Outcomes and complications of open, laparoscopic, and hybrid giant ventral hernia repair

BACKGROUND An incisional hernia is a common complication of abdominal surgery.AIM To evaluate the outcomes and complications of hybrid application of open and laparoscopic approaches in giant ventral hernia repair.METHODS Medical records of patients who underwent open,laparoscopic,or hybrid surgery for a giant ventral hernia from 2006 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed.The hernia recurrence rate and intra-and postoperative complications were calculated and recorded.RESULTS Open,laparoscopic,and hybrid approaches were performed in 82,94,and 132 patients,respectively.The mean hernia diameter was 13.11±3.4 cm.The incidence of hernia recurrence in the hybrid procedure group was 1.3%,with a mean follow-up of 41 mo.This finding was significantly lower than that in the laparoscopic(12.3%)or open procedure groups(8.5%;P<0.05).The incidence of intraoperative intestinal injury was 6.1%,4.1%,and 1.5%in the open,laparoscopic,and hybrid procedures,respectively(hybrid vs open and laparoscopic procedures;P<0.05).The proportion of postoperative intestinal fistula formation in the open,laparoscopic,and hybrid approach groups was 2.4%,6.8%,and 3.3%,respectively(P>0.05).CONCLUSION A hybrid application of open and laparoscopic approaches was more effective and safer for repairing a giant ventral hernia than a single open or laparoscopic procedure.

Evolution and advances in laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair

Primary ventral hernias and ventral incisional hernias have been a challenge for surgeons throughout the ages. In the current era, incisional hernias have increased in prevalence due to the very high number of laparotomies performed in the 20 th century. Even though minimally invasive surgery and hernia repair have evolved rapidly, general surgeons have yet to develop the ideal, standardized method that adequately decreases common postoperative complications, such as wound failure, hernia recurrence and pain. The evolution of laparoscopy and ventral hernia repair will be reviewed, from the rectoscopy of the 4th century to the advent of laparoscopy, from suture repair to the evolution of mesh reinforcement. The nuances of minimally invasive ventral and incisional hernia repair will be summarized, from preoperative considerations to variations in intraoperative practice. New techniques have become increasingly popular, such as primary defect closure, retrorectus mesh placement, and concomitant component separation. The advent of robotics has made some of these repairs more feasible, but only time and well-designed clinical studies will tell if this will be a durable modality for ventral and incisional hernia repair.

Long term recurrence,pain and patient satisfaction after ventral hernia mesh repair

AIM: To compare long term outcomes of laparoscopic and open ventral hernia mesh repair with respect to recurrence, pain and satisfaction.METHODS: We conducted a single-centre follow-up study of 194 consecutive patients after laparoscopic and open ventral hernia mesh repair between March 2000 and June 2010. Of these, 27 patients(13.9%) died and 12(6.2%) failed to attend their follow-up appointment. One hundred and fifty-three(78.9%) patients attended for follow-up and two patients(1.0%) were interviewed by telephone. Of those who attended the follow-up appointment, 82(52.9%) patients had received laparoscopic ventral hernia mesh repair(LVHR) while 73(47.1%) patients had undergone open ventral hernia mesh repair(OVHR), including 11 conversions. The follow-up study included analyses of medical records, clinical interviews, examination of hernia recurrence and assessment of pain using a 100 mm visual analogue scale(VAS) ruler anchored by word descriptors. Overall patient satisfaction was also determined. Patients with signs of recurrence were examined by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scan.RESULTS: Median time from hernia mesh repair to follow-up was 48 and 52 mo after LVHR and OVHR respectively. Overall recurrence rates were 17.1% after LVHR and 23.3% after OVHR. Recurrence after LVHR was associated with higher body mass index. Smoking was associated with recurrence after OVHR. Chronic pain(VAS > 30 mm) was reported by 23.5% in the laparoscopic cohort and by 27.8% in the open surgery cohort. Recurrence and late complications were predictors of chronic pain after LVHR. Smoking was associated with chronic pain after OVHR. Sixty point five percent were satisfied with the outcome after LVHR and 49.3% after OVHR. Predictors for satisfaction were absence of chronic pain and recurrence. Old age and short time to follow-up also predicted satisfaction after LVHR.CONCLUSION: LVHR and OVHR give similar long term results for recurrence, pain and overall satisfaction. Chronic pain is frequent and is therefore important for explaining dissatisfaction.

Giant ventral hernia simultaneously containing the spleen, a portion of the pancreas and the left hepatic lobe: A case report

BACKGROUND Ventral hernia,also known as incisional hernia,is a common complication of previous surgery.The contents of ventral hernia may include omentum,preperitoneal fat,small intestine or colon.However,ventral hernia with protrusion of more than two parenchymal organs simultaneously is extremely rare,and its repair is very complex and difficult.Surgeons should make a comprehensive assessment based on their own experience and the individual characteristics of the hernia.In addition,psychological therapy should be emphasized in the whole treatment process.CASE SUMMARY We report a rare case of asymptomatic giant ventral hernia for 15 years in a 21-year-old female.The patient underwent umbilical hernia repair at the age of 1 year.Approximately 5 years later,ventral hernia recurred and repair with Mesh was performed,but the operation failed due to postoperative infection,and a huge mass appeared in the left abdominal wall.The mass increased gradually with the development and maturity of the body.Computerized tomography scan demonstrated that the patient's total spleen,part of the pancreas and left lobe of the liver were simultaneously herniated through the abdominal incisional hernia.As the patient was unable to endure the inconvenience of life and the potential risk of spleen or liver rupture,she underwent a ventral hernia repair with Mesh at our hospital.The operation was successful and the patient had a good recovery.During a 3-mo follow-up,the patient remained asymptomatic and the appearance of the surgical incision was greatly improved.CONCLUSION Ventral hernia is a common complication of abdominal surgery.Ventral hernia with protrusion of more than two parenchymal organs simultaneously is extremely rare.Surgeons should pay attention to the psychological treatment while restoring the abdominal physiological function in ventral hernia patients.

Effect of intra-abdominal pressure on respiratory function in patients undergoing ventral hernia repair

AIM: To determine the influence of intra-abdominal pressure(IAP) on respiratory function after surgical repair of ventral hernia and to compare two different methods of IAP measurement during the perioperative period. METHODS: Thirty adult patients after elective repair of ventral hernia were enrolled into this prospective study.IAP monitoring was performed via both a balloontipped nasogastric probe [intragastric pressure(IGP), Ci MON, Pulsion Medical Systems, Munich, Germany] and a urinary catheter [intrabladder pressure(IBP), Uno Meter Abdo-Pressure Kit, Uno Medical, Denmark] on five consecutive stages:(1) after tracheal intubation(AI);(2) after ventral hernia repair;(3) at the end of surgery;(4) during spontaneous breathing trial through the endotracheal tube; and(5) at 1 h after tracheal extubation. The patients were in the complete supine position during all study stages.RESULTS: The IAP(measured via both techniques) increased on average by 12% during surgery compared to AI(P < 0.02) and by 43% during spontaneous breathing through the endotracheal tube(P < 0.01). In parallel, the gradient between РаСО2 and Et CO2 [Р(а-et)CO2] rose significantly, reaching a maximum during the spontaneous breathing trial. The PаO2/Fi O2 decreased by 30% one hour after tracheal extubation(P = 0.02). The dynamic compliance of respiratory system reduced intraoperatively by 15%-20%(P < 0.025). At all stages, we observed a significant correlation between IGP and IBP(r = 0.65-0.81, P < 0.01) with a mean bias varying from-0.19 mm Hg(2SD 7.25 mm Hg) to-1.06 mm Hg(2SD 8.04 mm Hg) depending on the study stage. Taking all paired measurements together(n = 133), the median IGP was 8.0(5.5-11.0) mm Hg and the median IBP was 8.8(5.8-13.1) mm Hg. The overall r2 value( n = 30) was 0.76(P < 0.0001). Bland and Altman analysis showed an overall bias for the mean values per patient of 0.6 mm Hg(2SD 4.2 mm Hg) with percentage error of 45.6%. Looking at changes in IAP between the different study stages, we found an excellent concordance coefficient of 94.9% comparing IBP and IGP( n = 117).CONCLUSION: During ventral hernia repair, the IAP rise is accompanied by changes in Р(а-et)CO2 and PаO2/Fi O2-ratio. Estimation of IAP via IGP or IBP demonstrated excellent concordance.

Short-Term Outcome of “Double Crown” Tackers Mesh Fixation in Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair

Background:?Many ventral hernia repair methods have been described among surgeons. The traditional primary repair entails a laparotomy with suture approximation of strong fascial tissue on each side of the defect. However, recurrence rates after this procedure range from 12% to 24% during long-term follow-up. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) is a well recognized minimally invasive surgical technique for repair of different types of abdominal wall ventral hernias. However, the best method of mesh fixation during LVHR is still a subject ofdebate.?Patients & Methods: In the present study, 50 patients were presented with ventral hernia between June 2012 and October 2013. Demographics of the patients were recorded. All patients were submitted to LVHR with mesh fixation by “Double Crown” of tackers. The first crown was placed on the mesh periphery with 1 cm between each 2 successive tackers and the second crown around the edges of the defect. Operative complications, VAS scale, post-operative complications, and length of hospital stay were reported. Results: The mean age was 40.08 years. Female to male ratio was 3:2. The mean BMI was 32.3. The diameter of the hernial defect was <5 cm in 64%, while, the defects larger than 15 cm were excluded. LVHR was successfully completed in all the patients with no conversion. Only 1 patient had intra-operative bleeding from omental vessels that was successfully controlled. The mean operative time was 79 minutes. Post-operatively, the mean VAS was 3.96, 2.12, and 0.24 at 24 hours, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks, respectively. Two patients developed post-operative ileus that was treated conservatively and 1 patient developed persistent seroma that was treated by repeated aspiration. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.08 days. Conclusion: “Double Crown” tackers mesh fixation in LVHR seems to be a safe and effective surgical technique with favorable outcome. However, further randomized studies are needed on larger numbers of patients to validate these results.

Laparoscopic management of ventral hernia repair using intraperitoneal synthetic mesh: A 10-year retrospective observational study

Objective:Ventral hernia is an anterior abdominal wall hernia,with an incidence of 2%-13%.Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is the preferred method worldwide with all the advantages of the laparoscopic technique proven to be an effective treatment option.This study aims to assess the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic management of ventral hernia repair using intraperitoneal onlay mesh(IPOM)or intraperitoneal onlay mesh with defect closure(IPOM PLUS)technique with the usage of variety of synthetic meshes intraperitoneally.Methods:A retrospective study of 821 patients of a single institution for a decade was conducted.Longterm outcomes such as pain,mesh infections,enterocutaneous fistula,bowel adhesions and recurrence were assessed.Results:There were 801 primary,12 incisional,and 8 recurrent hernia cases,including 532 females and 289 males with a mean age of 45.62±9.37 years.IPOM PLUS were underwent in 674(82.10%)cases.Polypropylene,dual,titanium,composite meshes were applied in 473(57.61%),208(25.33%),82(9.99%),and 58(7.06%)cases respectively.Intraoperative bleeding occurred in 3(0.37%)cases,seroma in 8(0.97%),wound infection in 4(0.49%),stitch abscess in 2(0.24%).Recurrence was found in 8(0.97%)cases,with 5 used polypropylene mesh and 3 used dual mesh.Mesh infections were discovered in 6(2.88%)cases used dual,and foreign body sensation in 4(0.85%)cases used polypropylene.Three(0.37%)patients had suture site hernia,and 3(0.37%)had chronic sinus.Conclusion:IPOM or IPOM PLUS holds good in small or medium sized ventral hernias.The safety and efficacy of intraperitoneal polypropylene mesh is comparable to that of other synthetic meshes.A mesh overlap of minimum 5 cm beyond defect edge is must to minimise hernia recurrence.Absorbable suture can be considered as alternative to tackers.

Alternative to mesh repair for ventral hernias: Modified rectus muscle repair

BACKGROUND Mesh utilization for ventral hernia repair is associated with potential complications such as mesh infections,adhesions,seromas,fistula formation and significant postoperative pain.The modified rectus muscle repair(RMR)is as an option to repair midline ventral hernias without mesh.AIM To evaluate the short term outcomes when the modified RMR was used to repair ventral hernias.METHODS This was a 5-year prospective study that examined the outcome of all consecutive patients with ventral abdominal wall hernias>5 cm in maximal diameter who underwent repair using the modified RMR technique in a single surgeon unit.Patients were reviewed in an outpatient clinic at 3,6 and 12 mo and evaluated for hernia recurrence on clinical examination.Each patient’s abdominal wall was also assessed with using ultrasonography at 24 mo to detect recurrences.All data were examined with SPSS ver 18.0.RESULTS Over the 5-year study period,there were 52 patients treated for ventral hernias at this institution.Four patients were excluded and there were 48 in the final study sample,at a mean age of 56 years(range 28-80).The mean maximal diameter of the hernia defect was 7 cm(range 5-12 cm).There were 5(10.4%)seromas and 1 recurrence(2.1%)at a mean of 36 mo follow-up.CONCLUSION The authors recommend the modified RMR as an acceptable alternative to mesh repair of ventral hernias.The seroma rate can be further reduced with routine use of drains.The modified RMR also has the benefit of eliminating all mesh-specific complications.

Internal hernia as a rare cause of small bowel obstruction:An insight from 13 years of experience

BACKGROUND Internal hernia(IH)is a rare culprit of small bowel obstruction(SBO)with an incidence of<1%.It poses a considerable diagnostic challenge requiring a high index of suspicion to prevent misdiagnosis,improper treatment,and subsequent morbidity and mortality.AIM To determine the clinico-demographic profile,radiological and operative findings,and postoperative course of patients with IH and its association with SBO.METHODS Medical records of 586 patients with features of SBO presenting at a tertiary care centre at Lucknow,India between September 2010 and August 2023 were reviewed.RESULTS Out of 586 patients,7(1.2%)were diagnosed with IH.Among these,4 had congenital IH and 3 had acquired IH.The male-to-female ratio was 4:3.The median age at presentation was 32 years.Contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT)was the most reliable investigation for preoperative identification,demonstrating mesenteric whirling and clumped-up bowel loops.Left paraduodenal hernia and transmesenteric hernia occurred with an equal frequency(approximately 43%each).Intraoperatively,one patient was found to have bowel ischemia and one had associated malrotation of gut.During follow-up,no recurrences were reported.CONCLUSION IH,being a rare cause,must be considered as a differential diagnosis for SBO,especially in young patients in their 30s or with unexplained abdominal pain or discomfort post-surgery.A rapid imaging evaluation,preferably with CECT,is necessary to aid in an early diagnosis and prompt intervention,thereby reducing financial burden related to unnecessary investigations and preventing the morbidity and mortality associated with closed-loop obstruction and strangulation of the bowel.

Single-incision laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair in the treatment of adult female patients with inguinal hernia

BACKGROUND Women have a 3%lifetime chance of developing an inguinal hernia,which is not as common in men.Due to its cosmetic benefits,single-incision laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal(SIL-TAPP)inguinal hernia repair is becoming in-creasingly popular in the management of inguinal hernia in women.However,there are no studies comparing the safety and applicability of SIL-TAPP repair with conventional laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal(CL-TAPP)inguinal hernia repair for the treatment of inguinal hernia in women.AIM To compare the outcomes of SIL-TAPP and CL-TAPP repair in adult female patients with inguinal hernia and to estimate the safety and applicability of SIL-TAPP repair in adult female inguinal hernia patients.METHODS We retrospectively compared the clinical information and follow-up data of fe-male inguinal hernia patients who underwent SIL-TAPP inguinal hernia repair and those who underwent CL-TAPP inguinal hernia repair at the Affiliated Hos-pital of Nantong University from February 2018 to December 2020 and assessed the long-term and short-term outcomes of both cohorts.RESULTS This study included 123 patients,with 71 undergoing SIL-TAPP repair and 52 un-dergoing CL-TAPP repair.The two cohorts of patients and inguinal hernia charac-teristics were similar,with no statistically meaningful difference.The rate of intraoperative inferior epigastric vessel injury was lower in patients in the SIL-TAPP cohort(0,0%)than in patients in the CL-TAPP cohort(4,7.7%)and was significantly different(P<0.05).In addition,the median[interquartile range(IQR)]total hospitalization costs were significantly lower in patients in the SIL-TAPP cohort[$3287(3218-3325)]than in patients in the CL-TAPP cohort[$3511(3491-3599)].Postoperatively,the occurrence rate of trocar site hernia was lower in the SIL-TAPP cohort(0,0%)than in the CL-TAPP cohort(4,7.7%),and the median(IQR)cosmetic score was significantly higher in the SIL-TAPP cohort[10(10-10)]than in the CL-TAPP cohort[9(9-10)].CONCLUSION SIL-TAPP repair did not increase the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications in female in-guinal hernia patients.Moreover,female inguinal hernia patients who underwent SIL-TAPP repair had a lower probability of trocar site hernia and inferior epigastric vessel injury than female inguinal hernia patients who un-derwent CL-TAPP repair.In addition,female inguinal hernia patients who underwent SIL-TAPP repair reported a more aesthetically pleasing postoperative abdominal incision.Therefore,SIL-TAPP repair is a better option for the treatment of inguinal hernias in women.

Analysis of the Effect and Efficiency of Tension- Free Hernia Repair and Traditional Surgery in The Treatment of Hernia

Objective: To analyze the efficiency of tension-free hernia repair and traditional surgery in the treatment of hernia. Methods: A total of 80 patients with hernias were selected and randomly into a control group (traditional hernia repair) and an observation group (tension-free hernia repair), of 40 cases each. The perioperative indicators, pain, physiological stress indicators, complications, and recurrence rates between the two groups were compared. Results: The perioperative indexes of the observation group were better than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The postoperative pain score, postoperative physiological stress index level, incidence of complications, and recurrence rate of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In the surgical treatment of hernia, tension-free hernia repair was less traumatic and had a better effect than traditional hernia repair.

Ultrasound diagnosis of congenital Morgagni hernias: Ten years of experience at two Chinese centers

BACKGROUND Morgagni hernias are rare anomalies that are easily misdiagnosed or missed.AIM To summarize the ultrasound(US)imaging characteristics of Morgagni hernias through a comparison of imaging and surgical results.METHODS The records of children with Morgagni hernias who were hospitalized at two hospitals between January 2013 and November 2023 were retrospectively re-viewed in terms of clinical findings,US features,and operative details.RESULTS Between 2013 and 2023,we observed nine(five male and four female)children with Morgagni hernias.Upper abdominal scanning revealed a widening of the prehepatic space,with an abnormal channel extending from the xiphoid process to the right or left side of the thoracic cavity.The channel had intestinal duct and intestinal gas echoes.Hernia contents were found in the transverse colon(n=6),the colon and small intestine(n=2),and the colon and stomach(n=1).Among the patients,seven had a right-sided lesion,two had a left-sided lesion,and all of them had hernial sacs.CONCLUSION US imaging can accurately determine the location,extent,and content of Morgagni hernias.For suspected Mor-gagni hernias,we recommend performing sonographic screening first.

Omental fibroma combined with right indirect inguinal hernia masquerades as a scrotal tumor: A case report

BACKGROUND The most common causes of scrotal enlargement in patients include primary tumor of the scrotum,inflammation,hydrocele of the tunica vaginalis,and indirect inguinal hernia;scrotal enlargement caused by external tumors of the scrotum is rare.The patient had both a greater omentum tumor and an inguinal hernia,and the tumor protruded into the scrotum through the hernia sac,which is even rarer.Moreover,omental tumors are mostly metastatic,and primary omental fibroma is rare.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report a rare case of a 25-year-old young man with scrotal enlargement and pain for 3 months.Preoperative examination and multidisciplinary discu-ssions considered intra-abdominal tumor displacement and inguinal hernia,and intraoperative exploration confirmed that the greater omentum tumor protruded into the scrotum.Therefore,tumor resection and tension-free inguinal hernia repair were performed.The final diagnosis was benign fibroma of the greater omentum accompanied by an indirect inguinal hernia.CONCLUSION This unusual presentation of a common inguinal hernia disease illustrates the necessity of performing detailed history taking,physical examination,and imaging before surgery.

Ventral hernia after high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation for uterine fibroids treatment:A case report

BACKGROUND High-intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU) ablation is a minimally invasive approach in gynecology that is used to manage uterine fibroids.Although this procedure is safe and effective,adverse outcomes are becoming a major problem.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of ventral hernia that occurred as a rare and delayed complication of HIFU ablation for uterine fibroids treatment.The patient came to the hospital with abdominal bloating that occurred 6 mo after ultrasound-guided HIFU ablation for managing uterine fibroids.The ventral hernia,which occurred due to atrophied muscle layers following the procedure,was confirmed by imaging studies and intraoperative findings.She required a hernia repair with mesh and hysterectomy for definitive treatment of uterine fibroid.CONCLUSION High-intensity ultrasound ablation should be performed only on appropriate candidates.Patients should be educated about potential complications of the procedure and the possibility of subsequent treatment.Post-procedural long-term follow-up for detecting delayed adverse effects is important.

Comparative Analysis of the Efficacy of Transabdominal Pre-Peritoneal Vs Open Tension-Free Hernia Repair in Treating Inguinal Hernia

Objective:To investigate and analyze the clinical outcomes of inguinal hernia patients treated with transabdominal pre-peritoneal repair(TAPP)versus open tension-free hernia repair.Methods:The study was carried out from January 2021 to August 2023,and a total of 50 inguinal hernia patients were selected for this study.The patients were randomly divided into a study group(n=25)and a control group(n=25)by the numerical table method.The patients in the control group were treated with open tension-free hernia repair,whereas the patients in the study group were treated with TAPP.The surgical and postoperative recovery indexes,complication rates,and recurrence rates of the two groups were compared.Results:There was no significant difference in the operative time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups(P>0.05),and the postoperative feeding time,time out of bed,and hospitalization time of the study group were shorter than those of the control group(P<0.05);the incidence rate of postoperative complications in the study group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05);and there was no significant difference in the recurrence rate of the two groups after operation(P>0.05).Conclusion:Compared to open tension-free hernia repair,TAPP offers a shorter postoperative recovery duration and hospitalization time,and reduces the incidence of complications.Therefore,this surgical method should be popularized in the treatment of inguinal hernia.

Clinical observation of extraction-site incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery increases the risk of incisional hernia(IH)at the tumor extraction site.AIM To investigate the incidence of IH at extraction sites following laparoscopic colo-rectal cancer surgery and identify the risk factors for IH incidence.METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed the data of 1614 patients who underwent la-paroscopic radical colorectal cancer surgery with tumor extraction through the abdominal wall at our center between January 2017 and December 2022.Diffe-rences in the incidence of postoperative IH at different extraction sites and the risk factors for IH incidence were investigated.RESULTS Among the 1614 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical colorectal cancer surgery,303(18.8%),923(57.2%),171(10.6%),and 217(13.4%)tumors were ex-tracted through supraumbilical midline,infraumbilical midline,umbilical,and off-midline incisions.Of these,52 patients developed IH in the abdominal wall,with an incidence of 3.2%.The incidence of postoperative IH was significantly higher in the off-midline incision group(8.8%)than in the middle incision groups[the supraumbilical midline(2.6%),infraumbilical midline(2.2%),and umbilical incision(2.9%)groups](χ^(2)=24.985;P<0.05).Univariate analysis showed that IH occurrence was associated with age,obesity,sex,chronic cough,incision infection,and combined diabetes,anemia,and hypopro-teinemia(P<0.05).Similarly,multivariate analysis showed that off-midline incision,age,sex(female),obesity,incision infection,combined chronic cough,and hypoproteinemia were independent risk factors for IH at the site of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The incidence of postoperative IH differs between extraction sites for laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.The infraumbilical midline incision is associated with a lower hernia rate and is thus a suitable tumor extraction site.

Ventral Hernia: An Innovative Grading System

Background: Ventral hernia is a complex and progressive condition that may lead to serious complications. However, no specified grading or classifying system is found to categorize the hernia, which leads to clinical complexities and may affect the patient outcome. Aim: The general aim of this paper is to build up an easy and comprehensive grading system to categorize ventral hernia. Methodology: By carrying out a secondary search over clinical presentation, physical examination, and imaging studies of ventral hernia, a valid grading system is developed. Results: Hanoon’s grading system is composed of seven grades, grades 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4. Each grade entailed different clinical presentations, imaging characteristics, and progressivity of ventral hernia. Conclusion: Hanoon’s grading system for ventral hernia can be used to solve the clinical complexities of ventral hernia. Also, it can be a step forward in hernia research to build upon.

Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Repair of Spigelian Hernia: Case Report

Spigelian Hernia (SH) is an uncommon anterior abdominal wall defect, it represents 0.1% - 2% of all abdominal wall hernias. SHs have been traditionally repaired by open technique, but laparoscopic approaches are becoming more common and widely described in the literature. Here we present a case report of a 69-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain, nausea, abdominal distention and absence of bowel movements for 2 days. A computed tomography performed in an external facility revealed a right-sided and incarcerated SH containing bowel and mesentery. The patient was treated surgically and the abdominal wall defect was repaired by a laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach. The patient was discharged 24 hours after surgery in excellent conditions. We hold that the TAPP approach is anatomically the soundest repair, with all the added benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Ultrasonic manifestations and age distribution of internal abdominal hernia in children

Objective To observe the ultrasonic manifestations and age distribution of internal abdominal hernia in children.Methods Data of 53 children with internal abdominal hernia confirmed by operation were retrospectively analyzed.The ultrasonic findings were observed,and the age distribution of children was analyzed.Results Among 53 cases,"cross sign"was observed in 22 cases(22/53,41.51%),and"hernia ring beak sign"was detected in 26 cases(26/53,49.06%)by preoperative ultrasound,according to which 21 cases were diagnosed as internal abdominal hernia,with the accuracy of 39.62%(21/53).Meanwhile,manifestations of intestinal obstruction were noticed in 48 cases(48/53,90.57%),and intestinal necrosis was considered in 22 cases(22/53,41.51%).Four cases were misdiagnosed as intestinal perforation,appendicitis,intestinal atresia and volvulus,each in 1 case.The onset age of postoperative adhesive band internal hernia was larger than that of mesenteric hiatal hernia(P<0.05),while no significant difference of onset age was found among other types of internal abdominal hernias(all P>0.05).Intestinal ischemic necrosis was found in 25 cases,while the incidence of intestinal necrosis in children aged≤1 year,>1 and≤3 years,>3 and≤7 years and those>7 years was 66.67%(12/18),33.33%(4/12),36.36%(4/11)and 41.67%(5/12),respectively.Conclusion The characteristic ultrasonic findings of internal abdominal hernia in children included"cross sign"and"hernia ring beak sign".Internal abdominal hernia in children under 1 year had high risk of intestinal necrosis.

Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia in Children: A Case Report

Introduction: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a rare condition in children complicating closed or penetrating trauma to the abdomen and thorax. We report the case of an 11-year-old girl with a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Case Presentation: An 11-year-old girl was seen in the paediatric surgery department for a thoracolumbar spine deformity and intermittent chest pain. These symptoms occurred after a domestic accident involving a fall from a low wall onto the thoracolumbar spine 5 months previously. The diagnosis was suggested by the presence of a left hemithoracic hydroaera and confirmed by a thoraco-abdominal CT scan. Surgical exploration revealed a linear rupture of the entire left hemi-diaphragm with herniation of the stomach, small intestine, cecum, transverse colon and omentum. We performed a double-layer suture of the diaphragmatic rupture with a non-absorbable suture without edge rejuvenation after the reduction of the hernia. The outcome was favourable with normal postoperative radiographs at one year follow-up. Conclusion: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia, although uncommon and difficult to diagnose, is a condition that is relatively easy to manage surgically, even if it is discovered late. In all cases of trauma to the thoracolumbar spine, regular follow-up and repeat X-rays are necessary if pain persists.