Post-operative benefits of Tisseel(®)/Tissucol (®) for mesh fixation in patients undergoing Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair: secondary results from the TIMELI trial

Self-adhesive hydrogel meshes reduce tissue incorporation and mechanical behavior versus microgrips self-fixation: a preclinical study

Purpose

Atraumatic mesh fixation for abdominal hernia repair has been developed to avoid the disadvantages of classical fixation with sutures, which is considered a cause of chronic pain and discomfort. This study was designed to analyze, in the short and medium term, the biological and mechanical behavior of two self-fixing meshes compared to that of a polypropylene (PP) mesh fixed with a cyanoacrylate (CA) tissue adhesive.

Methods

Partial abdominal wall defects (6 × 4 cm) were created in New Zealand rabbits (n = 36) and repaired using a self-adhesive hydrogel mesh (Adhesix™), a self-gripping mesh (ProGrip™) or a PP mesh fixed with CA (Surgipro™ CA). After 14 and 90 days, the host tissue incorporation, macrophage response and biomechanical strength were examined.

Results

At 14 and 90 days, the ProGrip and Surgipro CA meshes showed good host tissue incorporation; however, the Adhesix implants presented poor integration, seroma formation and a higher degree of shrinkage. The Adhesix hydrogel was completely reabsorbed at 14 days, whereas ProGrip microhooks were observed at all study times. The macrophage response was higher in the ProGrip and Surgipro CA groups at 14 and 90 days, respectively, and decreased over time. At 90 days, the ProGrip implants showed the highest tensile strength values and the Adhesix implants showed the highest failure stretch.

Conclusion

Meshes with mechanical microgrip self-fixation (ProGrip) show better biological and mechanical behavior than those with adhesive hydrogel (Adhesix) in a preclinical model of abdominal hernia repair in rabbits.

Two Polyurethane Adhesives for PVDF Fixation Show Superior Biocompatibility in a Rat Model

BACKGROUND

The current standard for open and laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia consist of an abdominal wall augmentation by mesh implantation. However, the ideal fixation method of the prothesis material remains under discussion, due to potential complications of conventional fixation methods such as chronic abdominal pain or intestinal obstruction. As the use of adhesive based mesh fixation is an option of growing interest, the aim of this experimental study was to investigate the strength and biocompatibility of two newly developed polyurethane-based adhesives in comparison to a cyanoacrylatic adhesive, which is currently in clinical use.

METHODS

Two experimental polyurethane/urea-based adhesives (Adhesive-A and Adhesive-B) were compared to a conventional cyanoacrylatic adhesive and an untreated control group. Biomechanical testing was carried out using a pull-out test in uniaxial tensile mode, while biocompatibility assessment was performed in a rat model with 40 Sprague-Dawley rats receiving a subcutaneous implanted PVDF mesh fixed by the corresponding adhesive. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis by a Tissue FAXS system examined the tissue integration of the mesh/adhesive combination and characterized the foreign body reaction.

RESULTS

Biomechanical testing of the mesh/adhesive combinations showed a minimal strength of 15.08 N without a significant difference between the groups. Cellular penetration into the mesh/adhesive interface was significantly improved after application of polyurethane adhesives and Adhesive-A showed a significantly lower migration of CD68 positive cells to the adhesive sites compared to cyanoacrylate after 7 days.

CONCLUSION

The developed polyurethane-based adhesives are a promising alternative with sufficient adhesive strength and superior short-term biocompatibility to cyanoacrylate.

Tissue Adhesives for Hernia Mesh Fixation: A Literature Review

In an effort to optimize the results during inguinal hernia repair, surgeons need to consider the role of different mesh fixation techniques. The use of tissue adhesives is proposed for mesh fixation, which demonstrate similar or improved outcomes in the realm of postoperative pain, hernia recurrence, cost, and formation of a hematoma or seroma. In this review, mesh fixation using fibrin glue and cyanoacrylate glue is compared to standard suture or tack techniques. The results of this investigation warrant consideration by surgeons seeking to improve patient outcomes.

Sutures versus new cyanoacrylates in prosthetic abdominal wall repair: a preclinical long-term study

BACKGROUND

As an alternative to sutures, meshes used for hernia repair can be fixed using cyanoacrylate-based adhesives. Attempts to improve these adhesives include alkyl-chain lengthening to reduce their toxicity. This preclinical study compares the long-term behavior of cyanoacrylates of different chain lengths already used in hernia repair and new ones for this application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Partial abdominal wall defects were repaired using a Surgipro mesh in 18 New Zealand White rabbits, and groups were established according to the mesh fixation method: sutures (control), Glubran 2 (n-butyl), Ifabond (n-hexyl), and the new adhesives SafetySeal (n-butyl), and Evobond (n-octyl). Six months after surgery, recovered implants were examined to assess adhesive degradation, host tissue reaction, and biomechanical strength.

RESULTS

All the cyanoacrylate groups showed good host tissue incorporation in the meshes. Macrophage responses to Glubran and Ifabond were quantitatively greater compared with sutures. Cell damage caused by the adhesives was similar, and only Glubran induced significantly more damage than sutures. Significantly lower collagen 1/3 messenger RNA expression was induced by Ifabond than the remaining fixation materials. No differences were observed in collagen expression except slightly reduced collagen I deposition in Glubran/Ifabond and collagen III deposition in the suture group. Mechanical strengths failed to vary between the suture and cyanoacrylate groups.

CONCLUSIONS

All cyanoacrylates showed good long-term behavior and tolerance irrespective of their long or intermediate chain length. Cyanoacrylate residues persisted at 6 mo, indicating their incomplete degradation. Biomechanical strengths were similar both for the adhesives and sutures.

Mesh fixation with glue versus suture for chronic pain and recurrence in Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain following mesh-based inguinal hernia repair is frequently reported, and has a significant impact on quality of life. Whether mesh fixation with glue can reduce chronic pain without increasing the recurrence rate is still controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether tissue adhesives can reduce postoperative complications, especially chronic pain, with no increase in recurrence rate, compared with sutures for mesh fixation in Lichtenstein hernia repair.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following electronic databases with no language restrictions: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; issue 4, 2016) in the Cochrane Library (searched 11 May 2016), MEDLINE Ovid (1986 to 11 May 2016), Embase Ovid (1986 to 11 May 2016), Science Citation Index (Web of Science) (1986 to 11 May 2016), CBM (Chinese Biomedical Database), CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (a full-text database in China), Wanfang databases. We also checked reference lists of identified papers (included studies and relevant reviews).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing glue versus sutures for mesh fixation in Lichtenstein hernia repair. Cluster-RCTs were also eligible.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors extracted data and assessed the risk of bias independently. Dichotomous outcomes were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Continuous outcomes were expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95% CIs.

MAIN RESULTS

Twelve trials with a total of 1932 participants were included in this review. The overall postoperative chronic pain in the glue group was reduced by 37% (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.91; 10 studies, 1418 participants, low-quality evidence) compared with the suture group. However, the results changed when we conducted subgroup analysis with regard to the type of mesh. Subgroup analysis of included studies using lightweight mesh showed the reduction of chronic pain was less profound and insignificant (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.17). Subgroup analysis of included studies using heavyweight mesh resulted in a significant benefit from the fixation with glue (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.82).Hernia recurrence was similar between the two groups (OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.63 to 3.28; 12 studies, 1932 participants, low-quality evidence). Fixation with glue was superior to suture regarding duration of the operation (MD -3.13, 95% CI -4.48 to -1.78; 9 studies, 1790 participants, low-quality evidence); haematoma (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.86; 10 studies, 1384 participants, moderate-quality evidence); and recovery time to daily activities (MD -1.26, 95% CI -1.89 to -0.63; 3 studies, 403 participants, low-quality evidence).We also investigated adverse events. There were no significant differences between the two groups. For superficial wound infection pooled analyses showed OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.37 to 4.11; 7 studies, 763 participants (low-quality evidence); for mesh/deep infection OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.16 to 2.83; 8 studies, 1393 participants (low-quality evidence). Furthermore, we investigated seroma (a postoperative swelling caused by fluid) (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.33); and persisting numbness (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.14).Finally, six trials involving 1009 participants reported postoperative length of stay, resulting in non-significant difference between the two groups (MD -0.12, 95% CI: -0.35 to 0.10)Due to the lack of data, it was impossible to draw any distinction between synthetic glue and biological glue.Eight out of 12 trials showed high risk of bias in at least one of the investigated domains. Two studies were quasi-randomised controlled trials and the allocation sequence of one trial was not concealed. Nearly half of the included trials either did not provide adequate information or had high risk of bias regarding blinding processes. The risk of bias for incomplete outcome data of all the included studies varied from low to high risk of bias. Two trials did not report on some important outcomes. One study was funded by the manufacturer producing the fibrin sealant. Therefore, according to the 'Summary of findings' tables, the quality of the evidence (GRADE) for the outcomes is moderate to low.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on the short-term results, glue may reduce postoperative chronic pain and not simultaneously increase the recurrence rate, compared with sutures for mesh fixation in Lichtenstein hernia repair. Glue may therefore be a sensible alternative to suture for mesh fixation in Lichtenstein repair. Larger trials with longer follow-up and high quality are warranted. The difference between synthetic glue and biological glue should also be assessed in the future.

A Novel Use of Tisseel in the Setting of Uncontrolled Bleeding in a Thrombocytopenic Patient With Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia

We present a case of an 87-year-old female who was evaluated for an 8.5 cm left sided renal mass concerning for malignancy. The patient was transiently thrombocytopenic over the previous 4 months with platelet counts ranging from 50,000 to 125,000 plt/mcL and experienced diffuse hemorrhage during radical nephrectomy with failure to achieve mechanical hemostasis or fulguration. Following Surgicel (Ethicon; Somerville, New Jersey) application, we applied Tisseel (Baxter; Deerfield, IL) to the nephrectomy bed with complete hemostasis of bleeding foci. Tisseel saved this thrombocytopenic patient with uncontrolled bleeding and should have this clinical utility recognized.

The role of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate in the repair of traumatic diaphragmatic injuries

Diaphragmatic injuries either by blunt or penetrating trauma require prompt surgical intervention and are often exigent to repair. N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (n-butyl-2-CA) is a tissue adhesive which has gained wide application in many areas of surgery including emergency. To repair the extensive injuries of the diaphragm it may be necessary the use of synthetic mesh by fixing it with sutures or staples. The use of tissue adhesives may circumvent the potential problems associated with mesh fixation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tissue adhesives usage for mesh fixation in diaphragmatic injury repair. Twenty-four rats were divided into 3 groups each of them containing 8 rats. A 1- cm diaphragmatic defect was created in all rats. The defect was repaired by polypropylene suture in Group I, by mesh fixed with sutures in group II and by mesh fixed with n-butyl-2-CA in group III. The rats were sacrificed after 1 month. The episode of hernia and the adhesions were assessed by adhesion density score. Also, the abscess and inflammation in the repaired tissue were evaluated microscopically. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed for the histopathological analysis. No diaphragmatic hernia was detected in any group. While Group III had higher adhesion density scores than group I (P: 0.027), there were no differences between group III and II (P: 0.317) and group II and I (P = 0.095) regarding adhesion density scores. The inflammation grade was higher in group III than group I and II (P < 0.001) and was higher in group II than group I (P < 0.05). There was no differences between each groups, concerning microabcsess formation (P > 0.05). Repair of traumatic diaphragmatic injury in penetrating wound, with polypropylene mesh fixed by n-butyl-2-CA in rats appears to be as efficacious and safe as conventional methods in early period. However, further experimental and clinical study are needed to compare the long-term results of adhesive mesh repair with those of the traditional sutured techniques.