Implementing preoperative Botulinum toxin A and progressive pneumoperitoneum through the use of an algorithm in giant ventral hernia repair

Background Repair of large ventral hernias with loss of domain can be facilitated by preoperative Botulinum toxin A (BTA) injections and preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of ventral hernioplasty using a standardized algorithm, including component separation techniques, preoperative BTA and PPP. Methods All patients between June 2014 and August 2018 with giant hernias (either primary or incisional) of more than 12 cm width were treated according to a previously developed standardized algorithm. Retrospective data analysis from a prospectively collected dataset was performed. The primary outcome was closure of the anterior fascia. Secondary outcomes included complications related to the preoperative treatment, postoperative complications, and recurrences. Results Twenty-three patients were included. Median age was 65 years (range 28-77) and median BMI was 31.4 (range 22.7-38.0 kg/m(2)). The median loss of domain was 29% (range 12-226%). For the primary and secondary endpoints, 22 patients were analyzed. Primary closure of the anterior fascia was possible in 82% of all patients. After a median follow-up of 19.5 months (range 10-60 months), 3 patients (14%) developed a hernia recurrence and 16 patients (73%) developed 23 surgical site occurrences, most of which were surgical site infections (54.5%). Conclusion Our algorithm using both anterior or posterior component separation, together with preoperative BTA injections and PPP, achieved an acceptable fascial closure rate. Further studies are needed to explore the individual potential of BTA injections and PPP, and to research whether these methods can prevent the need for component separation, as postoperative wound morbidity remains high in our study

Evaluation of a new suture material (Duramesh™) by measuring suture tension in small and large bites techniques for laparotomy closure in a porcine model

_Purpose:_ After closure of laparotomies, sutures may pull through tissue due to too high intra-abdominal pressure or suture tension, resulting in burst abdomen and incisional hernia. The objective of this study was to measure the suture tension in small and large bites with a new suture material. _Methods:_ Closure of the linea alba was performed with small bites (i.e., 5 mm between two consecutive stitches and 5 mm distance from the incision) and large bites (i.e., 10 mm × 10 mm) with Duramesh™ size 0 (2 mm) and PDS II 2-0 in 24 experiments on six porcine abdominal walls. The abdominal wall was fixated on an artificial computer-controlled insufflatable abdomen, k

Risk Factors for Incarceration in Patients with Primary Abdominal Wall and Incisional Hernias: A Prospective Study in 4472 Patients

_Background_ Incarceration of primary and incisional hernias often results in emergency surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relation of defect size and location with incarceration. Secondary objectives comprised identification of additional patient factors associated with an incarcerated hernia. _Methods_ A registry-based prospective study was performed of all consecutive patients undergoing hernia surgery between September 2011 and February 2016. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for incarceration. _Results_ In total, 83 (3.5%) of 2352 primary hernias and 79 (3.7%) of 2120 incisional hernias had a non-reducible incarceration. For primary hernias, a defect width of 3–4 cm compared to defects of 0–1 cm was significantly associated with an incarcerated hernia (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.57–5.18, p = 0.0006). For incisional hernias, a defect width of 3–4 cm compared to defects of 0–2 cm was significantly associated with an incarceration (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.07–4.31, p = 0.0324). For primary hernias, defects in the peri- and infra-umbilical region portrayed a significantly increased odds for incarceration as compared to supra-umbilical defects (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.02–3.85, p = 0.043). Additionally, in primary hernias age, BMI, and constipation were associated with incarceration. In incisional hernias age, BMI, female sex, diabetes mellitus and ASA classification were associated with incarceration. _Conclusion_ For primary and incisional hernias, mainly defects of 3–4 cm were associated with incarceration. For primary hernias, mainly defects located in the peri- and infra-umbilical region were associated with incarceration. Based on patient and hernia characteristics, patients with increased odds for incarceration may be selected and these patients may benefit from elective surgical treatment

Outcomes of Incisional Hernia Repair Surgery After Multiple Re-recurrences: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

Background: Patients with a re-recurrent hernia may account for up to 20% of all incisional hernia (IH) patients. IH repair in this population may be complex due to an altered anatomical and biological situation as a result of previous procedures and outcomes of IH repair in this population have not been thoroughly assessed. This study aims to assess outcomes of IH repair by dedicated hernia surgeons in patients who have already had two or more re-recurrences. Methods: A propensity score matched analysis was performed using a registry-based, prospective cohort. Patients who underwent IH repair after ≥ 2 re-recurrences operated between 2011 and 2018 and who fulfilled 1 year follow-up visit were included. Patients with similar follow-up who underwent primary IH repair were propensity score matched (1:3) and served as control group. Patient baseline characteristics, surgical and functional outcomes were analyzed and compared between both groups. Results: Seventy-three patients operated on after ≥ 2 IH re-recurrences were matched to 219 patients undergoing primary IH repair. After propensity score matching, no significant differences in patient baseline characteristics were present between groups. The incidence of re-recurrence was similar between groups (≥ 2 re-recurrences: 25% versus control 24%, p = 0.811). The incidence of complications, as well as long-term pain, was similar between both groups. Conclusion: IH repair in patients who have experienced multiple re-recurrences results in outcomes comparable to patients operated for a primary IH with a similar risk profile. Further surgery in patients who have already experienced multiple hernia re-recurrences is justifiable when performed by a dedicated hernia surgeon

Zinc-Impregnated Mesh for Abdominal Wall Repair Reduces Infection in a Rat Model of Peritonitis

Background: The objective of this study was to assess whether a zinc-impregnated polypropylene mesh (ZnMesh) has better antibacterial properties in a contaminated environment compared with a regular polypropylene mesh. Materials and methods: Thirty-eight Wistar Han rats underwent cecal ligation and puncture to induce peritonitis 24 h before implantation of an intraperitoneal ZnMesh or a regular polypropylene mesh. Primary outcome was the number of colony forming units (CFU) per sample (mesh and abdominal wall). Secondary outcomes were macroscopic (incorporation of mesh, abscesses, and adhesions on mesh surface) and histological (inflammatory cell reaction, mesh-specific parameters, and collagen deposition) parameters. All outcomes were evaluated after 30 and 90 d. Results: After 30 d, no significant difference in CFU per sample was present between the ZnMesh and control groups. After 90 d, a lower number of CFU per sample was present in the ZnMesh group compared with the control group (trypticase soy agar with 5% sheep blood: 0 log10 CFU/sample IQR: 0-1.40 versus 1.58 log10 CFU/sample IQR: 0-4.30, P = 0.012; MacConkey: 0 log10 CFU/sample IQR: 0-2.65 versus 1.18 log10 CFU/sample IQR: 0-4.04, P = 0.438). After 90 d, the percentage of adhesions on mesh surface was significantly higher in the ZnMesh group (95% IQR: 60%-100% versus 50% IQR: 23%-75%, P = 0.029). No differences were seen in other macroscopic outcomes or histology. Conclusions: A significantly lower number of CFU per sample was found in the ZnMesh group after 90 d. After 30 d, no statistically significant differences in CFU per sample were seen. This result suggests that the ZnMesh group has better antibacterial properties in a contaminated environment. However, this is at the cost of a significantly higher percentage of adhesions

Functional outcomes in symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients undergoing incisional hernia repair: Replacing one problem with another? A prospective cohort study in 1312 patients

Background: Incisional hernias can be associated with pain or discomfort. Surgical repair especially mesh reinforcement, may likewise induce pain. The primary objective was to assess the incidence of pain after hernia repair in patients with and without pre-operative pain or discomfort. The secondary objectives were to determine the preferred mesh type, mesh location and surgical technique in minimizing postoperative pain or discomfort. Materials and methods: A registry-based prospective cohort study was performed, including patients undergoing incisional hernia repair between September 2011 and May 2019. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 3–6 months were included. The incidence of hernia related pain and discomfort was recorded perioperatively. Results: A total of 1312 patients were included. Pre-operatively, 1091 (83%) patients reported pain or discomfort. After hernia repair, 961 (73%) patients did not report pain or discomfort (mean follow-up = 11.1 months). Of the pre-operative asymptomatic patients (n = 221), 44 (20%, moderate or severe pain: n = 14, 32%) reported pain or discomfort after mean follow-up of 10.5 months. Of those patients initially reporting pain or discomfort (n = 1091), 307 (28%, moderate or severe pain: n = 80, 26%) still reported pain or discomfort after a mean follow-up of 11.3 months postoperatively. Conclusion: In symptomatic incisional hernia patients, hernia related complaints may be resolved in the majority of cases undergoing surgical repair. In asymptomatic incisional hernia patients, pain or discomfort may be induced in a considerable number of patients due to surgical repair and one should be aware if this postoperative complication

Developing and validating an implantable suture tension sensor

Introduction: Suture tension has a direct influence on the sutured tissue. For abdominal wall closure, suture tension should be optimal without causing tissue necrosis, which can result in surgical site infection or incisional hernia. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate a device that can measure suture tension in-situ and in real-time. Materials and methods: A cheap, commercially available analog-to-digital converter was used, in conjunction with a force sensing resistor. A sensor probe housing was designed and 3D-printed. In order to test the sensor, a mechanical, computer controlled human abdominal wall model called the AbdoMAN was used. Results: An implantable suture tension sensor was developed, keeping cost-effectiveness in mind. This sensor can translate tension in the suture into a downward force, applied to the force sensing resistor. The sensor's raw readout was characterized using a set of weights, from which a formula correlating the readout to a specific force, was derived. Preliminary validation was successfully performed using the AbdoMANmodel, which showed a progressive rise in suture tension when the intra-abdominal pressure was artificially increased over time. Conclusion: The implantable suture tension sensor appeared to be capable of recording real time changes in suture tension, and the. validation process of this sensor has been initiated. With the information from devices like this, a much better understanding of the issues at play in the development of incisional hernia can be gained.</p

Fascial closure in giant ventral hernias after preoperative botulinum toxin a and progressive pneumoperitoneum

Background: The primary objective was to assess the perioperative efficacy of the preoperative use of progressive pneumoperitoneum or Botulinum Toxin A injections in ventral hernia repair. Methods: Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar were systematically searched. Studies in English reporting on fascial closure, indications, complications or postoperative outcomes in adult patients that had undergone progressive pneumoperito