Anterolateral thigh flaps in closing large abdominal wall defect after the resection of mucinous adenocarcinoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: It is a big challenge to repair a large abdominal wall defect after tumor resection, and en bloc resection with vascularized tissue reconstruction might be an alternative to achieve an improved survival for abdominal wall tumors. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of persistent abdominal pain of the right lower quadrant and a mass with dermal ulceration. An enhanced computed tomography scan and biopsy of the mass were performed to achieve the definite diagnosis of abdominal mucinous adenocarcinoma. After four courses of "FOLFOX" chemotherapy, the tumor grew to 6 × 5 cm during preoperative examination. Thereafter, we removed the tumor and involved tissues and organs and repaired the sizeable abdominal wall defect used by biological meshes and vascularized anterolateral thigh flaps. The patient suffered green drainage of 450 ml in the abdominal cavity and intestinal anastomotic fistula, for which she readmitted and recovered afterward. CONCLUSIONS: Biological mesh combined with vascularized anterolateral thigh flaps could effectively repair the large abdominal wall defect and restore the biological function of the abdominal wall.

Clinical, surgical characteristics and long-term outcomes of lumbar hernia.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Lumbar hernia is caused by a defect in the abdominal wall. Due to its rarity, there is no established consensus on optimal treatment for lumbar hernia yet. Thus, we here investigated the clinical, surgical characteristics and outcomes of lumbar hernia by collecting 28 such patients from our hospital. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with lumbar hernia from our institution between April 2011 and August 2020 were retrospectively collected in this study. Demographics, clinical characteristics and surgical information were recorded. RESULTS: A consecutive series of 28 patients with lumbar hernia were retrospectively collected, including 13 males (46%) and 15 females (54%). The ages of the patients ranged from 5 to 79 years (median: 55 years), with a mean age of 55.6 ± 14.9 years. A total of 7 cases had a history of previous lumbar trauma or surgery. There were 11 (39%), 15 (54%) and 2 (7.1%) cases had right, left and bilateral lumbar hernia, respectively. Superior and inferior lumbar hernia were found in 25 (89%) and 3 (11%) patients. General anesthesia was adopted in 16 cases (group A), whereas 12 patients received local anesthesia (group B). Patients in the group B had a shorter hospital stay than that of the group A (3.5 ± 1.3 days vs. 7.1 ± 3.2 days, p = 0.001), as well as total hospitalization expenses between the two groups (2989 ± 1269 dollars vs. 1299 ± 229 dollars, p < 0.001). With a median follow-up duration of 45.9 months (range: 1-113 months), only 1 (3%) lumbar hernias recurred for the entire cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar hernia is a relatively rare entity, and inferior lumbar hernia is rarer. It is feasible to repair lumbar hernia under local anesthesia.

A prospective Study on Femoral Hernia Repair: Is the Inguinal Better Than The Infrainguinal Approach?

BACKGROUND: Femoral hernia repair has various surgical methods. However, controversy still exists regarding the best method for management. This study aimed to compare the infrainguinal with the inguinal approach in the treatment of femoral hernias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients with primary unilateral femoral hernias were prospectively randomized to either the infrainguinal (n = 40) or inguinal approach groups (n = 40). Patient demographics, operative time, duration of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and recurrence rate were recorded. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between both study groups with respect to the patients' demographics and associated comorbidities. Regarding inpatient outcomes, there were no differences between the infrainguinal and inguinal approach groups concerning the postoperative duration of stay (P = 0.248), urinary retention (P = 0.494), superficial wound infection (P = 0.494), seroma (P = 0.615), foreign body sensation (P = 0.615), and chronic pain (P = 0.359). However, total complications were encountered in 3 patients (7.5%) in the infrainguinal approach group compared to 11 patients (27.5 %) in the inguinal approach group (P = 0.037). Also, the mean operative time was significantly shorter in the infrainguinal approach group compared to that in the inguinal group (P < 0.001). Throughout the 15 mo median follow-up duration, there was no recurrence in the inguinal approach group and one (2.5%) recurrence in the infrainguinal approach group (P = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing elective primary femoral hernia repair, the infrainguinal approach has a similar clinical curative effect to that of the inguinal approach. However, the former has the advantages of simple operation, short operation time, and fewer complications.

Long-term results of femoral hernia repair with ULTRAPRO Plug.

BACKGROUND: The infrainguinal plug technique for femoral hernia (FH) has gained popularity for its feasibility, simplicity, and encouraging rate of success, but materials and structures of traditional mesh plugs may cause postoperative discomfort, plug migration, and even recurrence. The new hernia repair device ULTRAPRO Plug (UPP) may avoid those problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 121 of patients, a total of 125 elective FH repairs with UPP were performed between March 2009 and March 2013. Demographics, surgical information, and outcome were assessed. RESULTS: Out of 121 patients, 105 were female. The mean age was 57.6 y. FHs occurred more often on the right (72) than the left (45), and in 4 patients the hernias were bilateral. Mean duration of a hernia surgery was 14.7 min, and 91% patients were discharged within 24 h. Mean time to complete return to daily activities was 7.4 d. No mortality or major complications occurred during the perioperative period. Median follow-up was 26 mo, and the total follow-up rate was 91%. No recurrence or chronic mesh infection was noted. Postoperative chronic pain in two patients, sensory loss in one patient, and foreign body sensation in three patients were found in the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of FHs with UPP through an infrainguinal approach is a simple and effective procedure without major postoperative events.

CT-determined low skeletal muscle mass predicts worse overall survival of gastric cancer in patients with cachexia.

BACKGROUND: There were controversies for the association between computed tomography (CT)-determined low skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and overall survival (OS) in gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we investigated whether cachexia could be a potential confounding variable for this issue. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the patients of GC in our institution between July 2016 and January 2021. Preoperative SMM was determined by analyzing the skeletal muscle index of L3 with abdominal CT, and the cut-offs for low SMM were defined as <52.4 (men) and < 38.5 cm2 /m2 (women), respectively. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint. RESULTS: Of the 255 included GC patients, 117 (46%) were classified as having low SMM. Those with low SMM were associated with a higher level of circulating interleukin 6 and C reactive protein but a lower level of albumin than those of normal SMM. The univariate analysis showed that low SMM, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, body mass index (BMI), postoperative chemotherapy, and cachexia were significantly associated with OS, while in the multivariate analysis, only low SMM and TNM stage were significantly associated with OS. Kaplan-Meier survival curves with log-rank tests indicated that low SMM significantly predicted worse OS of GC. After grouping by cachexia, the low SMM significantly predicted worse OS in patients with cachexia instead of those without cachexia. CONCLUSIONS: CT-determined low SMM predicts worse OS of GC in patients with cachexia instead of those without cachexia, and greater attention should be paid to such patients with synchronous low SMM and cachexia.

Prognostic value of cachexia index in patients with colorectal cancer: A retrospective study.

Background: Current diagnostic criteria for cancer cachexia are inconsistent, and arguments still exist about the impact of cachexia on the survival of patients with colorectal cancer. In this study, we aim to investigate the prognostic value of a novel cachexia indicator, the cachexia index (CXI), in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: The CXI was calculated as skeletal muscle index (SMI) × serum albumin/neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio. The cut-off value of CXI was determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Youden's index. The major outcomes were major complications, overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Results: A total of 379 patients (234 men and 145 women) were included. The ROC curves indicated that CXI had a significantly diagnostic capacity for the detection of major complications. Based on Youden's index, there were 231 and 148 patients in the low and high CXI groups, respectively. Patients in the low CXI group had significantly older age, lower BMI, and a higher percentage of cachexia and TNM stage II+III. Besides, Patients in low CXI group were associated with a significantly higher rate of major complications, blood transfusion, and longer length of stay. Logistic regression analysis indicated that low CXI, cachexia, and coronary heart disease were independent risk factors for the major complications. Kaplan Meier survival curves indicated that patients with high CXI had a significantly more favorable OS than those with low CXI, while no significant difference was found in RFS between the two groups. Besides, there were no significant differences in OS or RFS between patients with and without cachexia. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that older age, low CXI, and coronary heart disease instead of cachexia were associated with a decreased OS. Conclusion: CXI was better than cachexia in predicting OS and could be a useful prognostic indicator in patients with colorectal cancer, and greater attention should be paid to patients with low CXI.

Safety of Inguinal Hernia Repair in the Elderly with Perioperative Continuation of Antithrombotic Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the safety of an inguinal hernia repair (IHR) under local anesthesia (LA) in the elderly with a perioperative continuation of antithrombotic therapy (AT). METHODS: A total of 120 patients undergoing elective primary IHR between August 2018 and August 2019 at the West China Hospital of China were prospectively studied, among which 60 patients also had coexisting cardiovascular diseases and had a continuation of AT perioperatively (antithrombotic group); the other 60 patients were not on any prior AT (control group). The primary endpoints were intra- and postoperative hemorrhagic complications, the required interventions for complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification, and postoperative thromboembolic complications. The secondary endpoints were nonhemorrhagic complications, intraoperative duration, and postoperative length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: None of the patients in both groups had significant intraoperative bleeding >10 mL, and there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of the postoperative hemorrhagic complications: bruising (2 vs. 0%, p = 1.000), serosanguinous soakage (7 vs. 3%, p = 0.679), and no hematoma was observed. Interventions required for encountered complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification grade I (7 vs. 5%, p = 1.000) were assessed. There were no episodes of postoperative thromboembolic complications within 60 days in both groups. There were also no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of nonhemorrhagic complications, intraoperative duration, and postoperative LOS (p > 0.05 in all). CONCLUSIONS: The perioperative continuation of AT did not increase the risk of intra- and postoperative hemorrhagic complications following IHR in the elderly. Thus, IHR under LA seems to be safe and feasible in this setting.

Application of double circular suturing technique (DCST) in repair of giant incision hernias.

BACKGROUND: Our study aims to explore the feasibility and safety of a double circular suturing technique (DCST) in the repair of giant incision hernias. METHODS: The clinical data of 221 patients (95 men and 126 women; the average age was 61.6 years) receiving DCST in the repair of giant incision hernia between January 2010 and December 2018 was analyzed retrospectively. One hundred and five primary and 16 recurrent patients underwent herniorrhaphy with anti-adhesion underlay mesh repair using DCST. RESULTS: All the 221 operations were performed successfully. The average preparation time before the operation and hospital stays were 3.7 days (range, 1-6 days) and 7.5 days (range, 2-16 days), respectively. The average diameter of the hernia ring defect observed intraoperatively was 16.4 cm (range, 12-22 cm). The average time of operation was 83.6 min (range, 43-195 min). There were 2 cases of intestinal fistula, 4 cases of wound infection, 2 cases of mesh infection, 7 cases of serum tumescence, 3 cases of pulmonary infection, and 2 cases of wound dehiscence occurred. One hundred and ninety-five patients were followed up for 6.7 years (range, 0.8-9.5 years) postoperatively. Of them, 9 patients recurred; 14 patients had chronic pain whose visual analog scale (VAS) was 2-4 cm (average 2.7 cm). CONCLUSIONS: With limited preparation time before operations, few postoperative complications, and recurrence rate, DCST in the repair of giant incision hernia is safe and possible clinically.

M1-like TAMs are required for the efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockades in gastric cancer.

The efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockades is heterogeneous in different molecular subtypes of gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we analyzed relevant clinical trials to identify the molecular subtypes associated with the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockades, and public datasets, patient samples, and GC cell lines were used for investigating potential mechanisms. We found that GC with EBV-positive, MSI-H/dMMR, TMB-H or PIK3CA mutant subtype had enhanced efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockades. Also, differentially expressed genes of these molecular subtypes shared the same gene signature and functional annotations related to immunity. Meanwhile, CIBERSORT identified that the overlapping landscapes of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the four molecular subtypes were mainly M1-like macrophages (M1). The relationships between M1 and clinical characteristics, M1, and gene signatures associated with PD-1/PD-L1 blockades also revealed that M1 was associated with improved prognosis and required for the efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockades in GC. We identified that tumor-infiltrating CD68+CD163- macrophages could represent M1 calculated by CIBERSORT in clinical application, and CXCL9, 10, 11/CXCR3 axis was involved in the mechanism of CD68+CD163- macrophages in the enhanced efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockades. In conclusion, CD68+CD163- macrophages are required for the efficacy of PD-L1/PD-1 blockades and expand the applicable candidates in GC patients without the molecular subtypes.

Application of double circular suturing technique (DCST) in the repair of large abdominal wall defects after resection of abdominal wall tumor.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effects of repairing large defects using the double circular suturing technique (DCST) after resection of abdominal wall tumor. METHODS: The clinical data of 62 patients (25 men, 37 women; average age 41.7±22.4 years) who underwent DCST between October 2010 and November 2018 for the repair of large abdominal wall defects with anti-adhesion underlay mesh after resection of abdominal wall tumor were retrospectively analyzed. The maximum diameter of abdominal wall defect after resection of abdominal wall tumor was 10.4±5.6 cm. The course of disease was 1-341 months, and the average was 32.4 months. Operative time, postoperative hospitalization time, perioperative complications, tumor recurrence in situ, incidence of postoperative chronic pain, and hernia were recorded. RESULTS: All 62 operations were completed successfully. The operative time was 73.2±31.4 minutes, and the mean postoperative hospitalization time was 9.6 days (range, 2-20 days). In total, 54 patients were followed up postoperatively for a median 6.7 years (range, 0.9-9.0 years). Partial splitting of incisions occurred in 2 patients, fat liquefaction of incisions occurred in 3 patients, and chronic pain occurred in 4 patients. No tumor in situ recurrence, hernia, or other complications were found in any cases in the follow-up. Tumor metastasis occurred in 9 patients with 6 of these patients dying of tumour progression. CONCLUSIONS: With simple operations, short procedure time, few complications, low tumor recurrence rate, and low incidence of postoperative chronic pain, application of DCST in the repair of large abdominal wall defects is effective after resection of abdominal wall tumor.

PD-1/PD-L1 blockade rescue exhausted CD8+ T cells in gastrointestinal stromal tumours via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.

OBJECTIVES: Although targeted therapy has revolutionized the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), it is almost never curative in GIST, and resistance commonly develops. One potential strategy is to combine targeted therapy with immunotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We first studied Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and tumour-infiltrating T cells (TILs) in GIST. IFN-γ was used to induce the upregulation of PD-L1 expression in GIST-882 cells, a well-known GIST cell line. CD8+ T-cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR levels in CD8+ T cells were examined by Western blotting. RESULTS: PD-L1 expression was an independent factor of poor prognosis in GIST and resulted in exhausted T cells in the TILs population or the blood. Then, we found that PD-L1 blockade alone could not increase tumour cell apoptosis in GIST. The apoptosis rate of CD8+ T cells was higher when T cells were cultured with PD-L1+ GIST-882 cells (GIST-882 cells with high PD-L1 expression) than when T cells were cultured with control GIST-882 cells. However, when the PD-L1 blockade was used, the apoptosis rates of the CD8+ T cells in the two groups became similar. Then, Western blotting showed the PI3K/Akt/mTOR levels of the CD8+ T cells rescued by the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade were higher than those of the CD8+ T cells not treated with the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. CONCLUSIONS: PD-L1 expression was an independent poor prognosis factor in GIST. PD-1/PD-L1 blockade rescued exhausted CD8+ T cells in GIST via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. In GIST, PD-1/PD-L1 not only function as predictive biomarkers but also improve current therapies as treatment targets.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Versus Sleeve Gastrectomy for Super Super Obese and Super Obese: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Weight Results, Comorbidity Resolution.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) used for super obesity (SO) and super super obesity (SSO) remain controversial. The meta-analysis was to summarize the evidence. METHODS: We searched in MEDLINE and PubMed for studies concerning RYGB and SG for SO or SSO and pooled complication, percentage excess weight loss (%EWL), and resolution of comorbidities. RESULTS: Twelve studies were identified. RYGB achieved higher %EWL at 12 months, but no significant difference at 24 months. Resolution of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia reached a statistical significance; however, there was no significant difference in hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: RYGB was superior in %EWL for SSO and SO at 12 months. However, regarding at 24 months, RYGB was equal to SG, which is from a meta-analysis and cannot be seen as a definitive conclusion.

Effects of the resistant starch on glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, and lipid parameters in overweight or obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The role of resistant starch (RS) in glucose, insulin, insulin resistance or sensitivity, and lipid parameters have been reported in several studies and remained controversial. A pooled analysis which assessed these parameters has not been performed. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to sum up existing evidence about the issue. METHODS: We searched in MEDLINE and PUBMED for studies that were published before November 2018. Meta-analysis of diabetics and nondiabetics trials were performed by use of a random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 13 case-control studies that included 428 subjects with body mass index ≥25 were identified. RS supplementation reduced fasting insulin in overall and stratified (diabetics and nondiabetics trials) analysis (SMD = -0.72; 95% CI: -1.13 to -0.31; SMD = -1.26; 95% CI: -1.66 to -0.86 and SMD = -0.64; 95% CI: -1.10 to -0.18, respectively), and reduced fasting glucose in overall and stratified analysis for diabetic trials (SMD = -0.26; 95% CI: -0.5 to -0.02 and SMD = -0.28; 95% CI: -0.54 to -0.01, respectively). RS supplementation increased HOMA-S% (SMD = 1.19; 95% CI: 0.59-1.78) and reduced HOMA-B (SMD =-1.2; 95% CI: -1.64 to -0.77), LDL-c concentration (SMD =-0.35; 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.09), and HbA1c (SMD = -0.43; 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.13) in overall analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis has provided evidence that RS supplementation can improve fasting glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance and sensitivity, especially for diabetic with overweight or obesity. However, owing to potential sophistication, individual difference and composition of intestinal microbiota, this result should be carefully taken into account.

Retrospective analysis of smaller than 3-cm umbilical hernia repair with the lightweight macroporous mesh.

There is evidence that mesh repair for primary umbilical hernias results in fewer recurrences and similar wound complication rates compared to tissue repair. Various devices and surgical approaches are used in umbilical hernia repair. The ULTRAPRO PLUG (UPP) has been adopted for inguinal hernias and femoral hernias with excellent results. However, there are few reports on the use of UPP for umbilical hernia repair. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety in the treatment of smaller than 3-cm umbilical hernias using the UPP.The medical records of 123 patients who underwent umbilical hernia repair using the UPP between October 2011 and September 2017 were reviewed. All patients were followed-up after 1 month and later in 2018. Demographics, surgical information, and immediate postoperative and long-term complications were assessed.Out of 123 patients, there were 37 male and 86 female patients with a mean age of 50.6 years. The median duration of hernia surgery was 20.5 min (range, 12-34), and 109 (88.6%) patients underwent day surgery. The median defect diameter was 1.4 cm (range, 0.5-3). No mortality or major complications occurred during the perioperative period. Long-term follow-up data were available for 107 (87.0%) patients. The median follow-up duration was 33 months (range, 5-76 months). Early postoperative complications included 1 case of seroma, 2 cases of fat liquefaction, and 1 case of superficial surgical site infection. During follow-up, there were 2 recurrences, 1 case of chronic mesh infection, and 2 patients with chronic postoperative pain.The ULTRAPRO PLUG offers a simple and quick means of repairing smaller than 3-cm umbilical hernias with lower recurrence rates and fewer postoperative complications.

[EFFECTIVENESS OF PREPERITONEAL HERNIORRHAPHY WITH Ultrapro Plug MESH FOR UMBILICAL HERNIA REPAIR IN ADULTS].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of preperitoneal herniorrhaphy with Ultrapro Plug (UPP) mesh for umbilical hernia repair in adults. METHODS: Between September 2011 and June 2015, 71 patients with umbilical hernia underwent preperitoneal herniorrhaphy with UPP mesh. There were 26 males and 45 females, aged 19-92 years (mean, 54.3 years). The disease duration was 45 days to 30 years (median, 18 months). Umbilical hernia was diagnosed through physical examination, ultrasound, and other relevant auxiliary examination. According to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, 12 cases were rated as grade Ⅰ, 34 cases as grade Ⅱ, 21 cases as grade Ⅲ, and 4?cases as grade Ⅳ. The operation time, postoperative hospitalization time, complication, and recurrence were recorded. RESULTS: The diameter of hernia ring ranged 0.5-3.0 cm (mean, 1.8 cm). There was no vessel or intestine injury. The operation time was 12-35 minutes (mean, 22.4 minutes); postoperative hospitalization time was 12-48 hours (mean, 16.3 hours). Fat liquefaction of incision occurred in 2 cases, and primary healing of incision was obtained in the other cases. Sixty-nine patients were followed up 8-51 months (median, 28 months). Hernia recurrence and patch infection occurred in 1 case respectively during follow-up. No postoperative foreign body sensation and chronic pain occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Repairing umbilical hernia in adults with UPP mesh should be safe and reliable, because it has the advantages of short operation time, short hospital stay, less complication, and lower incidence of recurrence.

[Effectiveness of tension-free herniorrhaphy with UPP mesh through a femoris approach for femoral hernia repair].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of tension-free herniorrhaphy with Ultrapro Plug (UPP) mesh through a femoris approach for femoral hernia repair. METHODS: Between March 2009 and January 2013, 123 patients (126 sides) underwent tension-free herniorrhaphy with UPP mesh through a femoris approach. There were 17 males and 106 females, aged 32-95 years (mean, 63.3 years). The locations were the left side in 48 cases, the right side in 72 cases, and both sides in 3 cases. The disease duration was 1 month to 26 years (median, 25 months). Of 123 cases, 35 cases (36 sides) were reducible and 88 cases (90 sides) were irreducible. According to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, 20 cases were rated as grade I, 42 cases as grade II, 56 cases as grade III, and 5 cases as grade IV. The operation time, postoperative hospitalization time, complication, recurrence, and chronic pain were recorded. RESULTS: The operation time was 7-28 minutes (mean, 14.5 minutes); postoperative hospitalization time was 2-96 hours (mean, 19.4 hours) (112 patients discharged from hospital within 24 hours). Wound dehiscence occurred in 1 case and fat liquefaction in 2 cases. A total of 119 patients (122 sides) were followed up 4-50 months (median, 18 months); no recurrence was noted. Two cases (2 sides) suffered from chronic pain after operation, whose visual analogue scale (VAS) was 20 mm and 30 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Tension-free herniorrhaphy with UPP mesh through a femoris approach should be recommended because it has the advantages of simple operation, short operation time, less complication, and lower incidence of chronic pain.

Low concentrations of lidocaine for inguinal hernia repair under local infiltration anaesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: A randomized, double-blind, prospective, controlled study to determine the lowest concentration of lidocaine that provides satisfactory anaesthesia and analgesia for inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Patients with inguinal hernia undergoing tension-free mesh repair under local infiltration anaesthesia were randomized to receive 0.25% (Group A), 0.33% (Group B) or 0.5% (Group C) lidocaine. Total dose and volume of lidocaine consumed and intraoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores were recorded for each patient. Each patient's degree of satisfaction and the incidence of anaesthesia- and procedure-related complications were recorded and assessed. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were randomized. There were no between-group differences in median VAS scores, degree of satisfaction, volume of lidocaine consumed or incidence of complications. Patients in group A consumed significantly lower doses of lidocaine than those in both other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The mean dose of lidocaine consumed in group A was significantly lower but exerted similar efficacy to that in the other groups, and may lead to a lower risk of local anaesthetic toxicity.