[The first experience of TAPP and TEP allohernioplasty in patients with inguinal hernias at CRH]. / TARR i TER-allogernioplastika pri pakhovykh gryzhakh v usloviiakh TsRB.

AIM: To improve the outcomes in patients with inguinal hernias by application of advanced minimally invasive procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The article describes an experience of 59 laparoscopic allohernioplasties in 48 patients at the central regional hospital. There were bilateral hernias in 11 cases. Transabdominal preperitoneal (n=49) and extraperitoneal (n=10) placement of polypropylene mesh graft were used. RESULTS: Intraoperative complications such as sigmoid colon lesion occurred in 2 patients with sliding left-sided hernia. Mortality was absent. Mean hospital-stay was 5.4 days, 12-month examination after discharge did not show any recurrent hernias. CONCLUSION: Positive results of TAPP and TEP hernia repair justify their application as minimally invasive techniques in patients with various inguinal hernias at CRH if appropriate technical training and motivation of surgical team are present.

A new groin hernia classification with clinical relevance.

INTRODUCTION: Groin hernia is one of the most commonly managed surgical diseases around the world. The typical question asked by patients is "Does my hernia require urgent surgery?". The currently available classifications are insufficient to stratify patients into different groups. We propose a new classification that incorporates diverse clinical elements together with anatomical and other vital information, which allows us to stratify patients into different groups. METHOD: A task force was formed by the Hong Kong Hernia Society, working with international expert hernia surgeons. The framework of the classification system was formulated. Clinical elements that are important in groin disease stratification were identified. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed. Those which dictate the severity of the disease were selected and compiled to form the new proposed classification. Application of this classification model to a single hernia surgeon's registry in The Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Hernia Centre was done for initial evaluation. RESULT: This new classification incorporates important clinical characteristics forming a total of nine grades of differentiation, together with the anatomical details and special information. This comprehensive system allows the stratification of patients into different groups based on disease severity. It also enables more accurate data collection for future audits, comparisons of disease progression over time, and the effect of different management strategies for different-stage patients. CONCLUSION: This is the first classification system which incorporates essential clinical parameters, which allows the stratification of groin hernia into different stages. Further studies and validation should be performed to evaluate the usefulness and value of this classification in groin hernia management.

New classification of the penoscrotal positional anomalies.

BACKGROUND: The aspect of sexual differentiation and the mechanism controlling the position of genitalia, which represents one of the most substantial differences between the sexes, is still poorly understood. Minor cases and some variants of penoscrotal transposition (PST) are unreported, and obvious cases were classified broadly and confused with other unrelated anomalies. METHODOLOGY: Relevant literature published till 2022 were reviewed then organized, recapitulated, and presented in comparison with the findings and data of 65 child diagnosed with PST. So, an integrated comprehensive approach to this uncommon condition enabled a new classification including few unreported variant cases, which were complemented. RESULTS: PST is classified herein into a cephalic or caudal scrotal migration, the cephalic type subdivided into major and minor subtypes the latter type subdivided into bilateral, unilateral or central subtypes. Cases of caudal scrotal regression is an unreported anomaly in which the scrotum located caudally, as constant association with epispadias/exstrophy anomalies leaving a wide distance between the fixed penis and the scrotal sacs. CONCLUSION: PST is not rare as it was believed, it occurs in two directions; cephalic and caudal directions. Scrotal caudal regression anomaly was not described before, as well the PST presented as an inguinal hernia.

[Hernia repair at the groin - who undergoes which surgical intervention?]. / Leistenhernienreparation - Wo wird wie operiert?

BACKGROUND: Within the Guidelines of the European Hernia Society (EHS), there are disctinct statements about where and how inguinal hernia has to be surgically approached. In ASA-I and -II patients, it is recommended to perform the operation in an outpatient clinic setting. Male patients older than 30 years of age should undergo preferably surgical intervention using a mesh. In this context, there are two basic questions: "Are these recommendations already implemented in daily surgical practice (?)" and "Are these guidelines the road to success (?)", which are to be commented based on i) data from two registries, ii) data obtained in the surgical practice of the first author and iii) a selective literature search. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis was made of prospectively obtained data from two German registries (Herniamed registry [H-med]; Quality Assurance Inguinal Hernia Registry [QIHR]) and a consecutive and representative patient cohort of a single surgical practice [Surg-Pract] specialised in hernia surgery. Main results and concluding remarks are discussed in light of data reported in the literature. RESULTS: Proportions of hernia repair in an outpatient clinic setting were substantially different among the 3 groups (as follows): H-med (22.3 %), QIHR (62.7 %), Surg-Pract (80.5 %) whereas the percentages of ASA-I and -II patients differed only slightly: H-med (83.4 %), QIHR (89.5 %) and Surg-Pract (88.3 %). Recurrency rates after 12 months were 0.6 % (QIHR) and 0.7 % (Surg-Pract), respectively. In Surg-Pract, for 30 % of hernia repairs, "only" suturing for reconstruction was used. CONCLUSION: In ASA-I and -II patients, a substantial proportion of individuals can be surgically treated in an outpatient clinic setting with no disadvantages regarding high surgical quality and favourable outcome. Data from the national H-med indicated a much lower percentage of such patients than internationally reported and, in addition, a disproportionately high rate of endoscopic procedures. Moreover, reimbursement for hernia repair in an outpatient clinic setting is much worse in Germany compared with international standards, and, interestingly, there is by a factor of 1/3 an above average number of hospital beds in Germany compared with the OECD countries.

[Ultrasound of inguinal hernias: morphological classification for a potentially conservative treatment in asymptomatic patients]. / Ultraschall von Leistenhernien: Morphologische Klassifikation für ein potenziell konservatives Vorgehen bei asymptomatischen Patienten.

PURPOSE: By using a standardized ultrasound procedure, it is possible to identify 3 types of hernias, which provide relevant information about the risk of incarceration based on morphological data. Therefore, conservative treatment is possible in asymptomatic patients. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate how the different hernia types are distributed, to evaluate the assessment for the risk of incarceration and to compare this management with "watchful waiting". MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over the last 16 years we performed ultrasound examinations in over 7000 patients with preoperatively inguinal hernia and compared the findings to the intraoperative situs. From 1 / 1 / 2002 - 12 / 31 / 2007 we operated on 2758 patients with an inguinal hernia and treated 425 patients conservatively. Asymptomatic patients were checked annually and symptomatic patients were checked immediately. RESULTS: In all cases there was an exact correlation between the ultrasound description and the intraoperative finding in relation to the 3 hernia types: type A (bulge) 23 %, type B (tube) 55 %, type C (sandclock) 22 %. No case in the conservatively treated group required emergency operation. CONCLUSION: Preoperatively inguinal hernias can be differentiated into 3 types by using sonomorphological criteria. Therefore, safe assessment of the need for operation is possible in asymptomatic patients. This procedure seems to be safer than "watchful waiting".

[Principles of the management of adult inguinal hernia--recommendations by the European Hernia Society]. / Felnottkori lágyéksérvek kezelésének alapelvei--az Európai Sérvsebészeti Társaság ajánlása.

The European Hernia Society (EHS) presented the EHS Guidelines for the Treatment of Inguinal Hernia in Adult Patients. The Guidelines contain recommendations for the management of inguinal hernia from diagnosis to aftercare. These have been developed by a Working Group consisting of expert surgeons with representatives of 14 member countries of the EHS. The Guidelines are evidence-based and, when necessary, a consensus of all members was reached. The Guidelines have been reviewed by a Steering Committee as well. Before finalisation, feedback from the relevant national hernia societies was obtained. The Guidelines can be used to adjust local protocols, training purposes as well as quality control. In order to keep them updated the next revision will be published in 2012. A short update of new high-level evidence will be provided by the Working Group during the EHS annual congress until the next revision.

Relations of the neck of groin hernias to pubic tubercle.

OBJECTIVE: The traditional anatomical and surgical teaching is that any hernia with the neck above and medial to the pubic tubercle are inguinal. Present day surgical authors and teachers mostly adhere to this teaching but observe a difference in this relationship in clinical demonstrations. This confuses most medical students and surgical residents. This all-important clinical teaching should hence be revisited. Hence this study was to ascertain and validate clinically the true relationship of pubic tubercle and the neck of groins hernia. DESIGN: Aprospective observational study. SETTING: Surgical Outpatient Clinic of Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa Unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Nigeria. SUBJECTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Consecutive patients seen in the clinic with uncomplicated groin hernias were studied from January 1993 to December 2004. Examinations were done to ascertain the relationship of the groin hernias to the pubic tubercle. RESULTS: 96.8% of inguinal hernias have their necks above and lateral to pubic tubercle while all femoral hernia had their necks below and lateral to the pubic tubercle. CONCLUSION: Location above or below the pubic tubercle should be used as the sole difference between femoral and inguinal hernias in clinical demonstrations. More observations and inguinal dissections will be necessary for further clarification.

Amyand's hernia with acute phlegmonous appendicitis: case report.

Any inguinal hernia containing the vermiform appendix is called Amyand's hernia. Amyand hernias are very rare and even rarer is the association of Amyand hernia with acute appendicitis. Due to the rarity of this entity, it constitutes a challenging case in terms of diagnosis and treatment. The surgical management is not yet standardized and there are no clear guidelines. There are some controversies regarding whether to perform an appendectomy if appendix appears normal or whether mesh can be used for the hernia repair if appendectomy is performed. We describe a case of Amyand hernia in a 90-year old man with acute appendicitis and we review current literature regarding surgical strategy.

The accuracy of ultrasonography in classification of groin hernias according to the criteria of the unified classification system.

BACKGROUND: The modern concept of type-related individualized groin hernia surgery imposes a demand for precise and accurate preoperative determination of the type of groin hernia. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography in classification of groin hernias, according to the criteria of the unified classification system. Unified classification divides groin hernias into nine types (grades): type I (indirect, small), II (indirect, medium), III (indirect, large), IV (direct, small), V (direct, medium), VI (direct, large), VII (combined-pantaloon), VIII (femoral), and O (other). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five adult patients with clinically diagnosed or suspected groin hernias were examined. Ultrasonography of both groins was performed with a 5 to 10-MHz linear-array transducer. Preoperative ultrasonographic findings of type of groin hernia were compared with the intraoperative findings, which were considered the gold standard. RESULTS: Total accuracy of ultrasonography in determination of type of groin hernia was 96% (119 of 124 correct predictions of type of groin hernia compared with surgical explorations). All hernias of types I, IV, V, VII, and VIII were correctly identified with ultrasonography (sensitivity and specificity 100%). In the remaining five cases of the 124 (4%), hernia was incorrectly classified with ultrasonography: type VI (direct, large) was misdiagnosed as type III (indirect, large) in three cases, type III as type VI in one case, and type III as type II (indirect, medium) in one case. The sensitivity and the specificity of ultrasonography in classifying type II were 100 and 99%, respectively, for type III, 85 and 97%, and for type VI, 90 and 99%. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography of the groin regions could be used with great accuracy for precise classification of groin hernias in adults. Each type of groin hernia, according to the unified classification system that we used for classification, has a characteristic ultrasonographic presentation, which is demonstrated in this study.

[Inguinal hernia repair: classification and the choice of adequate anaesthesia techniques].

In spite of the great achievements in herniology, the problem of inguinal hernia is not solved. The adequate classification is a step to its proper treaty. The classification of the disease is presented in the article. The study confirms the benefits of local anaesthetic-based techniques over both general and spinal anaesthesia for inguinal hernia repair and presents new methods of treatment. The direct and indirect costs of anaesthesia for inguinal hernia repair are lowest when using local anaesthesia with or without sedation. Local anaesthesia-based techniques with conscious sedation fulfil all the requirements for the ideal ambulatory anaesthetic.

Pediatric inguinal hernias, are they all the same? A proposed pediatric hernia classification and tailored treatment.

PURPOSE: To propose a new clinical classification for pediatric inguinal hernias modified from a similar classification system for adult inguinal hernia and to propose a tailored repair for each type. The impact of this approach on hernia recurrence will be assessed. METHODS: This prospective and retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in two tertiary teaching university hospitals in Egypt (Alexandria and Tanta University Children's Hospitals) from January 2013 to December 2014 on children below 12 years of age with indirect inguinal hernias who were divided into two groups: (a) prospective group I, classified according to our proposed pediatric hernia classification and tailored treatment (PHCTT) into types: pediatric Nyhus 1 (PNI) assigned for herniotomy alone, pediatric Nyhus II (PNII) assigned for herniotomy plus deep ring narrowing, and type pediatric Nyhus III (PNIII) assigned for herniotomy plus posterior wall repair. (b) Retrospective unclassified group II where all cases were assigned to herniotomy alone (open). Data about patient characteristics, assigned hernia type, operative findings, procedures done, and postoperative complications were documented and analyzed by comparing the outcomes of the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 371 patients were included in this study with 401 hernias (30 bilateral); group I included of 217 patients, while group II included 154 patients. There was a male preponderance in group I (173/217 = 80%) and in group II (130/154 = 85%); the majority in both groups were less than 12 months of age, in group I (132/217 = 66%) and in group II (120/154 = 85%). The median age was 4 months and the median duration of symptoms was 2 months. For group I, PNII hernias formed the predominant cluster making 40% (94/235) followed by PNI hernias making 34.8% (82/235), while PNIII hernias were the least group being 25% (59/235) only. The mean follow-up period was 9.2 months ± 4.8 SD (and 9.1 months ± 2 SD in group II). The pooled recurrence rate was 1.9% (8/401) of the whole series, a weighted mean of the individual recurrence rates of 0% (0/235) of group I and 4.8% (8/166) of group II patients, all males. This difference in the recurrence rates between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric inguinal hernias are not the same and there is extreme variation in the presentation regarding the size of the defect. We proposed a nouvelle pediatric hernia classification modified from the original Nyhus classification for adult inguinal hernia with tailored surgical approach to each type (PHCTT). Applying this (PHCTT), it has the benefit of a significant reduction of recurrence rate.

Amyand hernia: what lies beneath--a proposed classification scheme to determine management.

Acute appendicitis in a hernia sac occurs exceptionally. An 80-year-old male patient underwent emergency surgery for an incarcerated right inguinal hernia found to contain a gangrenous appendix. His brief improvement after an emergency herniotomy with appendectomy was followed by intestinal obstruction caused by advanced colon cancer. The unique features and individualized management of the four published types of Amyand hernia are reviewed. Rather than simply being an anatomical curiosity, Amyand hernias require individualized attention to decide how to manage both the appendix and the hernia. Clinical scrutiny, a high index of suspicion for surgical comorbidities, and a common sense approach may improve outcomes.

The European hernia society groin hernia classification: simple and easy to remember.

After reviewing the available classifications for groin hernias, the European Hernia Society (EHS) proposes an easy and simple classification based on the Aachen classification. The EHS will promote the general and systematic use of this classification for intraoperative description of the type of hernia and to increase the comparison of results in the literature.

The acceptability of waiting times for elective general surgery and the appropriateness of prioritising patients.

BACKGROUND: Problematic waiting lists in public health care threaten the equity and timeliness of care provision in several countries. This study assesses different stakeholders' views on the acceptability of waiting lists in health care, their preferences for priority care of patients, and their judgements on acceptable waiting times for surgical patients. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 257 former patients (82 with varicose veins, 86 with inguinal hernia, and 89 with gallstones), 101 surgeons, 95 occupational physicians, and 65 GPs. Judgements on acceptable waiting times were assessed using vignettes of patients with varicose veins, inguinal hernia, and gallstones. RESULTS: Participants endorsed the prioritisation of patients based on clinical need, but not on ability to benefit. The groups had significantly different opinions (p < 0.05) on the use of non-clinical priority criteria and on the need for uniformity in the prioritisation process. Acceptable waiting times ranged between 2 and 25 weeks depending on the type of disorder (p < 0.001) and the severity of physical and psychosocial problems of patients (p < 0.001). Judgements were similar between the survey groups (p = 0.3) but responses varied considerably within each group depending on the individual's attitude towards waiting lists in health care (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The explicit prioritisation of patients seems an accepted means for reducing the overall burden from waiting lists. The disagreement about appropriate prioritisation criteria and the need for uniformity, however, raises concern about equity when implementing prioritisation in daily practice. Single factor waiting time thresholds seem insufficient for securing timely care provision in the presence of long waiting lists as they do not account for the different consequences of waiting between patients.

Inguinal hernia repair with the dynamic self-regulating prosthesis (PAD system). Recurrence and complications in 236 consecutive patients.

We retrospectively analysed 236 consecutive patients with primary and recurrent inguinal hernia treated with the dynamic self-regulating prosthesis (PAD system). Parameters such as hernia type, operation time, type of anaesthesia, complications, hospital stay and recurrence were evaluated. Recurrence rates were determined by clinical examination. 254 PAD procedures were performed on 236 adult male patients. Inguinal hernias were unilateral in 218 patients, bilateral in 18 patients, and recurrent in 22 patients. There were 101 patients (43%) with Nyhus type II hernia, 113 (48%) with Nyhus type III hernia, and 22 (9%) with Nyhus type IV hernia; local anaesthesia was used in 149 (63%) patients, and epidural anaesthesia in the others. Haemorrhage occurred in 2 patients (0.8%) and required re-operation. After a median follow-up of 40 months (range: 21-56), there were only 2 (0.8%) recurrences, both in the same patient. Persistent inguinal pain at 1 year occurred in 3 patients (1.2%). There was no statistical correlation between preoperative comorbid disease, Nyhus type of hernia, operative time and recurrence (p < 0.2). We conclude that the PAD system is as effective as mesh repair with an acceptable recurrence rate and fewer complications.

[Inguinal hernia repair. A randomized multicentric study comparing laparoscopic and open surgical repair]. / Cure de hernie inguinale chez l'homme. Etude randomisée multicentrique comparant coelioscopie versus chirurgie ouverte.

Despite being one of the commonest surgical procedures, few methodologically suitable evaluations of inguinal hernia repair have been conducted in France. Between September 1995 and November 2000 men with inguinal hernias at 7 surgical centers were randomly assigned to open or laparoscopic repair. The primary endpoint was recurrence of hernias at two years and secondary endpoints were complications and postoperative pain (Visual Analogic Score). Of 404 patients assigned to one of the two procedures, 390 were available for the analysis. Median follow-up was 2.8 years for open surgery (Shouldice 98%) and 2.3 years for laparoscopy (TAP 55%; TEP 45%). Two-year follow-up was 66%. Recurrences were more common in the laparoscopic group (15.5%) than in the open group (6%) odds ratio 2.75; 95% confidence interval 1.20-6.85. This difference was statistically significant for direct hernias exclusively. The three severe intraoperative complications were reported in the laparoscopic group. The rate of local complications at 8 and 30 postoperative days were not different between the two techniques, however 8 of 9 patients with testicular pain were in the laparoscopic group. Postoperative pain at one month was less severe in the laparoscopic than in the open group (VAS 1.41.9 and 3.12.6 respectively). The rate of patients with postoperative pain (VAS>2) at one year was not related to the open or laparoscopic technique (overall 8.5%). Mean PREoperative VAS of patients with longterm postoperative pain was higher than PREoperative VAS of patients without postoperative pain, 3.9 and 2.2 respectively. Mean operating room occupation times were 11637 min and 16965 min for open and laparoscopic surgery respectively. Subject to limitations associated with the present study follow-up, open surgery might be superior to laparoscopic surgery for inguinal hernia repair.