Delayed Mesh Infection: A Rare Complication of Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair (TEP—Totally Extra-Peritoneal Repair)

Hernias are amongst the oldest afflictions of mankind. The tension-free mesh repairs revolutionized and radically changed the whole concept of anatomical tissue repairs. The introduction of mesh, though beneficial, posed a new set of postoperative problems with the mesh infection being the most morbid one. Laparoscopic surgery has been able to reduce the incidence of mesh infection as opposed to the open hernia repairs. The infection occurs mostly early but rarely does it present several years after the surgery. Herein we report our case of delayed mesh infection developing 6 years postoperatively. This is our first such case in a series of more than 1000 laparoscopic hernia repairs over a period of 6 years (2010-2016). The patient needed an open exploration which revealed a large preperitoneal cavity containing 770 ml of pus with a mesh floating in it. The mesh was removed and the thorough toileting of the wound was done.

Mesh migration into the sigmoid colon after inguinal hernia repair presenting as a colonic polyp:A case report and review of literature

Mesh migration and penetration into abdominal visce-ra rarely occur after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. We present the first case of mesh migration into the sigmoid colon identified as a colonic polyp at initial co-lonoscopic examination. The patient complained of mild abdominal distention in the lower abdomen over the previous year without changes in bowel habits or stool appearance and without weight loss. By complement-ary endoscopic ultrasonography, a cavity--like structure beneath the suspected polyp was further confirmed. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography merely re-vealed local bowel wall thickening and inflammation of the colosigmoid junction. The migrating mesh, which was lodged in the sigmoid colon and caused intra--abdomi-nal adhesion in the lower abdominal cavity, was finally identified via exploratory surgery. The components of inflammatory granulation tissue around the mesh mate-rial were diagnosed based on histological examination of the surgical specimen after sigmoidectomy. In this patient, nonspecific endoscopic and imaging outcomes during clinical work--up led to the diagnostic dilemma of mesh migration. Therefore, the clinical, radiological and endoscopic challenges specific to this case as well as the underlying reasons for mesh migration are discussed in detail.

Synthetic vs biologic mesh for the repair and prevention of parastomal hernia

AIM To outline current evidence regarding prevention and treatment of parastomal hernia and to compare use of synthetic and biologic mesh.METHODS Relevant databases were searched for studies reporting hernia recurrence,wound and mesh infection,other complications,surgical techniques and mortality. Weighted pooled proportions(95%CI) were calculated using Stats Direct. Heterogeneity concerning outcome measures was determined using Cochran's Q test and was quantified using I^2. Random and fixed effects models were used. Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager software with the statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05.RESULTS Forty-four studies were included: 5 reporting biologic mesh repairs; 21,synthetic mesh repairs; and 18,prophylactic mesh repairs. Most of the studies were retrospective cohorts of low to moderate quality. The hernia recurrence rate was higher after undergoing biologic compared to synthetic mesh repair(24.0% vs 15.1%,P = 0.01). No significant difference was found concerning wound and mesh infection(5.6% vs 2.8%; 0% vs 3.1%). Open and laparoscopic techniques were comparable regarding recurrences and infections. Prophylactic mesh placement reduced the occurrence of a parastomal hernia(OR = 0.20,P < 0.0006) without increasing wound infection [7.8% vs 8.2%(OR = 1.04,P = 0.91)] and without differences between the mesh types. CONCLUSION There is no superiority of biologic over synthetic mesh for parastomal hernia repair. Prophylactic mesh placement during the initial surgery significantly reduces parastomal hernia occurrence regardless of the mesh type.

Mesh repair of sacrococcygeal hernia via a combined laparoscopic and sacrococcygeal approach: A case report

BACKGROUND Sacrococcygeal hernia is a very rare condition that is usually secondary to sacrococcygectomy, and its ideal treatment regimen is unclear. Herein, we report a case of sacrococcygeal hernia occurring in a patient who had no history of sacrococcygeal operation, present the operative procedures of mesh repair via a combined laparoscopic and sacrococcygeal approach that has not been described,and discuss our experience in diagnosis and treatment with a review of the literature.CASE SUMMARY A 54-year-old woman who chiefly complained of a 10-year history of a reversible bulge in her right sacrococcygeal region was admitted to our hospital. The physical examination revealed a bulge in the right sacrococcygeal region upon standing, which disappeared in the prone position but relapsed when performing the Valsalva manoeuvre. Computed tomography displayed an abnormality in the structure of the tissues between the midline of the sacrococcygeal region and the right gluteus muscle. The patient was diagnosed with sacrococcygeal hernia and received hernia repair with mesh through a combined laparoscopic and sacrococcygeal approach. On laparoscopy, the rectum was dissected posterolaterally, and a defect was identified in the right anterior sacrococcygeal region through which part of the rectum protruded. This was followed by the placement of a self-gripping polyester mesh via a sacrococcygeal approach. There were no postoperative complications. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 7 and was followed for more than 6 mo with no recurrence.CONCLUSION Laparoscopic mesh repair is recommended as a priority of surgical options for sacrococcygeal hernias, while choosing a self-gripping mesh can help avoid the risk of presacral vessel injury by reducing suture fixation.

Cost effective use of mosquito net mesh in inguinal hernia repair

Mesh hernia repair is one of the commonest open techniques of inguinal hernia repair.The main limiting factor in the use of new meshes is the cost.We carried out a prospective randomized double blind study and comprising of a hundred patients with 100 inguinal hernias admitted consecutively for elective surgery,divided into the polypropylene mesh(PPM)group and the mosquito net mesh(MNM)group each containing fifty patients.All cases were completed successfully and results revealed no difference in two groups.The results of the present study,in consistent with the published literature,reveal that the cheap indigenous mosquito mesh,which has similar properties of an imported mesh,can be safely used for tension-free inguinal hernia repair in adults.Further trials with a larger number of patients and longer follow-ups are justified and recommended.

Transabdominal Pre-Peritoneal Mesh for Inguinal Hernia Repair with External Fixation versus Mesh Stapling

Background: It is unknown whether stapling the mesh affects recurrence rate, incidence of neuralgia, and port-site hernia. We chose to fix it to the exterior reducing port size, cost and pain, at the same comparing this with traditional mesh stapling. Methods: We conducted a prospective trial for laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair on 120 patients in which we fixed the mesh to the anterior abdominal wall using either two prolene threads that passed to the exterior and tied in place or traditional mesh stapling. Results: The operative time is ranged from 35 to 70 minutes for external fixation, 30 to 60 minutes for mesh stapling, and 4 to 51 months for follow-up, and no recurrence occurred in both groups during the procedure. Two cases with post TAPP pain in mesh stapling patients are discussed with reduction of the cost and port size in external fixation patients. Conclusion: It is not necessary to secure the mesh during laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair from the interior and it is fixed only to the exterior allowing a reduction in size of the ports and considerable reduction in cost with elimination of TAPP associated post operative pain.

Laparoscopic Surgery of Incisional Hernia: Technique and Short-Term Results in Three Surgical Units in Cameroon

Introduction: Incisional hernia is a common medical situation and its treatment has always been a challenge for general surgeons. If laparoscopic repair has become a gold standard elsewhere, it is increasingly done in our milieu, but no data has been found. The aim of this study was to review this surgery done in our country so far, to describe the operative technique and to evaluate the postoperative outcomes. Patients and Methods: We conducted an observational descriptive study with retrospective collection of data from the 1st of July 2018 to 30th of June 2022, in three hospitals in Cameroon. Data on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, surgical technique and postoperative outcomes of patients who had a laparoscopic repair of their incisional hernia were collected. Results: We reviewed 20 files. There were 14 women with an average age of 54.6 years. The average BMI was 32.8 kg/m2. Thirteen patients had a moderate size hernia and the hernia was localized at the midline in 18 cases. Only composite biface meshes were used with dimensions chosen to obtain at least 5 cm overlap. Spiral tacks were the only fixation means used. We registered 3 complications. One case of generalized peritonitis secondary to missed digestive perforation, one case of seroma and one case of postoperative ileus. We registered no death. Conclusion: Laparoscopic repair of incisional hernias is feasible in a resource-limited setting like ours. Compliance with the operative technique and recommendations is important to obtain short-term results closed to that put forward by literature.

A Long-term Follow-up: Suture versus Mesh Repair for Adult Umbilical Hernia in Saudi Patients. A Single Center Prospective Study

Objective: To report results of mesh repair vs. the modified Mayo’s suture overlap in the surgical treatment of adult umbilical and paraumbilcal hernias in our medical center. Patients & Methods: The study is a Saudi single center single surgeon trial composed of sixty two patients. It was performed in the Surgical Department of King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital at Jeddah. The patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group A patients underwent onlay mesh repair while modified Mayo’s repair was used in group B patients. Median follow-up was 28 months, and data were collected regarding size of hernia, type of the operation, complications, length of follow-up and the recurrence rate. Chi square test was used to compare results at 0.05 levels. Results: Complication was reported in 17% in group A and 8% in group B .There was no difference in scar pain, cosmetic result, and overall patient satisfaction between both groups. The recurrence rate was 10% for mesh repair and 18.8% for suture repair. Conclusions: Despite higher complication rate, mesh repair is superior to suture repair due to lower recurrence rate. Suture repair still has a place under certain circumstances, also it is simple less costly and has insignificant infection rate.

Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair with Closure of Hernial Defect and Central Mesh Fixation Using Glubran 2

Background: Laparoscopic tension-free repair of inguinal hernia was presented in 1990s, promising less pain and short recovery period, but carrying the risk mesh bulging and migration. Objective: We have presented our technique in which central zone of mesh is fixed only after closure of hernial defect. Patients and Methods: This study included 27 males patients (14 indirect inguinal hernias, 9 direct inguinal hernias, 4 both direct and indirect inguinal hernias on the same side). These cases are undergoing tension-free mesh repair after closure of hernial defect, and the mesh is fixed only at its central zone using Gulbran 2, between April 2011 and March 2013. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 30 months. The intra and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: Mean hospital stay was 1 day. The age of this group of patients ranged from 23 to 63 years (mean, 47 years). The operative time ranged from 30 to 100 minutes (mean, 45 minutes). The intraoperative complications were in form of mild bleeding in 7 patients (25.9%) during hernial sac dissection. Postoperative complications were mild inguinal pain in 4 patients (14.8%) for three weeks. Mild hydrocele in 3 patients (11%) was recorded. No recurrence or bulging at hernia site was noticed during the period of follow-up. Conclusion: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair with central mesh fixation after closure of hernial defect is effective, easy and free of complications.

Novel Technique Combining Tissue and Mesh Repair for Umbilical Hernia in Adults

Introduction: Umbilical hernia in adults poses a challenge to the surgeon. Understanding the anatomical and pathological intricacies of the hernia is pivotal in evolving a good repair. A multitude of repairs have been tried for repair of umbilical hernias. However none of them have withstood the test of time. Objective: The study aims at evolving a technique which provides mesh reinforced anatomical reconstruction of the defect. Materials and Methods: 20 patients underwent a combination repair for umbilical hernia. The results were tabulated and analysed. Results: None of the 20 patients developed any recurrence. Conclusion: A combined mesh reinforcement of tissue repair is advocated for umbilical hernias in adults.

A Technique of Bilateral Inguinal Hernia Repair Using 10 mm Single Port Access and Bioresorbable Composite Mesh Fixed with Endoclose Sutures: Three Cases Reported

Purpose: To report a novel technique of laparoscopic 10 mm Single Port Access IntraPeritoneal Onlay Mesh (SPA-IPOM) using bioresorbable composite mesh fixed with Endoclose suture (percutaneous subcutaneous suture) in 3 cases of bilateral inguinal hernia. Methods: Laparoscopic SPA-IPOM is done through a 10 mm trocar with one 10 mm instrument that has 5 mm optical lens and 5 mm channel for grasper. After inserting 10 mm trocar at umbilicus using semi-open technique, intraperitoneal anatomical landmark of inguinal her-nia is identified. A 10 × 15 cm pre-tied bioresorbable composite mesh is then placed to cover hernia defect and all three potential area of indirect, direct and femoral hernia. Using Endoclose? needle, each pair of pre-tied sutures is retrieved percutaneously through a needle wound and extracorporeal tied with knot in subcutaneous space. After the upper half of mesh is sutured to the posterior surface of abdominal wall, the lower half of mesh is fixed by hernia tacker to Symphysis Pubis, Cooper Ligament and Iliopubic tract. Re-sults: Three men, average 48 year olds were operated by laparoscopic 10 mm SPA-IPOM for bilateral in-guinal hernia repair using bioresorbable composite mesh. Average operative time was 36 minutes. No imme-diate complication. All patients were discharge on the 2nd post-operative day and average 6 months follow up has no recurrence. Conclusions: Laparoscopic SPA-IPOM is an optional operation and is much easier to be performed. Benefits include operative time saving, cosmesis, early discharge and early return to work. Bio-resorbable composite mesh prevents bowel adhesion, however, is much more expensive. Long term follow up study for complications and recurrence is needed.

Inguinodynia following Lichtenstein tension-free hernia repair:A review

Chronic Groin Pain (Inguinodynia) following inguinal hernia repair is a significant,though under-reported problem. Mild pain lasting for a few days is common following mesh inguinal hernia repair. However,moderate to severe pain persisting more than 3 mo after inguinal herniorrhaphy should be considered as pathological. The major reasons for chronic groin pain have been identified as neuropathic cause due to inguinal nerve(s) damage or non-neuropathic cause due to mesh or other related factors. The symptom complex of chronic groin pain varies from a dull ache to sharp shooting pain along the distribution of inguinal nerves. Thorough history and meticulous clinical examination should be performed to identify the exact cause of chronic groin pain,as there is no single test to confirm the aetiology behind the pain or to point out the exact nerve involved. Various studies have been performed to look at the difference in chronic groin pain rates with the use of mesh vs non-mesh repair,use of heavyweight vs lightweight mesh and mesh fixation with sutures vs glue. Though there is no convincing evidence favouring one over the other,lightweight meshes are generally preferred because of their lesser foreign body reaction and better tolerance by the patients. Identification of all three nerves has been shown to be an important factor in reducing chronic groin pain,though there are no well conducted randomised studies to recommend the benefits of nerve excision vs preservation. Both nonsurgical and surgical options have been tried for chronic groin pain,with their consequent risks of analgesic sideeffects,recurrent pain,recurrent hernia and significant sensory loss. By far the best treatment for chronic groin pain is to avoid bestowing this on the patient by careful intra-operative handling of inguinal structures and better patient counselling pre-and post-herniorraphy.

Laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernia with mesenterioaxial volvulus of the stomach

Although mesenterioaxial gastric volvulus is an uncommon entity characterized by rotation at the transverse axis of the stomach, laparoscopic repair procedures have still been controversial. We reported a case of mesenterioaxial intrathoracic gastric volvulus, which was successfully treated with laparoscopic repair of the diaphragmatic hiatal defect using a polytetrafluoroethylene mesh associated with Toupet fundoplication. A 70-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital because of sudden onset of upper abdominal pain. An upper gastrointestinal series revealed an incarcerated intrathoracic mesenterioaxial volvulus of the distal portion of the stomach and the duodenum. The complete laparoscopic approach was used to repair the volvulus. The laparoscopic procedures involved the repair of the hiatal hernia using polytetrafluoroethylene mesh and Toupet fundoplication. This case highlights the feasibility and effectiveness of the laparoscopic procedure, and laparoscopic repair of the hiatal defect using a polytetrafluoroethylene mesh associated with Toupet fundoplication may be useful for preventing postoperative recurrence of hiatal her-nia, volvulus, and gastroesophageal reflux.

Modified rives-stoppa repair for abdominal incisional hernias

Incisional hernias are a prevalent problem in abdominal surgery and occur in 11% of patients who undergo laparotomy. Primary suture clo-sure of incisional hernias results in a 31%-58% chance of recurrence. The addition of a pros-thetic mesh implant decreases recurrence rates to 8%-10%. Popularized in Europe by Rives and Stoppa, the sublay technique has proven to be very effective, with low recurrence rates (0%-23%) and minimal complications. The pur-pose of the study was to evaluate the experi-ence of a single surgeon at a large tertiary care center performing a modified Rives-Stoppa re-pair for abdominal incisional hernias. To do this, the records of all patients undergoing a modi-fied Rives-Stoppa incisional hernia repair be-tween January 2000 and August 2003 were ret-rospectively reviewed. Outpatient clinic notes, discharge summaries, operative reports, and laboratory data were reviewed for patient demographics, surgical data and postoperative complications. Univariate analysis was per-formed in order to identify predictors for recur-rence. During the study period, 83 patients un-derwent a modified Rives-Stoppa incisional hernia repair. Nineteen patients were excluded due to incomplete medical records. No patients required postoperative exploration for an in-tra-abdominal catastrophe. Twenty-five percent (n=16) of patients had a complication as a result of the hernia repair. Only two patients (3.1%) developed recurrent incisional hernias. History of diabetes (p=0.007) and benign prostatic hy-perplasia (p=0.000) were the only significant predictors for recurrence. The results presented here confirm that the modified Rives-Stoppa retromuscular repair is an effective method for the repair of incisional hernias. The complica-tion and recurrence rates compare favorably to results for currently popular alternative tech-niques.

Laparoscopic repair via the transabdominal preperitoneal procedure for bilateral lumbar hernia: Three cases report and review of literature

A lumbar hernia is a rare entity, and a bilateral lumbar hernia is much rarer. From May 2015 to October 2017, we treated only three patients with bilateral lumbar hernias. One patient came to the hospital presenting with right-sided abdominal pain, and the other two patients presented with bilateral lumbar masses. The previous bilateral lumbar hernia reported in the literature was repaired by open surgery. The laparoscopic approach via the transabdominal preperitoneal(TAPP) procedure with the self-gripping Parietex ProG rip? mesh was performed at our center. The laparoscopic repair was conducted by a skilled hernia surgeon, and was successfully performed in the three patients. The patients resumed a semiliquid diet and had no activity restriction after six hours following the operation. No antibiotics were used after the surgery. The operative times of the three patients were 120 min, 85 min, and 130 min. The blood loss volumes of the three patients were 20 mL, 5 mL, and 5 mL. The visual analogue scale pain scores of the three patients were 1, 2, and 2 on postoperative day 1, and were 1, 2, and 1 on postoperative day 3. No perioperative complications, such as bulge, wound infection and hematoma, occurred after the surgery. All of the patients were discharged on the third day after the operation. There was no chronic pain and no hernia recurrence during the follow-up. This study showed that the laparoscopic TAPP approach with the self-gripping mesh is safe and feasible, and can be considered an alternative method for the treatment of bilateral lumbar hernias.

Modified laparoscopic Sugarbaker repair of parastomal hernia with a three-point anchoring technique

AIM To retrospectively evaluate the safety and feasibility of a new modified laparoscopic Sugarbaker repair in patients with parastomal hernias.METHODS A retrospective study was performed to analyze eight patients who underwent parastomal hernia repair between June 2016 and January 2018. All of these patients received modified laparoscopic Sugarbakerhernia repair treatment. This modified technique included an innovative three-point anchoring and complete suturing technique to fix the mesh. All procedures were performed by a skilled hernia surgeon. Demographic data and perioperative outcomes were collected to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this modified technique.RESULTS Of these eight patients, two had concomitant incisional hernias. All the hernias were repaired by the modified laparoscopic Sugarbaker technique with no conversion to laparotomy. Three patients had in-situ reconstruction of intestinal stoma. The median mesh size was300 cm2, and the mean operative time was 205.6 min. The mean postoperative hospitalization time was10.4 d, with a median pain score of 1(visual analog scale method) at postoperative day 1. Two patients developed postoperative complications. One patient had a pocket of effusion surrounding the biologic mesh,and one patient experienced an infection around the reconstructed stoma. Both patients recovered after conservative management. There was no recurrence during the follow-up period(6-22 mo, average 13 mo).CONCLUSION The modified laparoscopic Sugarbaker repair could fix the mesh reliably with mild postoperative pain and a low recurrence rate. The technique is safe and feasible for parastomal hernias.

Ultra-Pro Hernia System for Repair of Primary Complex Inguinal Hernia: Should It Be the Technique of Choice?

Purpose: The introduction of light weight three-dimension meshes into the field of inguinal hernia repair showed excellent outcomes. Ultrapro Hernia System (UHS) is one of these three-dimension meshes that allow reinforcing the pre-peritoneal space with minimal fixation. It improves the patient quality of life with rapid resumption of the daily activities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short-term outcomes of open mesh repair of primary complex inguinal hernia using UHS mesh. Methods: Between November 2013 and November 2015, seventy five male patients with complex primary inguinal hernia were submitted to open inguinal hernia mesh repair using the UHS. Results: The mean age was 46.1 years. Thirty three patients had inguinoscrotal hernias, 14 with Nyhus type IIIA, 22 with Nyhus type IIIB, & 6 patients had strangulated hernias. The mean operative time was 48 minutes. No operative complications were recorded. Post-operatively, the mean VAS scale on 1 day, 1 week, & 1 month was 3.22, 1.2, & 0.3 respectively. The mean duration of oral analgesics use was 2.1 days. None of the patients reported any chronic pain at 12 months post-operatively. Two cases of superficial wound infection were recorded that were treated by oral antibiotics. No recurrence was reported during a mean follow-up period of 26 months. Conclusion: Inguinal hernia repair using UHS is an effective technique that combines the advantages of the anterior and the pre-peritoneal approaches. It improves the patient’s quality of life with minimal recurrence rates. A larger number of patients with longer follow up periods are needed to increase the validity of our results.

Urological Affections after Laparoscopic Hernia Repair in Long-Term Follow up

Objectives: Chronic pain is a severe complication of mesh-based inguinal hernia repair. Pain upon ejaculation, testicular touch sensitivity and dysuria are apparent. Regarding the large amount of patients undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair, the problem seems quite evident. In this prospective, clinical, randomized, double-blind study we intended to investigate the biocompatibility of three different meshes and their influence on urological affections after operative procedure. Methods: 180 male patients with primary inguinal hernia undergoing TAPP were randomized for using a heavyweight (108 g/m2), double-filament PP mesh (Prolene, 10 9 15 cm, group A, n = 60), a multifilament, heavyweight variant (116 g/m2) of PP mesh (Serapren, 10 9 15 cm, group B, n = 60), or a composite mesh (polyglactin and PP) (Vypro II, 10 9 15 cm, group C, n = 60). We compared in terms of complications (seromas, recurrence rate), urological affections and life quality (SF-36 Health Survey). The follow-up period was 60 months. Results: Convalescence in group A was slower than in groups B and C: mean-term values of the visual scales for pain development were significantly (p th week postoperatively. There were no significant differences between groups B and C. Beyond the 12th post-interventional week the differences diminished. Conclusions: Independent which kind of mesh was implanted still 5% of patients suffered from urological affections 60 month later.

Editorial on the Status of Hernia Surgery Back to Pure Tissue Repair or Forward to Tohubohu

Edoardo Bassini is considered the father of modern surgery. His early results revealed a 2.7% recurrence rate. Earl Shouldice, his true successor, has improved the results to less than 1%. These results were produced by several well-known surgeons from 1970-2000 and well published. The need for mesh was meant for a small segment of the surgical patient population. What has happened? Generally, recurrence rates with mesh have not come down;instead, pain has become the bane of hernia repair as we begin the 21st century. A pain which makes the patient wish that he had a recurrence instead!

腹腔镜疝修补术中补片固定方式的应用现状及研究进展

手术是治愈腹股沟疝的唯一手段。应用补片的疝修补术是当今标准腹股沟疝修补术,近年来随着微创技术的高速发展,大多倾向于腹腔镜下进行。随着该术式的广泛开展,诸如复发、疼痛、血清肿等一系列问题也日渐凸显。其中,补片固定方式的选择与应用与其密切相关,并在一定程度上决定疝修补的成败。本文对腹腔镜疝修补术中补片固定方式的应用现状进行综述。