Predictors and Outcomes of Paramedian Incisional Hernia After Anterior Spine Exposure

BACKGROUND

Anterior exposures for lumbar spine surgery are increasingly common for treating various spinal pathologies. A retroperitoneal approach via a paramedian incision has grown rapidly in popularity, but little is known about the risk of incisional hernia development with this technique. We sought to assess the incidence of paramedian incisional hernia development and identify risk factors that are associated with occurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent anterior lumbar spine exposure by a paramedian approach between 2012 and 2017 at a single, tertiary medical center. The primary outcome was the development of postoperative paramedian incisional hernia.

RESULTS

Of the 735 patients included in the study, 445 (60.5%) were women, and the mean (standard deviation) age of all patients was 60 y (12.4). Nearly all (97.4%) paramedian approaches were performed with a vascular surgeon present. Median follow-up time was 10 mo (interquartile range 3.5-19.9). Postoperative paramedian hernia developed in 20 patients (2.7%), of which 14 underwent repair. The mean (standard deviation) size of the hernia was 13.5 cm (5.5); 9 of 14 (64%) were repaired with synthetic mesh, whereas 3 of 14 (21%) required bowel resection. On multivariate analysis, risk factors associated with hernia development were male gender (0.045), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class (0.039), history of abdominal surgery (P = 0.013), and postoperative intensive care unit admission (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

A paramedian approach for anterior lumbar spine exposure resulted in a low rate of incisional hernia with minimal morbidity. Surgeons involved in these collaborative procedures should consider the risk factors that predispose patients to develop these hernias.

Vascular Injury During Urologic Surgery: Somebody Call My Mother

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide the critical elements to effectively manage hemorrhage from vascular injuries sustained during planned urological interventions.

RECENT FINDINGS

The frequency of intraoperative vascular injuries is increasing. However, literature concerning the management of iatrogenic operative vascular injuries is scarce. Although rare, intraoperative vascular injuries may be associated with potential catastrophic complications and death. The decision-making process following a potential life-threatening intraoperative vascular injury occurs in a very short time frame. Appropriate knowledge of the critical elements to identify the source of bleeding, initiate first-line hemostatic measures, select the candidate for damage control strategies, and perform the indicated operative repairing maneuvers and techniques have been proved crucial to ensure hemodynamic stability and bleeding cessation. The key surgical principles to counteract the impact of exsanguinating bleeding, and the aim to obtain the best achievable outcomes after definitive repair, are described in detail in this review.