index 30.65 kg/m2). The per-protocol analysis included 40 cases (AB group, n = 21; No-AB group, n = 19). Neither group showed a significant difference in terms of pain at rest, limited mobility, general well-being, and seroma formation and rate. Patients among the AB group had a significantly lower rate of surgical site infection (SSI) on the 14th POD (AB group 4.8% (n = 1) vs. No-AB group 27.8% (n = 5), p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Wearing an AB did not have an impact on pain and seroma formation rate but it may reduce the rate of postoperative SSI within the first 14 days after surgery. Further trials are mandatory to confirm these findings.

Spigelian Hernia: A Clinical Case Report

Spigelian hernia, also known as lateral ventral hernia, is a type of hernia arising through the Spigelian aponeurosis. Unlike many other ventral hernias that occur beneath the layer of fat and abdominal skin, Spigelian hernia is situated within the abdominal wall muscles. Spigelian hernia often presents with few symptoms and may exist for a long time without being diagnosed or detected. We report a case of Spigelian hernia causing an intestinal obstruction treated with surgical emergency abdominal wall reconstruction using the sublay technique. Identification and evaluation of cases with the potential for hernia occurrence are crucial for the safety of patients undergoing surgery. Spigelian hernia accounts for 1%-2% of all ventral hernia cases. Currently, there are no reports on Spigelian hernia in Vietnam. However, a few reports on surgical management of Spigelian hernia have been published worldwide, with approaches including laparoscopic and open surgery, and these reports have indicated that abdominal wall reconstruction using the sublay technique is feasible as it is associated with fewer postoperative complications and shorter hospital stays. Here, we describe the case of an 87-year-old woman presenting with swelling and pain in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen. A preoperative diagnosis of Spigelian hernia causing intestinal obstruction was established, and we proceeded with abdominal wall reconstruction using the sublay technique. The patient was discharged three days after surgery without any postoperative complications.

Open vs. minimally invasive sublay incisional hernia repair. Is there a risk of overtreatment? EVEREG registry analysis

INTRODUCTION

Incisional hernia (IH) is a very common surgical procedure. Registries provide real world data. The objective is to analyze the open and minimally invasive (MIS) sublay technique (with or without associated components separation [CS]) in IH cases from the EVEREG registry and to evaluate the evolution over time of the techniques.

METHODS

All patients in EVEREG from July 2012 to December 2021 were included. The characteristics of the patients, IH, surgical technique, complications and mortality in the first 30 days were collected. We analyzed Group 1 (open sublay vs MIS sublay, without CS), Group 2 (open sublay vs MIS sublay, with CS) and Group 3 where the evolution of open and MIS techniques was evaluated over time.

RESULTS

4867 IH were repaired using a sublay technique. Group 1: 3739 (77%) open surgery, mostly midline hernias combined (P = .016) and 55 (1%) MIS, mostly lateral hernias (LH) (P = .000). Group 2: 1049 (21.5%) open surgery and 24 (0.5%) MIS. A meaningful difference (P = .006) was observed in terms of transverse diameters (5.9 (SD 2.1) cm for the MIS technique and 10.11 (SD 4.8) for the open technique). The LH MIS associated more CS (P = .002). There was an increase in the use of the sublay technique over time (with or without CS).

CONCLUSION

Increased use of the sublay technique (open and MIS) over time. For some type of hernia (LH) the MIS sublay technique with associated CS may have represented an overtreatment.

Endoscopic Anterior Component Separation and Transversus Abdominus Release are not Associated with Increased Wound Morbidity Following Retromuscular Incisional Hernia Repair

INTRODUCTION

Traditional anterior component separation during incisional hernia repair (IHR) is associated with a high rate of postoperative wound morbidity. Because extensive subcutaneous dissection is avoided by endoscopic anterior component separation (eACS) or open transversus abdominis release (TAR), we hypothesized that these techniques did not increase the incidence of surgical site occurrence (SSO) compared to IHR without component separation (CS).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This was a retrospective single-center cohort study of patients undergoing open retromuscular IHR comparing patients with or without the use of CS. Retromuscular mesh repair was performed in all patients, and CS was obtained by eACS or TAR. The primary outcome was 90-day incidence of postoperative SSO. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), 90-day readmission, 90-day reoperation rate and 3-year recurrence rate.

RESULTS

A total of 321 patients underwent retromuscular repair, 168 (52.3%) of whom received either eACS or TAR. The addition of eACS or TAR was associated neither with development of SSO (odds ratio: 1.80, 95% confidence interval: 0.94-3.46, P = 0.077) nor with hernia recurrence (hazard ratio 0.77, 0.26-2.34, P = 0.648). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the frequencies of 90-day readmission or 90-day reoperation.

CONCLUSION

eACS or TAR as adjuncts to open retromuscular IHR were not associated with increased wound morbidity or hernia recurrence.

Incisional hernia repair in rats: description of the sublay technique under videomagnification system

PURPOSE

To describe the technique of sublay correction of incisional hernia in Wistar rats under videomagnification system.

METHODS

Five male rats of the species Rattus norvegicus, of the Wistar lineage, with body weight between 250-350 g and 60 days old were used. Incisional hernia was inducted in all animals. After that, the incisional hernia was immediately corrected by the sublay method.

RESULTS

There were no cases of recurrence of the incisional hernia after placement of the polypropylene mesh using the sublay technique. No postoperative complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique is suitable for execution in Wistar rats.

Comparison of extended totally extra peritoneal (eTEP) vs intra peritoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair for management of primary and incisional hernia in terms of early outcomes and cost effectiveness-a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There are no randomized controlled trials comparing the eTEP with IPOM repair and this randomized study was designed to compare the two techniques in terms of early pain, cost effectiveness, and quality of life.

METHOD

This was a prospective randomized trial with intention to treat analysis. The primary outcome was immediate post-operative pain scores. Operative time, conversions, peri operative morbidity, hospital stay, return to daily activities, incremental cost effectiveness ratio and quality of life (WHO-QOL BREF) were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were randomized equally. Early post-operative pain scores and seroma rates were significantly lower and with a significantly earlier return to activity in eTEP group (p value < 0.05). With negative costs and positive effects, eTEP group was 2.4 times more cost effective.

CONCLUSION

eTEP repair is better in terms of lesser early post-operative pain, earlier return to activities and cost effectiveness in small and medium size defects.

Comparison of outcomes in rectus abdominis diastasis repair-which data do we need in a hernia registry?

INTRODUCTION

Rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD) ± concomitant hernia is a complex hernia entity of growing significance in everyday clinical practice. Due to a multitude of described surgical techniques, a so far missing universally accepted classification and hardly existing comparative studies, there are no clear recommendations in guidelines. Therefore, "RAD ± concomitant hernia" will be documented as a separate hernia entity in the Herniamed Registry in the future. For this purpose, an appropriate case report form will be developed on the basis of the existing literature.

METHODS

A systematic search of the available literature was performed in March 2021 using Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Embase, Springer Link, and the Cochrane Library. 93 publications were identified as relevant for this topic.

RESULTS

In total 45 different surgical techniques for the repair of RAD ± concomitant hernia were identified in the surgical literature. RAD ± concomitant hernia is predominantly repaired by plastic but also by general surgeons. Classification of RAD ± concomitant hernia is based on a proposal of the German Hernia Society and the International Endohernia Society. Surgical techniques are summarized as groups subject to certain aspects: Techniques with abdominoplasty, open techniques, mini-less-open and endoscopic sublay techniques, mini-less-open and endoscopic subcutaneous/preaponeurotic techniques and laparoscopic techniques. Additional data impacting the outcome are also recorded as is the case for other hernia entities. Despite the complexity of this topic, documentation of RAD ± concomitant hernia has not proved to be any more cumbersome than for any of the other hernia entities when using this classification.

CONCLUSION

Using the case report form described here, the complex hernia entity RAD ± concomitant hernia can be recorded in a registry for proper analysis of comparative treatment options.

Total endoscopic sublay mesh repair for umbilical hernias

Umbilical hernias constitute some of the most common surgical diseases addressed by surgeons. Endoscopic techniques have become standard of care together with the conventional open techniques for the treatment of umbilical hernias. Several different approaches were described to achieve laparoscopic sublay repair.We prospectively collected and reviewed the medical records of 10 patients with umbilical hernias underwent total endoscopic sublay repair (TES) at our institution from November 2017 to November 2019. All operations were performed by a same surgical team. The demographics, intraoperative details, and postoperative complications were evaluated.All TES procedures were successfully performed without conversion to an open operation. No intraoperative morbidity was encountered. The average operative time was 109.5 minutes (range, 80-140 minutes). All the patients resumed an oral diet within 6 hours after the intervention. The mean time to ambulation was 7.5 hours (range, 4-14 hours), and mean postoperative hospital stay was 2.2 day (range, 1-4 days). One patient developed postoperative seroma. No wound complications, chronic pain, or recurrence were registered during the follow-up.Initial experiences with this technique show that the TES is a safe, and effective procedure for the treatment of umbilical hernias.

A preliminary multicenter evaluation of endoscopic sublay repair for ventral hernia from China

Background

For ventral hernia, endoscopic sublay repair (ESR) may overcome the disadvantages of open sublay and laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair. This retrospective study presents the preliminary multicenter results of ESR from China. The feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of ESR were evaluated; its surgical points and indications were summarized.

Methods

The study reviewed 156 ventral hernia patients planned to perform with ESR in ten hospitals between March 2016 and July 2019. Patient demographics, hernia characteristics, operative variables, and surgical results were recorded and analyzed.

Results

ESR was performed successfully in 153 patients, 135 with totally extraperitoneal sublay (TES) and 18 with transabdominal sublay (TAS). In 19 patients, TES was performed with the total visceral sac separation (TVS) technique, in which the space separation is carried out along the peritoneum, avoiding damage to the aponeurotic structure. Endoscopic transversus abdominis release (eTAR) was required in 17.0% of patients, and only 18.3% of patients required permanent mesh fixation. The median operative time was 135 min. Most patients had mild pain and resume eating soon after operation. No severe intraoperative complications occurred. Bleeding in the extraperitoneal space occurred in two patients and was stopped by nonsurgical treatment. Seroma and chronic pain were observed in 5.23 and 3.07% of patients. One recurrence occurred after TAS repair for an umbilical hernia.

Conclusion

ESR is feasible, safe, and effective for treating ventral hernias when surgeons get the relevant surgical skills, such as the technique of “partition breaking,” TVS, and eTAR. Small-to-medium ventral hernias are the major indications.

An Evaluation of Tension Measurements During Myofascial Release for Hernia Repair

Tension-free repairs have revolutionized the way we repair hernias. To help reduce undue tension when performing ventral hernia repair, multiple different techniques of myofascial releases have been described. The purpose of this project is to evaluate tension measurements for commonly performed myofascial releases in abdominal wall hernia repair. Patients undergoing myofascial release techniques for their ventral hernias were enrolled in a prospective Institutional Review Board-approved protocol to measure abdominal wall tension from June 1, 2011 to August 1, 2019. Abdominal wall tensions were measured using tensiometers before and after myofascial release techniques. Descriptive statistics were performed and data were analyzed. Thirty patients had tension measurements (5 anterior myofascial separation, 25 posterior myofascial separation with transversus abdominis release [TAR]). Average age was 60.1 years (range 29-81), 83% Caucasian, 53% female, and 42% recurrent hernias. The average hernia defect in patients undergoing anterior myofascial release was 117.3 cm2, and the average mesh size was 650 cm2. The reduction in tension after anterior release was 4.7 lbs (2.7 lbs vs 7.4 lbs). The average hernia defect in patients undergoing posterior myofascial release (TAR) was 183 cm2, and the average mesh size was 761.36 cm2. The reduction in tension after bilateral posterior rectus sheath incision was 2.55 lbs (5.01 lbs vs 7.56 lbs) with 0.66 lbs further reduction in tension after TAR (4.35 lbs vs 5.01). In this evaluation, abdominal wall tension measurements are shown to be a feasible adjunct during open hernia repair. Preliminary data show tension reductions associated with the different myofascial release techniques and, with further study, may be a useful intraoperative adjunct for decision making in hernia repair.

Retromuscular Mesh Repair Using Extended Totally Extraperitoneal Repair Minimal Access: Early Outcomes of an Evolving Technique-A Single Institution Experience

Background: Enhanced-view extended totally extraperitoneal repair (eTEP) technique for laparoscopic retromuscular ventral hernia (VHR) repair is a novel application recently described by some authors. We present our early single institution experience on this technique. Methods: Retrospective review of the eTEP technique for laparoscopic retromuscular VHR repair cases at our institution from October 2018 to June 2019 with 1 month follow-up was evaluated. Data analyses include patients characteristics, operative details, and complications. Results: A total of 18 patients were treated with eTEP. One patient was reoperated using the same procedure and hospital stay was 6 days. The same patient who had undergone transversus abdominis release developed a seroma that could be observed 20 days after surgery. Conclusion: Our short-term experience with eTEP access suggests feasibility of this approach in accordance with results from other authors. We do not think the technique is challenging, but it is necessary for it to be performed by surgeons with skills in laparoscopic abdominal wall reconstruction.