Outcome of abdominal wall hernia repair with biologic mesh: Permacol™ versus Strattice™.

The use of biologic mesh in abdominal wall operations has gained popularity despite a paucity of outcome data. Numerous biologic products are available with virtually no clinical comparison studies. A retrospective study was conducted to compare patients who underwent abdominal wall hernia repair with Permacol™ (crosslinked porcine dermis) and Strattice™ (noncrosslinked porcine dermis). Of 270 reviewed patients, 195 were implanted with Permacol™ and 75 with Strattice™. Ventral hernia repairs comprised the majority (85% for Permacol, 97% for Strattice™). Postoperative infection rate was lower in the Strattice™ group (5 vs 21%, P < 0.01). In the Permacol™ group only, the overall complication rates were significantly higher in patients with infected versus clean wounds (55 vs 35%, P < 0.05) and in obese patients (body mass index 40 kg/m(2) or greater [57 vs 34%], P < 0.01). Short-term complication and recurrence rates were higher when mesh was used as a fascial bridge: 51 versus 28 per cent for Permacol™, 58 versus 20 per cent for Strattice™. The hernia recurrence was similar in both groups. In this review of patients undergoing abdominal hernia repair with biologic mesh, Strattice™ mesh was associated with a lower short-term complication rate compared with Permacol™, but the hernia recurrence rate was similar.

Laparoscopic redo nissen fundoplication after previous open antireflux surgery in infants and children.

Recurrent gastroesophageal reflux is a common complication after fundoplication procedures. We report our experience with laparoscopic redo Nissen fundoplications in pediatric patients with a history of open antireflux procedure. The medical records of all patients with a history of open antireflux procedure who underwent a subsequent laparoscopic redo Nissen fundoplication were reviewed. One hundred eighty laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications were performed between September 2004 and September 2012; 23 were redo procedures. Twelve patients had a history of prior open fundoplication. Average time between operations was 113.7±64 months. Seven patients presented with emesis, 4 with aspiration pneumonia, and 1 with clinical reflux. Eight had a history of cerebral palsy and/or seizure disorder. Laparoscopic revision was completed in 100% of the patients, with no intraoperative complications. Average operative time was 177.5±86 minutes. Seven patients were able to resume feeds on postoperative Day 1. Median length of stay was 3 days. Median follow-up was 21 months. One patient required a redo antireflux procedure 8 months later for persistent dysphagia. Thus laparoscopic revision Nissen fundoplication after a prior open antireflux procedure is feasible and safe.

Outcome of abdominal wall hernia repair with Permacol™ biologic mesh.

The use of biologic mesh in abdominal wall operations has gained popularity despite a paucity of outcome data. We aimed to review the experience of a large healthcare organization with Permacol™. A retrospective study was conducted of patients who underwent abdominal hernia repair with Permacol™ in 14 Southern California hospitals. One hundred ninety-five patients were analyzed over a 4-year period. Operations included ventral/incisional hernia repairs, ostomy closures, parastomal hernia repairs, and inguinal hernia repairs. In 50 per cent of the patients, Permacol™ was used to reinforce a primary fascial repair and in 50 per cent as a fascial bridge. The overall complication rate was 39.5 per cent. The complication rate was higher in patients with infected versus clean wounds, body mass index (BMI) 40 kg/m(2) or greater versus BMI less than 40 kg/m(2), in patients with prior mesh repair, and when mesh was used as a fascial bridge. With a mean follow-up of 2.1 years, morbid obesity was associated with a higher recurrence. To date this is the largest study on the use of Permacol™ in abdominal wall hernia repair. In our patient population undergoing heterogeneous operations with a majority of wounds as Class II or higher, use of Permacol™ did not eliminate wound morbidity or prevent recurrence, especially in morbidly obese patients.