Umbilical herniorrhaphy in cirrhotic patients: a safe approach

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.

Umbilical hernia in patients with liver cirrhosis: A surgical challenge

Umbilical hernia occurs in 20% of the patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with ascites. Due to the enormous intraabdominal pressure secondary to the ascites, umbilical hernia in these patients has a tendency to enlarge rapidly and to complicate. The treatment of umbilical hernia in these patients is a surgical challenge. Ascites control is the mainstay to reduce hernia recurrence and postoperative complications, such as wound infection, evisceration, ascites drainage, and peritonitis. Intermittent paracentesis, temporary peritoneal dialysis catheter or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt may be necessary to control ascites. Hernia repair is indicated in patients in whom medical treatment is effective in controlling ascites. Patients who have a good perspective to be transplanted within 3-6 mo, herniorrhaphy should be performed during transplantation. Hernia repair with mesh is associated with lower recurrence rate, but with higher surgical site infection when compared to hernia correction with conventional fascial suture. There is no consensus on the best abdominal wall layer in which the mesh should be placed: Onlay, sublay, or underlay. Many studies have demonstrated several advantages of the laparoscopic umbilical herniorrhaphy in cirrhotic patients compared with open surgical treatment.

Risk of hernia incarceration following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement

PURPOSE

Hernia complications after creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) have been reported, although the incidence of this complication is unknown. This study was designed to determine the incidence, morbidity, and outcome of hernia complications in patients with preexisting abdominal or inguinal hernias after TIPS creation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of 244 consecutive patients undergoing TIPS creation between 1999 and 2007 at a single institution were reviewed. The study population was 57 patients (23%) with a preprocedural abdominal or inguinal hernia. The investigated outcome was small bowel obstruction or postprocedural incarceration of a preexisting hernia. Demographic and procedural variables were evaluated for an associated increased risk of hernia complications.

RESULTS

Hernia complications developed in 25% of patients (14 of 57) after TIPS creation at a mean presentation of 62 days (range, 2-588 d). Thirteen complications (93%) required emergent surgery, of which four (29%) required bowel resection for necrosis. There were no resulting deaths. Ninety-eight percent of patients with a hernia complication had the procedure to treat refractory ascites. The indication of refractory ascites was significantly associated with the risk of a hernia complication (P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

A 25% incidence of hernia complications following TIPS creation in patients being treated for refractory ascites is higher than expected; emergent surgery is required in most cases. Further investigation to formulate a plan for elective management is warranted.

Abdominal wall hernia repair in cirrhotic patients: outcomes seen at a tertiary care hospital in a developing country

The outcome of hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis remains poor when compared to non-cirrhotics. The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcome of hernia repair in cirrhotic patients at our tertiary care hospital located in a developing country. A total of 61 patients with cirrhosis underwent hernia repair from January 2001 to December 2007 at our hospital. The mean age of the patients was 52 years and there were 30 males. Early postoperative complications were noted in 20 (33%) patients including two mortalities. The incidence of early complications was higher (71%) in patients with Child class C cirrhosis as compared to patients with either Child class A or B cirrhosis (21%), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Except in emergency circumstances, surgery in Child class C patients may either be delayed until the patient is medically optimized or performed early before liver disease progresses to severe decompensation.

Umbilical hernia repair in the presence of cirrhosis and ascites: results of a survey and review of the literature. Hernia. 2009;13:461-468. [PMID: 19652907 DOI: 10.1007/s10029-009-0535-9]

PURPOSE

Umbilical hernias are common in cirrhotics, yet, their management poses several challenges. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the indications, selection criteria, and technical aspects of umbilical hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.

METHODS

An extensive review of the literature since 1980 was performed. A survey was also conducted to obtain expert consensus to supplement any available conclusions from the literature.

RESULTS

Nineteen surgeons (45%) responded to the survey. For asymptomatic hernias, all would consider hernia repair in Child's A cirrhosis, but not in more advanced disease, whereas the vast majority would consider the repair of complicated hernias. This seems to reflect the respondents' higher estimates of morbidity and mortality with more advanced liver disease. However, because the recent literature demonstrates much lower morbidity and mortality than in the past, many authors now advocate early elective repair. In addition, uncontrolled ascites appear to be strongly predictive of hernia recurrence (relative risk [RR] 8.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7-26.9).

CONCLUSIONS

While acknowledging the limitations of this study, it appears that the early repair of umbilical hernias in patients with cirrhosis and ascites is safer than it was in the past and can be considered for selected patients. This may avoid increased morbidity and mortality associated with urgent repair later on. The control of ascites is critical to a successful outcome. Urgent repair of umbilical hernia in cirrhotic patients is indicated when complications develop.

Umbilical herniorrhapy in cirrhosis: improved outcomes with elective repair

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to examine the effect of cirrhosis on elective and emergent umbilical herniorrhapy outcomes.

METHODS

Procedures were identified from the Veterans' Affairs National Surgical Quality Improvement Program at 16 hospitals. Medical records and operative reports were physician abstracted to obtain preoperative and intraoperative variables.

RESULTS

Of the 1,421 cases reviewed, 127 (8.9%) had cirrhosis. Cirrhotics were more likely to undergo emergent repair (26.0% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.0001), concomitant bowel resection (8.7% vs. 0.8%, p < 0.0001), return to operating room (7.9% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.0006), and increased postoperative length of stay (4.0 vs. 2.0 days, p = 0.01). Best-fit regression models found cirrhosis was not a significant predictor of postoperative complications. Significant predictors of complications were emergent case (OR 5.4; 95% CI 3.1-9.4), diabetes (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2-3.8), congestive heart failure (OR 4.0; 95% CI 1.4-11.4), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.1-3.6). Among emergent repairs, cirrhosis (OR 4.4; 95% CI 1.3-14.3) was strongly associated with postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Elective repair in cirrhotics is associated with similar outcomes as in patients without cirrhosis. Emergent repair in cirrhotics is associated with worse outcomes. Early elective repair may improve the overall outcomes for patients with cirrhosis.

Evaluation of hernia repair operation in Child-Turcotte-Pugh class C cirrhosis and refractory ascites

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Abdominal wall hernia is a common feature of decompensated liver cirrhosis and frequently causes life-threatening complications or severe pain. However, there have been no data reported on postoperative mortality, hepatic functional deterioration and recurrence rate according to Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class and to the presence of refractory ascites.

METHODS

The study population comprised 53 liver cirrhosis patients who underwent hernia repair operation. Comparisons were made of 30-day mortality among the different CTP classes, and between those with or without refractory ascites. Liver function was also analyzed just before the operation, in the immediate postoperative period, and in the remote postoperative period.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were in CTP class A, 27 patients in class B, and 9 patients in class C. The median follow-up duration was 24 months. There was single 30-day postoperative mortality in class C, and no CTP class deterioration after 30 days of operation. There was no mortality or recurrences in 17 patients with medically refractory ascites. The difference in 30-day mortality according to CTP class and the presence of refractory ascites did not show statistical significance (P = 0.17 and 0.97, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Hernia operation could be done safely in CTP class A and B with low rate of recurrences, and there was no definitive increase in the operative risk in class C. In addition, refractory ascites did not increase operative risk and recurrence rate. Therefore, surgical repair might be recommended even in patients with refractory ascites and poor hepatic function to prevent life-threatening complications or severe pain.

Laparoscopic incisional and umbilical hernia repair in cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND

Traditional approach to incisional hernias (IHs) in cirrhotic patients is plagued by a significant recurrence rate and frequent wound infections. The laparoscopic repair of IHs was designed to offer a minimally invasive and tension-free technique that yields less morbidity and fewer recurrences than the standard open repair. In cirrhotic patients there are additional reasons for the benefits of laparoscopy. First, preservation of the abdominal wall avoids interruption of large collateral veins. Second, nonexposure of viscera restricts electrolytic and protein losses, and improves absorption of ascites. Finally, the laparoscopic approach is associated with a lower perioperative blood loss (smaller abdominal incision).

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed for 14 consecutive patients with ventral hernias and affected by chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis related to hepatitis C-B virus, who underwent laparoscopic repair at our institution between September 2002 and October 2004. All patients were in class A of Child-Pugh classification.

RESULTS

There was no conversion to open operation. The mean size of the defects was 87 cm (range 1 to 480); incarceration was present in 2 patients and multiple (Swiss-cheese) defects in 1. In all cases, the mesh (average, 287 cm) was secured with transabdominal sutures and metal tacks or staples leaving the sac in situ. Operative time and estimated blood loss averaged 88 min (range 18 to 270) and 30 mL (range 10 to 150). Length of hospital stay averaged 2.6 days (range 1 to 6). There were 11 minor complications: seroma lasting >4 weeks (5), postoperative ileus (2), suture site pain >2 weeks (2), urinary retention (1), and skin breakdown (1). We experienced no recurrences with an average follow-up of 8 months (range 3 to 24).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic IH repair is technically feasible and safe even in cirrhotic patients with fascial defects. This operation decreases postoperative pain, shortens the recovery period, and seems to reduce postoperative morbidity and recurrence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in which a series of cirrhotic patients affected by incisional and umbilical hernias is treated with a laparoscopic approach.

Umbilical Hernia Repair in Cirrhotic Patients: Utility of Temporary Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter

Umbilical herniorrhaphy in cirrhotic patients with ascites is associated with a significant morbidity, recurrence rate, and mortality and therefore is often managed expectantly. Operative repair is indicated if an ascites leak or infection develops. Surgeons must consider the management of postoperative ascites to reduce recurrence rates and complications. We present a unique method using temporary peritoneal dialysis catheter placement (PD). Eight patients with moderate to massive ascites underwent umbilical herniorrhaphy with concomitant peritoneal dialysis placement. Patients have been followed for 8 to 30 months. All patients had successful repair of their hernia with 1 recurrence at 6 months and 1 late death (14 months). Patients were able to effectively control ascites using the PD catheter at home. There were no postoperative infections. The placement of a temporary PD catheter during umbilical herniorrhaphy provides a method for effective control of ascites in patients with cirrhosis. The technique has several advantages including outpatient management during the postoperative period and for easy removal of the catheter when no longer needed.

Tension-free mesh repair of umbilical hernia as a day case using local anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

Umbilical hernias are a common surgical problem with a high recurrence rate using conventional suture techniques. This prospective study examined the feasibility of tension-free mesh repair as a day case using local anaesthetic (LA) for all primary umbilical hernias.

METHOD

Fifty-four patients (eight women) were operated on; 49 using LA. Through a periumbilical skin incision the margins of the sac were freed from the edges of the defect, and a space was made in the extraperitoneal plane. In defects <3 cm in diameter, a cone of polypropylene (pp) mesh was inserted and attached with nonabsorbable sutures. In defects >3 cm, a flat piece of pp mesh was inserted into the extraperitoneal space as a sublay. No attempt was made to close the fascial defect.

RESULTS

Postoperative pain was graded as mild ( n=37) and moderate ( n=17). No patient had severe postoperative pain. Seven superficial wound infections responded to oral antibiotics. In no case it was necessary to remove the mesh. There were no other complications. Patients were recalled between 2 and 6 years postopertively-mean follow-up 43 months (28- 67). There were no recurrences.

CONCLUSION

Umbilical hernia repair can be carried out safely and securely under LA with a tension-free mesh technique (cone or a sublay patch) with a low morbidity, negligible recurrence rate, and a high degree of patient satisfaction. It should be the procedure of choice for all such hernias.

Minimally invasive repair of recurrent strangulated umbilical hernia in cirrhotic patient with refractory ascites

To repair a recurrent strangulated umbilical hernia in a cirrhotic patient with refractory ascites, we used a minimally invasive procedure. The laparoscopic repair included a release of the incarcerated small bowel loop and secure of a dual Gortex mesh onto the fascial rim. Our satisfactory long-term results should encourage surgeons to adapt this surgical approach.

Morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients undergoing anesthesia and surgery

Several studies have demonstrated increased morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis undergoing anesthesia and surgery. Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease, which may affect all body systems. The severity of the disease, assessed by the Child-Pugh classification, has a substantial effect on patient outcome. The extent of surgery and co-morbid conditions also have a major impact. In the past few years, changes have been made in the diagnosis, preoperative preparation, surgical and anesthetic management and perioperative care of patients with liver disease. The aim of this review is to examine whether these changes have resulted in improved perioperative outcomes.