Subxiphoid incisional hernia development after coronary artery bypass grafting

Definitions of low cardiac output syndrome after cardiac surgery and their effect on the incidence of intraoperative LCOS: A literature review and cohort study

Objectives

Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a serious complication after cardiac surgery. Despite scientific interest in LCOS, there is no uniform definition used in current research and clinicians cannot properly compare different study findings. We aimed to collect the LCOS definitions used in literature and subsequently applied the definitions obtained to existing data to estimate their effect on the intraoperative LCOS incidences in adults, children and infants.

Design

This is a literature review, followed by a retrospective cohort study.

Setting

This is a single-institutional study from a university hospital in the Netherlands.

Participants

Patients from all ages undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass between June 2011 and August 2018.

Interventions

We obtained different definitions of LCOS used in the literature and applied these to data obtained from an anesthesia information management system to estimate intraoperative incidences of LCOS. We compared intraoperative incidences of LCOS in different populations based on age (infants, children and adults).

Measurements and main results

The literature search identified 262 LCOS definitions, that were applied to intraoperative data from 7,366 patients. Using the 10 most frequently published LCOS definitions, the obtained incidence estimates ranged from 0.4 to 82% in infants, from 0.6 to 56% in children and from 1.5 to 91% in adults.

Conclusion

There is an important variety in definitions used to describe LCOS. When applied to data obtained from clinical care, these different definitions resulted in large distribution of intraoperative LCOS incidence rates. We therefore advocate for standardization of the LCOS definition to improve clinical understanding and enable adequate comparison of outcomes and treatment effects both in daily care and in research.

Comparative analysis of 2 surgical techniques in the treatment of subxiphoid incisional hernia. Observational study

INTRODUCTION

The surgical procedure to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia is a complex technique due to the anatomical area that it appears. The objective of our study is the analysis of the results obtained with the different surgical techniques performed in our center for 9 years, especially postoperative complications and the recurrence rate.

METHODS

It is an observational, retrospective study from January 2011 to January 2019 of patients operated of subxiphoid incisional hernia in our Unit. We analysed the comorbidities, surgical techniques (preperitoneal hernia repair or TP, and adjusted double mesh technique) and postoperative variable, especially the hernia recurrence. The postoperative complications were summarized flowing the Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

42 patients were operated: 22 (52,4%) TP and 20 (47,6%) adjusted double mesh technique. All the complications registered were minor (grade I) and it appeared mostly in TP group (P = .053). The average follow up was 25.8 ± 15.1 months; there were no statistically significant differences in hernia recurrence comparing two treatment groups (P = .288).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results, TP is the ideal technique to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia. Adjusted double mesh technique may represent an effective approach with a low complication rate, although globally analyzing the recurrence rate, aponeurosis closure over the preperitoneal mesh entails less impact on it.

Subxiphoid incisional hernias post median sternotomy: A literature review

BACKGROUND

Subxiphoid incisional hernias are one of the complications following a median sternotomy, a surgical procedure to provide access to the mediastinum. Incidence has been reported between 1% and 4%, although the true incidence is not well known due to its asymptomatic nature.

METHOD

A comprehensive search was performed on multiple sites. Keywords included "incisional hernia OR Subxiphoid hernia" AND "Median sternotomy OR Cardiac Surgery OR Coronary artery bypass graft OR Transplant OR Valve replacement". Articles up to August 1, 2020, were included in this study.

RESULTS

Eight articles were included in the study, with a total number of 132 patients identified. The incidence ranged from 0.81% to 3.44%. There was a mixture of repair methods and follow-up period reported. Recurrence post repair ranged from 10% to 43%.

CONCLUSION

Subxiphoid incisional hernias remain challenging to manage. We have discussed the incidence, risk factors, preventions, and management of subxiphoid incisional hernias including both the open and laparoscopic techniques.

Laparoscopic vs. Open Surgical Repair of Subxiphoidal Hernia Following Median Sternotomy for Coronary Bypass - Analysis of the Herniamed Registry

Introduction: The repair of subxiphoidal incisional hernia following median sternotomy is technically demanding due to the specific anatomic situation and the lateral distracting forces in this region. Published data are available from retrospective reports with limited number of patients only. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of subxiphoidal hernia repair comparing laparoscopic and open surgical approach.

Materials and Methods: This analysis of Herniamed registry data of patients with subxiphoidal incisional hernia following sternotomy for coronary bypass assesses the perioperative and 1 year follow-up outcome of laparoscopic and open repair. Demographic data and perioperative outcomes were stratified by surgical approach (laparoscopic vs. open) and compared as unadjusted analyses using Chi square and Students t-tests.

Results: Of 208 patients identified for the analysis 69 patients (33.2%) underwent laparoscopic and 139 (66.8%) patients had open repair. Concerning demographic data (gender, age, BMI, ASA score), risk factors and hernia size there were no significant differences between laparoscopic and open repair group. For intraoperative, postoperative and general complications as well as complication related re-operations no significant differences were seen between the groups. No significant advantage could be stated for laparoscopic repair regarding duration of operation and hospital stay. The recurrence rate at 1 year follow-up was higher in the laparoscopic group (7.2 vs. 2.2%; p = 0.072). No significant differences were reported in the 1 year follow-up evaluation of pain at rest, pain on exertion and pain requiring treatment.

Conclusion: The repair of subxiphoidal incisional hernia is safe in both open and laparoscopic technique. With regard to the lower recurrence rate preference can be given to open repair.

Comparative analysis of 2 surgical techniques in the treatment of subxiphoid incisional hernia. Observational study

INTRODUCTION

The surgical procedure to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia is a complex technique due to the anatomical area that it appears. The objective of our study is the analysis of the results obtained with the different surgical techniques performed in our center for 9 years, especially postoperative complications and the recurrence rate.

METHODS

It is an observational, retrospective study from January 2011 to January 2019 of patients operated of subxiphoid incisional hernia in our Unit. We analysed the comorbidities, surgical techniques (preperitoneal hernia repair or TP, and adjusted double mesh technique) and postoperative variable, especially the hernia recurrence. The postoperative complications were summarized flowing the Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

42 patients were operated: 22 (52,4%) TP and 20 (47,6%) adjusted double mesh technique. All the complications registered were minor (grade I) and it appeared mostly in TP group (P=.053). The average follow up was 25.8±15.1 months; there were no statistically significant differences in hernia recurrence comparing two treatment groups (P=.288).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results, TP is the ideal technique to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia. Adjusted double mesh technique may represent an effective approach with a low complication rate, although globally analyzing the recurrence rate, aponeurosis closure over the preperitoneal mesh entails less impact on it.

Simple technique of subxiphoid hernia correction carries a low rate of early recurrence: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Subxiphoid incisional hernia occurs as a complication following median sternotomy and are difficult to repair. We present recent data of a standardized technique for correction of subxiphoid incisional hernias, and discuss possible anatomical and surgical factors related to recurrence of the hernia.

METHODS

A retrospective study with medical records analysis of patients submitted to surgical correction of subxiphoid incisional hernias through standardized treatment between July 2014 and September 2016. All procedures were carried out using the same standardized technique, surgical materials (threads and meshes) and pre- and post-operative care.

RESULTS

All of the surgical procedures carried out were elective. The hernia defect varied between 5 cm and 16 cm (mean of 7.4 cm); the procedure lasted between 32 and 75 min; the mean time of hospital stay was 2.2 days (range from 1 to 5 days). In five patients the correction of subxiphoid incisional hernia was carried out concurrently with another procedure. No death occurred as a result of the operations. Five patients had minor postoperative complications. Follow up time was between 7 and 33 months, with a recurrence rate of 0% at the time of writing.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the limitations of a short follow up period, the surgical technique described presented low rates of early recurrence by closing the hernia defect, using relaxing incisions in the musculature and aponeurosis and surgical mesh.

Posterior Component Separation with Transversus Abdominis Release: Technique, Utility, and Outcomes in Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Ventral hernia formation is a frequent and increasingly difficult problem. Nonmidline hernias, parastomal hernias, hernias near bony landmarks, and recurrent ventral hernias (especially after anterior component separation) present particular challenges. Typical reconstructive techniques may struggle to reestablish abdominal domain and to create a lasting repair. Posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release is a novel technique that offers a durable solution to a variety of complex ventral hernias.

METHODS

The posterior rectus sheath is incised and the retrorectus plane is developed. In a modification of the Rives-Stoppa technique, the transversus abdominis is released medial to the linea semilunaris to expose a broad plane that extends from the central tendon of the diaphragm superiorly, to the space of Retzius inferiorly, and laterally to the retroperitoneum. This preserves the neurovascular bundles innervating the medial abdominal wall. Mesh is placed in a sublay fashion above the posterior layer. In an overwhelming majority of patients, the linea alba is reconstructed, creating a functional abdominal wall with wide mesh reinforcement.

RESULTS

The technique is reliable and durable, with a 5 percent recurrence rate at 2 years. Although wound complications occur with a frequency similar to that of other techniques, they tend to be less severe, rarely requiring operative débridement. The technique is applicable to a broad range of hernias, including midline, parastomal, flank, subcostal, and recurrent hernias after prior component separations.

CONCLUSION

Posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release is a versatile, easy-to-learn technique of hernia repair that offers a reliable, durable solution to complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

Laparoscopic Subxiphoid Hernia Repair with Intracorporeal Suturing of Mesh to the Diaphragm as a Means to Decrease Recurrence

BACKGROUND

Subxiphoid hernias are a rare complication of median sternotomy with an incidence of 1%-4.2%. Repair of subxiphoid hernias is technically demanding with recurrence rates of 42% and 30% following open and laparoscopic repairs, respectively. We present a novel approach to the laparoscopic repair of subxiphoid hernias with improved overlap and fixation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A novel technique for repairing subxiphoid hernias is described. The falciform ligament is dissected superiorly toward the diaphragm to allow proper subfascial positioning of the mesh with adequate overlap. Multiple nonabsorbable intracorporeal sutures are used to anchor the mesh to the diaphragm above the costal margins. Transfascial nonabsorbable sutures and tacks are used to fix the mesh to the anterior abdominal wall below the costal margin.

RESULTS

We have used this method in 4 patients with a mean age of 60.5 years and a female to male ratio of 4:0. The average hernia defect size was 20.5 cm(2), and the average duration of operation was 93 minutes. There were no reported postoperative complications or evidence of recurrence at the 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic repair of subxiphoid hernias can be safely accomplished with mesh sutured to the diaphragm for improved overlap and fixation with the goal of reducing recurrence rates.

Development and validation of a risk stratification score for ventral incisional hernia after abdominal surgery: hernia expectation rates in intra-abdominal surgery (the HERNIA Project)

BACKGROUND

Ventral incisional hernias (VIH) develop in up to 20% of patients after abdominal surgery. No widely applicable preoperative risk-assessment tool exists. We aimed to develop and validate a risk-assessment tool to predict VIH after abdominal surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective study of all patients undergoing abdominal surgery was conducted at a single institution from 2008 to 2010. Variables were defined in accordance with the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project, and VIH was determined through clinical and radiographic evaluation. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was built from a development cohort (2008 to 2009) to identify predictors of VIH. The HERNIAscore was created by converting the hazards ratios (HR) to points. The predictive accuracy was assessed on the validation cohort (2010) using a receiver operator characteristic curve and calculating the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Of 625 patients followed for a median of 41 months (range 0.3 to 64 months), 93 (13.9%) developed a VIH. The training cohort (n = 428, VIH = 70, 16.4%) identified 4 independent predictors: laparotomy (HR 4.77, 95% CI 2.61 to 8.70) or hand-assisted laparoscopy (HAL, HR 4.00, 95% CI 2.08 to 7.70), COPD (HR 2.35; 95% CI 1.44 to 3.83), and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) (HR1.74; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.91). Factors that were not predictive included age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, albumin, immunosuppression, previous surgery, and suture material or technique. The predictive score had an AUC = 0.77 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.86) using the validation cohort (n = 197, VIH = 23, 11.6%). Using the HERNIAscore: HERNIAscore = 4(∗)Laparotomy+3(∗)HAL+1(∗)COPD+1(∗) BMI ≥ 25, 3 classes stratified the risk of VIH: class I (0 to 3 points),5.2%; class II (4 to 5 points),19.6%; and class III (6 points), 55.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

The HERNIAscore accurately identifies patients at increased risk for VIH. Although external validation is needed, this provides a starting point to counsel patients and guide clinical decisions. Increasing the use of laparoscopy, weight-loss programs, community smoking prevention programs, and incisional reinforcement may help reduce rates of VIH.