Umbilical hernia in patients with liver cirrhosis: A surgical challenge

Spontaneous bowel evisceration through umbilical hernia in an adult non-cirrhotic patient

Few cases of spontaneous bowel evisceration (SBE) through umbilical hernias (UHs) in adult patients have been reported in the literature. Interestingly, the spontaneous rupture of the hernia sac is a rare complication usually seen in adult cirrhotic patients with persistent ascites or in patients with congenital wall defects. A man in his early 50s was admitted to our emergency department with SBE through a long-standing acquired UH. He was not clinically cirrhotic, although being HCV positive. Surgeons performed an urgent laparotomy with ileal resection, latero-lateral ileal anastomosis and direct hernioplasty without mesh. Given the rarity of this presentation, we reported it and reviewed the available literature on this subject. Elective hernioplasty is currently suggested to lower the risk of complications. Mesh placement should be preferred, but only if comorbidities and infectious risks do not contraindicate its use. In emergency situations, a direct hernia repair is preferred.

The impact of urgency of umbilical hernia repair on adverse outcomes in patients with cirrhosis: a population-based cohort study from England

INTRODUCTION

Umbilical hernia is common in patients with cirrhosis; however, there is a paucity of dedicated studies on postoperative outcomes in this group of patients. This population-based cohort study aimed to determine the outcomes after emergency and elective umbilical hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

Two linked electronic healthcare databases from England were used to identify all patients undergoing umbilical hernia repair between January 2000 and December 2017. Patients were grouped into those with and without cirrhosis and stratified by severity into compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. Length of stay, readmission, 90-day case fatality rate and the odds ratio of 90-day postoperative mortality were defined using logistic regression.

RESULTS

In total, 22,163 patients who underwent an umbilical hernia repair were included and 297 (1.34%) had cirrhosis. More patients without cirrhosis had an elective procedure, 86% compared with 51% of those with cirrhosis (P < 0.001). In both the elective and emergency settings, patients with cirrhosis had longer hospital length of stay (elective: 0 vs 1 day, emergency: 2 vs 4 days, P < 0.0001) and higher readmission rates (elective: 4.87% vs 11.33%, emergency:11.39% vs 29.25%, P < 0.0001) than those without cirrhosis. The 90-day case fatality rates were 2% and 0.16% in the elective setting, and 19% and 2.96% in the emergency setting in patients with and without cirrhosis respectively.

CONCLUSION

Emergency umbilical hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis is associated with poorer outcomes in terms of length of stay, readmissions and mortality at 90 days.

Predictive value of hematological parameters in cirrhotic patients with open umbilical hernia repair

PURPOSE

Patients with liver cirrhosis sometimes suffer from high recurrence rates and postoperative complications. We previously reported that platelet-related hematological parameters are associated with the outcomes after incisional herniorrhaphy, and aim to evaluate the predictive value of these criteria in cirrhotic patients undergoing open umbilical herniorrhaphy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study. The data of 95 cirrhotic patients undergoing open umbilical herniorrhaphy were analyzed. Patients were grouped based on the recurrence and defined hematological values. Platelet-multiple-lymphocyte index (PLM), neutrophil-leukocyte ratio, lymphocyte-monocyte ratio, platelet-neutrophil ratio, systemic immune-inflammation index, and aspartate aminotransferase-leukocyte ratio values were calculated based on preoperative blood analyses. The outcomes were obtained from hospital records and follow-up calls to patients.

RESULTS

Using cutoff values acquired by the Youden Index, we found a PLM value < 27.9, and the history of inguinal herniorrhaphy were revealed to be statistically significant in the recurrence based on univariant and multivariant analyses (p < 0.05). We further divided patients into two groups based on the cutoff value of PLM and found that a PLM value < 27.9 was significantly associated with the recurrence of incisional hernias (p = 0.018) and the occurrence of postoperative foreign sensation (p = 0.044), and tended to result in other postoperative complications such as cardiopathy, respiratory infection, hypoproteinemia, and hepatic diseases (p = 0.089).

CONCLUSION

The preoperative hematological values, especially PLM, may indicate the outcomes in cirrhotic patients after open umbilical herniorrhaphy. Accurate identification of risks may alert the intraoperative and postoperative care for patients.

Leaking Umbilical Hernias in Cirrhotic Patients, Repair or Observe?

BACKGROUND

Umbilical hernias (UHs) in cirrhotic patients are common, can be quite complicated and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Leakage of ascites is a challenging entity and poses significant risks.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of patients with cirrhosis and UHs with ascitic leakage. Patients were divided into two groups: patients managed operatively during index admission (Group 1) and those managed non-surgically during index admission (Group 2). Group 2 was further divided into those that subsequently underwent repair of UH and those managed medically.

RESULTS

Of 47 cirrhotic patients with leaking UHs, 19 patients were managed surgically during index admission (Group 1). In Group 2, 15 patients were managed non-surgically and 13 subsequently underwent surgery. The groups had comparable demographics, MELD-Na and Child-Pugh class. Group 2 had a higher rate of emergency surgery (92% vs 58%, P = .04) and higher rate of recurrence (31 vs. 0%, P = .02). The non-surgical patients in Group 2 had higher 1-year mortality (67%) compared to Group 1 (21%) and surgical patients in Group 2 (31%, P = .007). Multi-variable logistic regression for 1-year mortality demonstrated MELD-Na as the most significant risk factor (OR = 1.2, P = .05) and undergoing UH repair as the most significant protective factor (OR = .16, P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Cirrhotic patients with leaking UHs should undergo urgent repair. Non-operative management confers high risk of continued or increased ascitic leakage necessitating more emergent surgery. Despite high rate of post-operative complications related to cirrhosis, there is a clear mortality benefit to the repair of leaking UHs in cirrhotic patients.

Umbilical Hernia Repair in Patients with Cirrhosis and in Patients with Severe Comorbidities-A Nationwide Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Umbilical hernia is a frequent condition in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risks associated with umbilical hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis in the elective and emergency setting. Secondly, to compare patients with cirrhosis with a population of patients with equally severe comorbidities but without cirrhosis.

METHODS

Patients with cirrhosis who underwent umbilical hernia repair from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2018, were included from the Danish Hernia Database. A control group of patients with a similar Charlson score (≥ 3) without cirrhosis was generated using propensity score matching. The primary outcome was postoperative re-intervention within 30 days following hernia repair. Secondary outcomes were mortality within 90 days and readmission within 30 days following hernia repair.

RESULTS

A total of 252 patients with cirrhosis and 504 controls were included. Emergency repair in patients with cirrhosis was associated with a significantly increased rate of re-intervention (54/108 (50%) vs. 24/144 (16.7%), P < 0.001), 30-day readmission rate (50/108 (46.3%) compared with elective repair vs. 36/144 (25%) (P < 0.0001)), and 90-day mortality (18/108 (16.7%) vs. 5/144 (3.5%), P < 0.001). Patients with cirrhosis were more likely to undergo a postoperative re-intervention compared with comorbid patients without cirrhosis (OR = 2.10; 95% CI [1.45-3.03]).

CONCLUSION

Patients with cirrhosis and other severe comorbidity undergo emergency umbilical hernia repair frequently. Emergency repair is associated with increased risk of poor outcome. Patients with cirrhosis undergo a postoperative reintervention more frequently than patients with other severe comorbidity undergoing umbilical hernia repair.

Après Moi, Le Deluge: The identification and management of flood syndrome in the emergency department

Umbilical hernias develop in approximately 20% of patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites. Flood Syndrome is an eponym describing the spontaneous rupture of these umbilical hernias due to the elevated intrabdominal pressure associated with large-volume ascites. Though rare, Flood Syndrome is associated with several life-threatening sequela including infection, organ failure, and hypovolemic shock, leading to mortality or transplant in over 30% of patients. The following case is a single patient encounter describing an 80-year-old female with long-standing ascites who presented to the Emergency Department shortly after experiencing a spontaneous extravasation of fluid from her umbilical hernia.

Gangrene of the Colon Ascendens, Colon Transversum, and Lienal Flexure in a Massive Strangulated Umbilical Hernia

This case describes an 80-year-old obese woman who presented with a giant, incarcerated umbilical hernia. The hernia was present for over 15 years, continuously increasing in size. The only symptom was the pain which lasted about two hours before arrival at the hospital. In an emergency laparotomy, gangrenous colon ascendens, transversum, and lienal flexure have been found. A subtotal colectomy with the creation of terminal ileostomy without hernia repair has been done. The recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. After one month, the reconstruction of the digestive continuity with an L-L ileo-descendo anastomosis followed. The patient decided against the hernia repair.

Risk factors for decompensation and death following umbilical hernia repair in patients with end-stage liver disease

INTRODUCTION

Symptomatic umbilical hernias are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease (ESLD). This study set out to characterise the factors predicting outcome following repair of symptomatic umbilical hernias in ESLD at a single institution.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all patients with ESLD who underwent repair of a symptomatic umbilical hernia between 1998 and 2020. Overall survival was predicted using the Kaplan-Meier method. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of decompensation and 30-day, 90-day and 1-year mortality.

RESULTS

One-hundred-and-eight patients with ESLD underwent umbilical hernia repair (emergency n = 78, 72.2%). Transjugular shunting was performed in 29 patients (26.9%). Decompensation occurred in 44 patients (40.7%) and was predicted by emergency surgery (OR, 13.29; P = 0.001). Length of stay was shorter in elective patients compared to emergency patients (3-days vs. 7-days; P = 0.003). Thirty-day, 90-day and 1-year survival was 95.2, 93.2 and 85.4%, respectively. Model for ESLD score >15 predicted 90-day mortality (OR, 18.48; P = 0.030) and hyponatraemia predicted 1-year mortality (OR, 5.31; P = 0.047). Transjugular shunting predicted survival at 1 year (OR, 0.15; P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Repair of symptomatic umbilical hernias in patients with ESLD can be undertaken with acceptable outcomes in a specialist centre, however, this remains a high-risk intervention. Patients undergoing emergency repair are more likely to decompensate postoperatively, develop wound-related problems and have a longer length of stay. Transjugular shunting may confer a benefit to survival, but further prospective trials are warranted.

Risk factors for adverse outcomes in emergency versus nonemergency open umbilical hernia repair and opportunities for elective repair in a national cohort of patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Whether to perform umbilical hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis is a common dilemma for surgeons. We aimed to determine the incidence, morbidity, and mortality associated with emergency and nonemergency umbilical hernia repair in patients with and without cirrhosis, and to explore opportunities for nonemergency repair.

METHODS

Veterans diagnosed with cirrhosis between 2001 and 2014 and a frequency-matched sample of veterans without cirrhosis were followed through September 2017. Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program data provided outcomes and risk factors for mortality after umbilical hernia repair. We performed chart review of a random sample of patients undergoing emergency umbilical hernia repair.

RESULTS

Among 119,605 veterans with cirrhosis and 118,125 matched veterans without cirrhosis, the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program database included 1,475 and 552 open umbilical hernia repairs, respectively. In patients with cirrhosis, 30-day mortality was 1.2% after nonemergency umbilical hernia repair and 12.2% after emergency umbilical hernia repair, contrasting with zero deaths in patients without cirrhosis undergoing these repairs. In patients with cirrhosis but no ascites in the prior month, 30-day mortality after nonemergency umbilical hernia repair was 0.7%, compared to 2.2% in those with ascites. Chart review of patients requiring emergency umbilical hernia repair revealed that elective umbilical hernia repair may have been feasible in 30% of these patients in the prior year; fewer than half of those undergoing emergency umbilical hernia repair had received a general surgery consultation in the prior 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonemergency open umbilical hernia repair was associated with relatively low perioperative mortality in patients with cirrhosis and no recent ascites. About 30% of patients undergoing emergency umbilical hernia repair may have been candidates for nonemergency repair in the prior year.

Defining a Body Mass Index Threshold for Preventing Recurrence in Ventral Hernia Repairs

INTRODUCTION

Body mass index (BMI) has been established as an independent risk factor for complications after abdominal hernia repairs. While various thresholds have been proposed, there is no consensus for an ideal BMI for elective hernia repair.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the BMI threshold at which risk for hernia recurrence is significantly increased in patients undergoing ventral and incisional hernia repair.

METHODS

This retrospective review of medical records included patients who underwent ventral or incisional hernia repairs from 2014 to 2020 at a single institution. Patients with hernia defects ≥4 cm were included. The primary outcome measure was hernia recurrence. Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was used to determine the BMI threshold for recurrence. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to validate the threshold and to evaluate factors associated with recurrence.

RESULTS

Of the 175 patients included, 9.1% had a recurrence. Classification and Regression Tree analysis identified BMI 35.3 kg/m² as the critical threshold for hernia recurrence. In bivariate analysis, compared to patients who had no recurrence, patients with recurrence were more likely to have cirrhosis (12.5% vs 0%, P = .008), incarcerated hernias (75.0% vs 31.4%, P = .001), urgent surgery (75.0% vs 22.0%, P = <.001), biologic and no mesh use (25.0% vs 6.4% and 12.5% vs 5.7%, P = .012), and BMI >35.3 kg/m² (75.0% vs 25.8%, P < .001). In multivariate regression, only BMI >35.3 kg/m² was associated with recurrence [OR: 20.58 (95% CI: 2.17-194.87), P = .008].

CONCLUSION

Body mass index >35.3 kg/m² was the only independent factor associated with hernia recurrence. This highlights the importance of determining a BMI threshold for patients undergoing ventral or incisional hernia repair.

Umbilical hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis: who, when and how to treat

PURPOSE

Hernia management in patients with cirrhosis is a challenging problem, where indication, timing and type of surgery have been a subject of debate. Given the high risk of morbidity and mortality following surgery, together with increased risk of recurrence, a wait and see approach was often advocated in the past.

METHODS

The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of crucial elements in the treatment of patients with cirrhosis and umbilical hernia.

RESULTS

Perioperative ascites control is regarded as the major factor in timing of hernia repair and is considered the most important factor governing outcome. This can be accomplished by either medical treatment, ascites drainage prior to surgery or reduction of portal hypertension by means of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). The high incidence of perioperative complications and inferior outcomes of emergency surgery strongly favor elective surgery, instead of a "wait and see" approach, allowing for adequate patient selection, scheduled timing of elective surgery and dedicated perioperative care. The Child-Pugh-Turcotte and MELD score remain strong prognostic parameters and furthermore aid in identifying patients who fulfill criteria for liver transplantation. Such patients should be evaluated for early listing as potential candidates for transplantation and simultaneous hernia repair, especially in case of umbilical vein recanalization and uncontrolled refractory preoperative ascites. Considering surgical techniques, low-quality evidence suggests mesh implantation might reduce hernia recurrence without dramatically increasing morbidity, at least in elective circumstances.

CONCLUSION

Preventing emergency surgery and optimizing perioperative care are crucial factors in reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with umbilical hernia and cirrhosis.

Umbilical hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis: systematic review of mortality and complications

BACKGROUND

Umbilical hernia is a common and potential serious condition in patients with cirrhosis. This systematic review evaluated the risks associated with emergency and elective hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

Systematic review of clinical trials identified through manual and electronic searches in several databases (last update November 2021). The primary random-effects meta-analyses evaluated mortality in patients with or without cirrhosis or following emergency versus elective repair. The quality of the evidence was assessed using GRADE and Newcastle Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Thirteen prospective and 10 retrospective studies including a total of 3229 patients were included. The evidence was graded as very low quality for all outcomes (mortality and postoperative complications within 90 days). In total 191 patients (6%) died after undergoing umbilical hernia repair. Patients with cirrhosis were more than eight times as likely to die after surgery compared with patients without cirrhosis [OR = 8.50, 95% CI (1.91-37.86)] corresponding to 69 more deaths/1000 patients. Among patients with cirrhosis, mortality was higher after emergency versus elective repair [OR = 2.67, 95% CI (1.87-3.97)] corresponding to 52 more deaths/1000 patients. Postoperative complications were more common in patients with cirrhosis compared with patients without cirrhosis.

CONCLUSION

Patients with cirrhosis undergoing emergency umbilical hernia repair have a considerably increased risk of death and severe complications. Accordingly, additional evidence is needed to evaluate methods that would allow elective umbilical hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis.

Risk of hernia-related complications after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation in patients with pre-existing ventral abdominal hernias: 15-year experience at a quaternary medical center

Objective

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement is used to treat the sequelae of portal hypertension, including refractory variceal bleeding, ascites and hepatic hydrothorax. However, hernia-related complications such as incarceration and small bowel obstruction can occur after TIPS placement in patients with pre-existing hernias. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of hernia complications in the first year after TIPS placement and to identify patient characteristics leading to an increased risk of these complications.

Design

This retrospective analysis included patients with pre-existing abdominal hernias who underwent primary TIPS placement with covered stents at our institution between 2004 and 2018. The 1-year hernia complication rate and the average time to complications were documented. Using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test, the characteristics of patients who developed hernia-related complications versus the characteristics of those without complications were compared.

Results

A total of 167 patients with pre-existing asymptomatic abdominal hernias were included in the analysis. The most common reason for TIPS placement was refractory ascites (80.6%). A total of 36 patients (21.6%) developed hernia-related complications after TIPS placement, including 20 patients with acute complications and 16 with non-acute complications. The mean time to presentation of hernia-related complications was 66 days. Patients who developed hernia-related complications were more likely than those without complications to have liver cirrhosis secondary to alcohol consumption (p=0.049), although this association was no longer significant after multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Within 1 year after TIPS placement, approximately 20% of patients with pre-existing hernias develop hernia-related complications, typically within the first 2 months after the procedure. Patients with pre-existing hernia undergoing TIPS placement should be educated regarding the signs and symptoms of hernia-related complications, including incarceration and small bowel obstruction.

Risk factors of incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery with periumbilical minilaparotomy incision: a propensity score matching analysis

Purpose

Incisional hernia is one of the most common complications after abdominal surgery conducted through a midline incision. Considerable debate remains regarding the design, comorbidity, suture material, and method. We investigated the risk factors for incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery in the presence of limited surgery-related factors.

Methods

A retrospective study was designed with 541 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery performed by a single operator from January 2015 to December 2017. Due to open conversions, other abdominal operations, or follow-up loss, only 445 patients were included in the study. After propensity score matching, 266 patients were included. The study was based on diagnosis of incisional hernia on computed tomography at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

Of the 266 total patients, 133 underwent abdominal closure using PDS (Ethicon), while the remaining 133 underwent closure with Vicryl (Ethicon). Of these patients, nine were diagnosed with incisional hernia at the 12-month follow-up six (4.5%) in the Vicryl group and three (2.3%) in the PDS group (p = 0.309). The incidence of incisional hernia was significantly increased in females (odds ratio [OR], 15.233; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.905–121.799; p = 0.010), in patients with body mass index (BMI) of >25 kg/m² (OR, 4.740; 95% CI, 1.424–15.546; p = 0.011), and in patients with liver disease (OR, 19.899; 95% CI, 1.614–245.376; p = 0.020).

Conclusion

BMI of >25 kg/m², female, and liver disease were significant risk factors for incisional hernia after elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery performed through a transumbilical minilaparotomy incision.

Perioperative Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Is Associated With Decreased Postoperative Complications in Decompensated Cirrhotics Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

BACKGROUND

Operative risk in patients with cirrhosis is related to the severity of liver disease and nature of procedure. Pre and postoperative portal decompression via transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) are logical approaches to facilitate surgery and improve postoperative outcomes. We compared postoperative outcomes of decompensated cirrhotics undergoing abdominal surgery either with or without perioperative TIPS placement.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 41 decompensated cirrhotic patients who had abdominal surgery from 2010-2019 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Patients were stratified based on having received either perioperative TIPS or no TIPS. Demographics, laboratory data, perioperative TIPS status and postoperative complications were compared between the 2 groups using Fisher exact test and Student 2 sample t-test.

RESULTS

Group 1 consisted of 28 patients who had TIPS procedure, with 21 being preoperative and 7 being postoperative. Group 2 had 13 patients who had abdominal surgery without TIPS. When compared to those with perioperative TIPS, patients without TIPS had a significantly increased incidence of postoperative ascites (33% vs 77%, P = .0026), infection (18% vs 54%, P = .028), and acute kidney injury (AKI) (14% vs 46%, P = .0485). Additionally, postoperative Model of End Stage Liver Disease Sodium score was significantly higher in patients without TIPS (22 ± 4.74) when compared to those who had TIPS (17.14 ± 5.48) (P = .009).

DISCUSSION

Perioperative TIPS placement in decompensated cirrhotics was associated with decreased postoperative ascites, infection, and AKI when compared to those without TIPS. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.

OUP accepted manuscript

Flood syndrome is a very rare complication that can be found in patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis with concurrent ventral hernias. If the hernia ruptures, ascites can begin to leak uncontrollably from the opening which can become a nidus for infection if left untreated. This scenario is known as Flood syndrome, which was first described by Frank Flood in 1961. Flood syndrome is very difficult to manage for physicians as these patients are poor candidates for surgery but the ascitic leak will continue without surgical intervention. Currently, there is no standard of care for Flood syndrome. As such, physicians must rely on case reports to help guide their treatment plan. Our case report highlights the case of a 66-year-old cirrhotic patient with an ascitic leak from a ruptured umbilical hernia with discussion of both medical and surgical approaches to managing this very rare syndrome.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Postoperative Mortality and Morbidity After Elective Versus Emergent Abdominal Surgery in a National Sample of 8193 Patients With Cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE

To describe the incidence and risk factors for mortality and morbidity in patients with cirrhosis undergoing elective or emergent abdominal surgeries.

BACKGROUND

Postoperative morbidity and mortality are higher in patients with cirrhosis; variation by surgical procedure type and cirrhosis severity remain unclear.

METHODS

We analyzed prospectively-collected data from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Surgical Quality Improvement Program for 8193 patients with cirrhosis, 864 noncirrhotic controls with chronic hepatitis B infection, and 5468 noncirrhotic controls without chronic liver disease, who underwent abdominal surgery from 2001 to 2017. Data were analyzed using random-effects models controlling for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Patients with cirrhosis had significantly higher 30-day mortality than noncirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis B [4.4% vs 1.3%, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57-4.98] or with no chronic liver disease (0.8%, aOR 4.68, 95% CI 3.27-6.69); mortality difference was highest in patients with Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score ≥10. Among patients with cirrhosis, postoperative mortality was almost 6 times higher after emergent rather than elective surgery (17.2% vs. 2.1%, aOR 5.82, 95% CI 4.66-7.27). For elective surgeries, 30-day mortality was highest after colorectal resection (7.0%) and lowest after inguinal hernia repair (0.6%). Predictors of postoperative mortality included cirrhosis-related characteristics (high MELD score, low serum albumin, ascites, encephalopathy), surgery-related characteristics (emergent vs elective, type of surgery, intraoperative blood transfusion), comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, sepsis, ventilator dependence, functional status), and age.

CONCLUSIONS

Accurate preoperative risk assessments in patients with cirrhosis should account for cirrhosis severity, comorbidities, type of procedure, and whether the procedure is emergent versus elective.

Management of Flood syndrome: What can we do better?

Approximately 20% of cirrhotic patients with ascites develop umbilical herniation. These patients usually suffer from multisystemic complications of cirrhosis, have a significantly higher risk of infection, and require accurate surveillance– especially in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The rupture of an umbilical hernia, is an uncommon, life-threatening complication of large-volume ascites and end-stage liver disease resulting in spontaneous paracentesis, also known as Flood syndrome. Flood syndrome remains a challenging condition for clinicians, as recommendations for its management are lacking, and the available evidence for the best treatment approach remains controversial. In this paper, four key questions are addressed regarding the management and prevention of Flood syndrome: (1) Which is the best treatment approach–conservative treatment or urgent surgery? (2) How can we establish the individual risk for herniation and possible hernia rupture in cirrhotic patients? (3) How can we prevent umbilical hernia ruptures? And (4) How can we manage these patients in the conditions created by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic?

Guidelines on the management of ascites in cirrhosis

The British Society of Gastroenterology in collaboration with British Association for the Study of the Liver has prepared this document. The aim of this guideline is to review and summarise the evidence that guides clinical diagnosis and management of ascites in patients with cirrhosis. Substantial advances have been made in this area since the publication of the last guideline in 2007. These guidelines are based on a comprehensive literature search and comprise systematic reviews in the key areas, including the diagnostic tests, diuretic use, therapeutic paracentesis, use of albumin, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and beta-blockers in patients with ascites. Where recent systematic reviews and meta-analysis are available, these have been updated with additional studies. In addition, the results of prospective and retrospective studies, evidence obtained from expert committee reports and, in some instances, reports from case series have been included. Where possible, judgement has been made on the quality of information used to generate the guidelines and the specific recommendations have been made according to the 'Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)' system. These guidelines are intended to inform practising clinicians, and it is expected that these guidelines will be revised in 3 years' time.

Umbilical Hernia Repair in Cirrhotic Patients With Ascites: A Systemic Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Umbilical hernia is a common abdominal complication in cirrhotic patients. The incidence of umbilical hernias can be up to 20% in the presence of ascites. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal management of umbilical hernias in cirrhotic patients. The purpose of this study is to review the management of umbilical hernias in cirrhotic patients with ascites.

METHODS

A search of the available literature in English since 1980 was performed using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and a search of relevant journals and reference lists. The search terms included "umbilical hernia," "ascites," "cirrhosis," and any derivatives of these terms, and the literature search identified all the relevant publications.

RESULTS

Thirty-three relevant articles published in the language of English were identified. Fourteen studies involved the management of refractory ascites in cirrhotic patients. Twenty-four studies included cirrhotic patients receiving elective or emergency surgery. Because of much lower morbidity and mortality in elective surgery than in emergency surgery, many authors advocated early elective repair of uncomplicated umbilical hernias in cirrhotic patients. Of these, 2 studies described laparoscopic umbilical hernioplasty, with a significant lower morbidity and hernia recurrence than open repair. Fifteen studies described the use of prosthetic mesh umbilical hernia repair in cirrhotic patients, which was associated with minimal wound-related morbidity and markedly lower recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that early elective repair of uncomplicated umbilical hernias is recommended in cirrhotic patients with tolerable hepatic functional reserve or when the expected time for liver transplantation is >3 months. Umbilical hernias are supposed to be corrected in the process of liver transplantation, provided that patients could have a better prospect to be transplanted within 3 months. Control of ascites is a crucial part to successful outcomes of umbilical hernia repair. Large volume paracentesis, concomitant peritoneovenous shunting with herniorrhaphy and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting can be applied to control refractory ascites. Emergency repair of umbilical hernias is indicated in cirrhotic patients with ascites when complications develop.

Conservative treatment versus elective repair of umbilical hernia in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites: results of a randomized controlled trial (CRUCIAL trial)

Purpose

To establish optimal management of patients with an umbilical hernia complicated by liver cirrhosis and ascites.

Methods

Patients with an umbilical hernia and liver cirrhosis and ascites were randomly assigned to receive either elective repair or conservative treatment. The primary endpoint was overall morbidity related to the umbilical hernia or its treatment after 24 months of follow-up. Secondary endpoints included the severity of these hernia-related complications, quality of life, and cumulative hernia recurrence rate.

Results

Thirty-four patients were included in the study. Sixteen patients were randomly assigned to elective repair and 18 to conservative treatment. After 24 months, 8 patients (50%) assigned to elective repair compared to 14 patients (77.8%) assigned to conservative treatment had a complication related to the umbilical hernia or its repair. A recurrent hernia was reported in 16.7% of patients who underwent repair. For the secondary endpoint, quality of life through the physical (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) showed no significant differences between groups at 12 months of follow-up (mean difference PCS 11.95, 95% CI − 0.87 to 24.77; MCS 10.04, 95% CI − 2.78 to 22.86).

Conclusion

This trial could not show a relevant difference in overall morbidity after 24 months of follow-up in favor of elective umbilical hernia repair, because of the limited number of patients included. However, elective repair of umbilical hernia in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites appears feasible, nudging its implementation into daily practice further, particularly for patients experiencing complaints.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01421550, on 23 August 2011.

Fix it while you can … Mortality after umbilical hernia repair in cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND

We hypothesize that patients with compensated cirrhosis undergoing elective UHR have an improved mortality compared to those undergoing emergent UHR.

METHOD

The NIS was queried for patients undergoing UHR by CPT code, and ICD-10 codes were used to define separate patient categories of non-cirrhosis (NC), compensated cirrhosis (CC) and decompensated cirrhosis (DC).

RESULTS

A total of 32,526 patients underwent UHR, 97% no cirrhosis, 1.1% compensated cirrhosis, 1.7% decompensated cirrhosis. On logistic regression, cirrhosis was found to be independently associated with mortality (OR 2.841, CI 2.14-3.77). On subset analysis of only cirrhosis patients, elective repair was found to be protective from mortality (OR 0.361, CI 0.15-0.87, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective review, cirrhosis as well as emergent UHR in cirrhotic patients were independently associated with mortality. More specifically, electively (rather than emergently) repairing an umbilical hernia in cirrhotic patients was independently associated with a 64% reduction in mortality.

Refractory Chylous Ascites with Chylothorax and an Umbilical Hernia in a Patient Ineligible for a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt

BACKGROUND Chylous ascites is a rare condition, which is defined by accumulation of a milky fluid due to high triglyceride levels. It is most commonly secondary to malignancy, liver cirrhosis, infection, and tuberculosis. CASE REPORT A 21-year-old woman from rural Indonesia, came to the hospital with chronic dyspnea and a history of repeated paracentesis. Six years ago, she was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B. For the past 2 years, she had complaints of progressive dyspnea and increased abdominal swelling. On examination, there was dullness on chest percussion and decreased breath sounds. Shifting dullness was positive on abdominal examination. Paracentesis and thoracentesis were performed and showed high triglyceride levels. She underwent an abdominal computed tomography scan and was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, complicated with chylous ascites and chylothorax. Repeated paracentesis was performed as a therapeutic approach; she had strict diet guidelines, and was prescribed octreotide, furosemide, spironolactone, and albumin. Despite this treatment, two years later, she developed an umbilical hernia complicated with ulceration. Hernia repair was not possible due to her comorbidities. She was indicated for a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for the refractory chylous ascites. However, this could not be performed as the patient could not afford this expensive procedure, which was not covered by insurance. CONCLUSIONS Management of refractory chylous ascites is challenging, especially in underdeveloped countries due to socioeconomic problems and limited health care facilities. Although TIPS is indicated in refractory chylous ascites, repeated paracentesis can be useful as an alternative method.

Laparoscopic major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma in elderly patients: a multicentric propensity score‑based analysis

BACKGROUND

Considering the increase in overall life expectancy and the rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), more elderly patients are considered for hepatic resection. Traditionally, major hepatectomy has not been proposed to the elderly due to severe comorbidities. Indeed, only a few case series are reported in the literature. The present study aimed to compare short-term and long-term outcomes between laparoscopic major hepatectomy (LMH) and open major hepatectomy (OMH) in elderly patients with HCC using propensity score matching (PSM).

METHODS

We performed a multicentric retrospective study including 184 consecutive cases of HCC major liver resection in patients aged ≥ 70 years in _8 European Hospital Centers. Patients were divided into LMH and OMH groups, and perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, 122 patients were enrolled, 38 in the LMH group and 84 in the OMH group. Postoperative overall complications were lower in the LMH than in the OMH group (18 vs. 46%, p < 0.001). Hospital stay was shorter in the LMH group than in the OMH group (5 vs. 7 days, p = 0.01). Mortality at 90 days was comparable between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 1, 3, and 5 years.

CONCLUSION

LMH for HCC is associated with appropriate short-term outcomes in patients aged ≥ 70 years as compared to OMH. LMH is safe and feasible in elderly patients with HCC.

EHS and AHS guidelines for treatment of primary ventral hernias in rare locations or special circumstances

Background

Rare locations of hernias, as well as primary ventral hernias under certain circumstances (cirrhosis, dialysis, rectus diastasis, subsequent pregnancy), might be technically challenging. The aim was to identify situations where the treatment strategy might deviate from routine management.

Methods

The guideline group consisted of surgeons from the European and Americas Hernia Societies. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used in formulating the recommendations. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) critical appraisal checklists were used to evaluate the quality of full‐text papers. A systematic literature search was performed on 1 May 2018 and updated 1 February 2019. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) instrument was followed.

Results

Literature was limited in quantity and quality. A majority of the recommendations were graded as weak, based on low quality of evidence. In patients with cirrhosis or on dialysis, a preperitoneal mesh repair is suggested. Subsequent pregnancy is a risk factor for recurrence. Repair should be postponed until after the last pregnancy. For patients with a concomitant rectus diastasis or those with a Spigelian or lumbar hernia, no recommendation could be made for treatment strategy owing to lack of evidence.

Conclusion

This is the first European and American guideline on the treatment of umbilical and epigastric hernias in patients with special conditions, including Spigelian and lumbar hernias. All recommendations were weak owing to a lack of evidence. Further studies are needed on patients with rectus diastasis, Spigelian and lumbar hernias.

Abdominal hernias in cirrhotic patients: Surgery or conservative treatment? Results of a prospective cohort study in a high volume center: Cohort study

Background

Surgical treatment of abdominal hernias in cirrhotics is often delayed due to the higher morbidity and mortality associated with the underlying liver disease. Some patients are followed conservatively and only operated on when complications occur (“wait and see” approach). The aim of this study is to compare outcomes of cirrhotic patients undergoing conservative non-operative care or elective hernia repair.

Methods

A prospective observational study including 246 cirrhotic patients with abdominal hernia was carried out. Patients were given the option to select their treatment: elective hernia repair or conservative non-operative care. Demographics, characteristics of underlying liver disease, type of hernia, complications and mortality were analyzed. During follow-up of patients who opted for the “wait and see” approach, emergency hernia repair was performed in case of hernia complications.

Results

Elective hernia repair was performed in 57 patients and 189 patients were kept in conservative care, of which 43 (22.7%) developed complications that required emergency hernia repair. Elective surgery provided better five-years survival than conservative care (80% vs. 62%; p = 0.012). Multivariate analysis identified multiples hernias [Hazards Ratio (HR):6.7, p < 0.001] and clinical follow-up group (HR 3.62, p = 0.005) as risk factors for mortality. Among patients undergoing surgical treatment, multivariate analysis revealed MELD>11 (HR 7.8; p = 0.011) and emergency hernia repair (HR 5.35; p = 0.005) as independent risk factors for 30-day mortality.

Conclusions

Elective hernia repair offers an acceptable morbidity and ensures longer survival. “Wait and see” approach jeopardizes cirrhotic patients and should be avoided, given the higher incidence of emergency surgery due to hernia complications.

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Prospective study comparing “wait and see” approach with elective surgical repair of abdominal hernias in cirrhotic patients.

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About 22.7% (n = 43) of patients under conservative treatment developed hernia complications requiring emergency hernia repair.

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Five-year survival was higher in elective repair group than in conservative treatment (80% vs. 62%; p = 0.012).

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Among patients undergoing hernia repair MELD>11 and emergency surgery were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality.

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“Wait and see” approach jeopardizes cirrhotic patients, as a high incidence of emergency surgery negatively impact survival.

Hernia umbilical: un problema no resuelto

La cirugía de la hernia umbilical ha sido considerada tradicionalmente como sencilla y de fácil ejecución. El cambio conceptual de la hernia umbilical y los avances en su tratamiento han modificado su abordaje, estableciéndose escenarios de complejidad variable (obesidad, embarazo, cirróticos, distasis de los rectos, etc.) que demandan un conocimiento más profundo del tema por parte de la comunidad médica. El impacto económico en el sistema de salud, debido a su alta prevalencia como patología quirúrgica, implica un uso racional de recursos, así como la necesidad de una nueva categorización dentro de la cirugía de la pared abdominal. Es necesario establecer modificaciones en los procesos diagnósticos y terapéuticos en una entidad que ha sido relegada a los niveles básicos del ejercicio quirúrgico habitual.

The abdominal wall incisional hernia repair in cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND

The incidence of abdominal wall hernia in cirrhotic patients with ascites is between 20 and 40%. Controversies regarding the treatment modality and surgical timing of abdominal wall incisional hernia repair in cirrhotic patients remain. The study proposed wants to analyze the abdominal incisional hernia repair in cirrhotic patients with ascites performed in a single center to determine post-operative morbidity, mortality and complication rate.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cirrhotic patients with abdominal incisional hernia that underwent surgical operation for abdominal wall hernia repair at the "Policlinico Paolo Giaccone" at Palermo University Hospital between January 2015 and December 2016 were identified and the data collected were retrospectively reviewed; patients' medical and surgical records were collected from charts and the surgical and ICU registries. The degree of hepatic dysfunction was classified using Child-Pugh classification. Post-operative mortality was considered up to 30-days after surgery. A follow-up period of 6 months at least was performed to evaluate hernia recurrence and complications.

RESULTS

Mortality rate is of 18.5% (p 0.002). Recurrence rate (p 0.004) and seroma formation rate (p 0.001) are most frequent in urgency group. The elevated ASA score and the prediction of a complicated post-operative course is higher in urgency group (p 0.004) as higher is the in-hospital stay (p 0.001) and the ICU stay (p 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Elective surgery for abdominal wall hernia repair in cirrhotic patients seems to be successful and associated with lower mortality/morbidity rate and recurrence rate than urgency.

Prognosis of surgical hernia repair in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites

BACKGROUND

Abdominal wall hernias are common in patients with ascites. Elective surgical repair is recommended for the treatment of abdominal wall hernias. However, surgical hernia repair in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites is controversial. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of elective surgical hernia repair in patients with liver cirrhosis with and without refractory ascites.

METHOD

From January 2005 to June 2018, we retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent a surgical hernia repair.

RESULTS

This study included 107 patients; 31 patients (29.0%) had refractory ascites. Preoperatively, cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites had a higher median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (13.0 vs 11.0, P = 0.001) than those without refractory ascites. The 30-day mortality rate (3.2% vs 0%, P = 0.64) and the risk of recurrence (hazard ratio 0.410; 95% CI 0.050-3.220; P = 0.39) did not differ significantly between cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites and cirrhotic patients without refractory ascites. Among cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites, albumin (P = 0.23), bilirubin (P = 0.37), creatinine (P = 0.97), and sodium levels (P = 0.35) did not change significantly after surgery.

CONCLUSION

In advanced liver cirrhosis patients with refractory ascites, hernias can be safely treated with elective surgical repair. Mortality rate within 30 days did not differ by the presence or absence of refractory ascites. Elective hernia repair might be beneficial for treatment of abdominal wall hernia in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites.

A 25 year experience of perineal hernia repair

PURPOSE

Though perineal hernias remain rare, the incidence is reportedly rising. Secondary to the historical rarity, optimal method of repair and outcomes after repair remain poorly understood. Therefore, we reviewed the past 25 years of our institutional experience with perineal hernia repair.

METHODS

A retrospective review of an institution-maintained database was conducted from January 1, 1994 to January 31, 2018 for patients undergoing perineal hernia repair. Data were collected on patient characteristics, operative technique, and post-operative outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients (n = 12 male) underwent perineal hernia repair in the study period with two-thirds of the operations occurring in the most recent 7 years (since January 1, 2011). The median time to repair was 13 months (range 2-127) after index operation. The approach was transabdominal in nine, perineal in nine, and combined in three. Mesh, a tissue flap, or a combination of these was used in 19 of the cases and 6 additional abdominal wall hernias were repaired concurrently. Post-operative complications consisted of superficial surgical-site infection (n = 2), infected seroma (n = 1), and a missed enterotomy (n = 1). Follow-up ranged from 0 to 112 months (median 2 months) and only one recurrence was noted.

CONCLUSION

Presentation for repair of perineal hernia has increased at our instituion over the past 2 decades. Outcomes did not differ between the three repair approaches and the choice of mesh or tissue-based repair. Surgeons should base these decisions on hernia complexity and local tissue conditions.

Hernia Management in Cirrhosis: Risk Assessment, Operative Approach, and Perioperative Care

BACKGROUND

The rising incidence of liver disease has complicated the management of common surgical pathologies. Hernias, in particular, are problematic given the shortage of high-quality data and differing expert opinions. We aim to provide a narrative review of hernia management in cirrhosis as a first step toward developing evidence-based recommendations for the care of these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature review using separate search strings was conducted for PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Review articles, conference abstracts, randomized clinical trials, and observational studies were included. Articles without a focus on patients with end-stage liver disease were excluded. Manuscripts were selected based on relevance to perioperative risk assessment, medical optimization, surgical decision-making, and considerations of hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis.

RESULTS

The existing literature is varied with regard to focus and quality of data. Of the 4516 articles identified, 51 full-text articles were selected for review. In general, there is evidence to suggest that individuals with compensated cirrhosis may successfully undergo and benefit from hernia repair. Patients at high risk for decompensated cirrhosis may be best served by nonoperative management.

CONCLUSIONS

Carefully selected patients with cirrhosis may proceed with herniorrhaphy. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to provide high-quality care and improve outcomes.

The abdominal wall hernia in cirrhotic patients: a historical challenge

Background

The incidence rate of abdominal wall hernia is 20–40% in cirrhotic patients. A surgical approach was originally performed only if complication signs and symptoms occurred. Several recent studies have demonstrated the usefulness of elective surgery. During recent decades, the indications for surgical timing have changed.

Methods

Cirrhotic patients with abdominal hernia who underwent surgical operation for abdominal wall hernia repair at the Policlinico “Paolo Giaccone” at Palermo University Hospital between January 2010 and September 2016 were identified in a prospective database, and the data collected were retrospectively reviewed; patients’ medical and surgical records were collected from charts and surgical and intensive care unit (ICU) registries. Postoperative morbidity was determined through the Clavien-Dindo classification. Cirrhosis severity was estimated by the Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CPT) score and MELD (model of end-stage liver disease) score. Postoperative mortality was considered up to 30 days after surgery. A follow-up period of at least 1 year was used to evaluate hernia recurrence.

Results

The univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated the unique independent risk factors for the development of postsurgical morbidity (emergency surgery (OR 6.42; p 0.023), CPT class C (OR 3.72; p 0.041), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥ 3 (OR 4.72; p 0.012) and MELD ≥ 20 (OR 5.64; p 0.009)) and postsurgical mortality (emergency surgery (OR 10.32; p 0.021), CPT class C (OR 5.52; p 0.014), ASA score ≥ 3 (OR 8.65; p 0.018), MELD ≥ 20 (OR 2.15; p 0.02)).

Conclusions

Concerning abdominal wall hernia repair in cirrhotic patients, the worst outcome is associated with emergency surgery and with uncontrolled disease. The correct timing of the surgical operation is elective surgery after ascites drainage and albumin/electrolyte serum level and coagulation alteration correction.

Elective endoscopic variceal ligation is not a risk factor for bacterial infection in patients with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Patients with cirrhosis are at high risk of bacterial infections. Invasive procedures are generally believed to increase this susceptibility.

AIMS

We investigated the incidence of bacterial infections in cirrhotic patients undergoing elective endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL).

METHODS

We enrolled 60 consecutive cirrhotic patients who underwent a total number of 112 elective EVL procedures. One to seven bands were applied at each session until variceal eradication. Markers of inflammation/infection and blood cultures were obtained before and 24 h after EVL.

RESULTS

Aetiology of liver disease was metabolic in 27 (45%), viral in 21 (35%), alcoholic in 12 (20%) patients. Child-Pugh class A/B/C distribution was 29/26/5, respectively, 23 (38%) patients had ascites and 15 (25%) had hepatocellular carcinoma. Blood cultures were negative in all samples before EVL, whereas 3/112 (2.7%) cultures tested positive after endoscopy. Streptococcus mitis and Staphylococcus epidermidis were isolated in 1 and 2 cases, respectively. None of these three patients developed any features of clinically relevant infection, suggesting that the positive cultures were an expression of a transient bacteraemia with no clinical sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacterial infection is an uncommon occurrence after elective EVL in cirrhotic patients, and antibiotic prophylaxis is not necessary in this clinical setting.