Is weight trajectory a better marker of wound complication risk than BMI in hernia patients with obesity?

BACKGROUND: Complex ventral hernias are frequently repaired via an open transversus abdominis release (TAR). Obesity, particularly a BMI > 40, is a strong predictor of wound morbidity following this procedure. We aimed to determine if preoperative weight loss may still be beneficial in patients with persistently elevated BMIs. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) who underwent open TAR at a tertiary academic medical center from January 2018 to December 2021 was completed. Demographics, medical history, operative details, and postoperative data were analyzed. Weight and BMI were recorded at three time points: > 6 months prior to initial surgical consultation, surgical consultation, and day of surgery. RESULTS: In total, 182 patients with obesity underwent an open TAR. Twenty-seven patients (14.8%) underwent surgery with a BMI > 40; they did not have any significant differences in surgical site occurrences (SSO, 48.1% vs 32.9%, p = 0.13) or surgical site infections (SSI, 25.9% vs 23.2%, p = 0.76) compared to those with a BMI ≤ 40. The average timeframe analyzed for preoperative weight loss was 592 days. Patients who had at least a 3% weight loss (n = 49, 26.9%) had decreased rates of SSI compared to those who did not have this weight loss (12.2% vs 27.8%, p = 0.03), despite the groups having similar BMIs at the time of surgery (36.4 vs 36.0, p = 0.50). Patients who only had a 1% weight loss did not see a decrease in SSI rate compared to those who did not (20.6% vs 25.4%, p = 0.45). CONCLUSION: Weight loss may be a better indicator of a patient's risk for wound morbidity following TAR than BMI alone, as weight loss of at least 3% resulted in fewer SSIs despite similar BMIs at time of surgery. Further research into optimal timing and amount of weight loss, as well as effects on long-term outcomes, is needed to confirm these findings.

Operative dictations in surgical trainees: an underutilized educational resource?

INTRODUCTION: Accurate operative notes are imperative to patient care and are used for communication, billing, quality assurance, and medical-legal conflicts. However, operative note quality often varies and many lack critical details. Unfortunately, no standardized training exists in operative dictations for surgical trainees. This pilot study sought to determine resident ability to dictate a comprehensive operative note and to determine a need for a formal operative dictation curriculum. METHODS: Thirty-eight surgical residents between post-graduate years (PGY) one to four participated in a ventral hernia repair simulation. One senior (PGY3/4) resident coached two junior residents (PGY1/2). Residents completed an informal needs assessment regarding operative dictations. Post-simulation, residents completed an operative dictation. Notes were graded using a modified validated rubric. RESULTS: Thirty-five residents completed the needs assessment, and 38 residents submitted an operative note. Eighty-two percent of this group have completed ≤ 25 operative dictations in training and 77% have received minimal feedback on operative dictations. Out of 33 total points, mean overall score was 18.9 ± 5.4 (Junior resident: 17.9 ± 5.4; Senior resident: 20.9 ± 4.8) Total mean scores did not significantly differ between junior and senior residents (p = 0.10). Senior and junior residents scored similarly on the procedural details component (p = 0.29). Senior residents scored higher on relevant patient history and operative note headers (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Standard surgical training may not provide enough teaching and feedback to residents on operative note dictations. A formal residency training curriculum may bolster trainee ability to learn the components of an effective operative note.

Examination of abdominal wall perfusion using varying suture techniques for midline abdominal laparotomy closure.

BACKGROUND: With a growing interest in the primary prevention of incisional hernias, it has been hypothesized that different suturing techniques may cause various levels of tissue ischemia. Using ICG laser-induced fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA), we studied the effect of different suture materials and closure techniques on abdominal wall perfusion. METHODS: Fifteen porcine subjects underwent midline laparotomy, bilateral skin flap creation, and three separate 7 cm midline fascial incisions. Animals underwent fascial closure with 5 different techniques: (1) Running 0-PDS® II (polydioxanone) Suture with large bites; (2) Running 0-PDS II Suture with small bites; (3) Interrupted figure-of-eight (8) PDS II Suture, (4) Running 0-barbed STRATAFIX™ Symmetric PDS™ Plus Knotless Tissue Control Device large bite; (5) Running 0-STRATAFIX Symmetric PDS Plus Device small bites. ICG-FA signal intensity was recorded prior to fascial incision (baseline), immediately following fascial closure (closure), and at one-week (1-week.). Post-mortem, the abdominal walls were analyzed for inflammation, neovascularity, and necrosis. RESULTS: PDS II Suture with small bites, fascial closure at the caudal 1/3 of the abdominal wall, and the 1-week time period were all independently associated with increased tissue perfusion. There was also a significant increase in tissue perfusion from closure to 1-week when using small bites PDS II Suture compared to PDS II Suture figure-of-8 (p < 0.001) and a trend towards significance when compared with large bites PDS II Suture (p = 0.056). Additionally, the change in perfusion from baseline to 1 week with small bites was higher than with figure of 8 (p = 0.002). Across all locations, small bite PDS II Suture has greater total inflammation than figure of 8 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the small bite technique increases abdominal wall perfusion and ICG-FA technology can reliably map abdominal wall perfusion. This finding may help explain the reduced incisional hernia rates seen in clinical studies with the small bite closure technique.

Evaluation of anterior versus posterior component separation for hernia repair in a cadaveric model.

BACKGROUND: Component separation remains an integral step during ventral hernia repair. Although a multitude of techniques are described, anterior component separation (ACS) via external oblique release (EOR) and posterior component separation (PCS) via transversus abdominis muscle release (TAR) are commonly utilized. The extent of myofascial medialization after ACS or PCS has not been well elucidated. We conducted a comparative analysis of ACS versus PCS in an established cadaveric model. METHODS: Fifteen cadavers underwent both ACS via EOR and PCS via TAR. Following midline laparotomy (MLL), baseline myofascial elasticity was measured. Steps for ACS included creation of subcutaneous flaps (SQF), external oblique release (EOR), and retrorectus dissection (RRD). For PCS, steps included retrorectus dissection (RRD), transversus abdominis muscle division (TAD), and retromuscular dissection (RMD). Maximal advancement of anterior rectus fascia (ARF) was measured following application of tension to the fascia as a whole, and separately at upper, middle, and lower segments. Statistical analysis was performed with Mann-Whitney U test. Values are represented as average myofascial medialization in centimeters. RESULTS: Following MLL an average of 5.0 ± 0.9 cm (range 3.4-6.0 cm) of baseline medialization was obtained. Complete ACS provided 8.8 ± 1.2 cm (range 6.3-10.7 cm) of ARF advancement compared to 10.2 ± 1.7 cm (range 7.6-12.7 cm) with PCS, p = 0.046. In the upper and mid-abdomen, we noted increased ARF advancement with PCS versus ACS (8.1 ± 1.4 cm vs. 6.7 ± 1.2 cm and 11.4 ± 1.5 vs. 9.6 ± 1.4 cm, respectively, p = 0.01). Similar levels of ARF advancement were observed in the lower abdomen, 9.1 ± 1.7 cm versus 8.7 ± 1.8 cm, p = 0.535. CONCLUSIONS: Component separation via both anterior and posterior approaches provide substantial myofascial advancement. In our model, we noted statistically greater anterior fascial medialization after PCS versus ACS as a whole, and especially in the upper and mid-abdomen. We advocate PCS as a reliable and possibly superior alternative for linea alba restoration for reconstructive repairs, especially for large defects in the upper and mid-abdomen.

Is old age a contraindication to elective ventral hernia repair?

BACKGROUND: Ventral hernia repair (VHR) is a frequent problem in the expanding aging population. However, advanced age is often viewed as a contraindication to elective hernia surgery. We aimed to analyze outcomes of VHR in a large cohort of elderly patients. We hypothesized that elective VHR is safe and effective even in patients over 70 years old. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients over the age of 70 who underwent VHR at a at a tertiary care hospital. Main outcome measures included postoperative complications and recurrence rate. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2015, 263 elderly patients who underwent elective VHR were included. Major comorbidities included diabetes, COPD, and smoking history. The majority of the patients underwent open repairs. Surgical site events occurred in 54 patients (21%). Postoperative complications included 17 venous thromboembolism occurrences, 2 myocardial infarctions, 41 patients who required postoperative critical care, and 1 mortality. Readmission within 90 days postoperatively occurred in 34 patients (13%). At a mean follow-up of 25.6 months, 17 patients in the open group and 6 patients in the laparoscopic group had a recurrence. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that VHR can be performed reasonably safely and effectively even in this potentially risky cohort. The use of laparoscopy might be associated with further reduction in morbidity. Overall, age should not be a contraindication to elective VHR, even in patients over 70 years old.

Development of a novel murine model for treatment of infected mesh scenarios.

BACKGROUND: Indications regarding hernia repair after removal of previously infected prostheses remain unclear. Patients may receive staged primary repair or single-stage reconstructions, neither of which may be ideal. Although animal models have simulated contamination by direct inoculation of implants with bacteria, there remains a paucity of literature, which simulates a field following mesh infection and removal. We aimed to develop a murine model to mimic this complex scenario to allow for further testing of various implants. METHODS: Thirty-six female CL57BL/6J mice underwent implantation of a 0.7 × 0.7 cm polyester mesh in the dorsal subcutaneous position. Wounds were closed and inoculated with 100 µL containing 1 × 104 CFU of GFP-labeled MSSA. After 2 weeks, the infected mesh was removed and the cavity was copiously irrigated with saline. Mice were split into four groups: with three groups receiving new polyester, polypropylene, and porcine mesh and remaining as non-mesh controls. Mice were survived for another 2 weeks and underwent necropsy. Gross infection was evaluated at 2 and 4 weeks. Tissue homogenization and direct plating to recover GFP MSSA was completed at 4 weeks. RESULTS: At 2 weeks, all mice were noted to have gross mesh infection. One animal died due to overwhelming infection and wound breakdown. At 4 weeks, 5/6 (83 %) control mice who did not have a second mesh implantation had full clearance of their wounds. In contrast, 9/10 (90 %) mice with re-implantation of polypropylene were noted to have pus and recovery of GFP MSSA on plating. This was also observed in 100 % of mice with polyester and porcine mesh. CONCLUSION: Our novel murine model demonstrates that mesh re-implantation after infected mesh removal results in infection of the newly placed prosthesis, regardless of the material characteristic or type. This model lays foundation for development and investigation of implants for treatment strategies following infected mesh removal.

POEM is a cost-effective procedure: cost-utility analysis of endoscopic and surgical treatment options in the management of achalasia.

BACKGROUND: Achalasia is a rare motility disorder of the esophagus. Treatment is palliative with the goal of symptom remission and slowing the progression of the disease. Treatment options include per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LM) and endoscopic treatments such as pneumatic dilation (PD) and botulinum toxin type A injections (BI). We evaluate the economics and cost-effectiveness of treating achalasia. METHODS: We performed cost analysis for POEM, LM, PD and BI at our institution from 2011 to 2015. Cost of LM was set to 1, and other procedures are presented as percentage change. Cost-effectiveness was calculated based on cost, number of interventions required for optimal results for dilations and injections and efficacy reported in the current literature. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated by a cost-utility analysis using quality-adjusted life year gained, defined as a symptom-free year in a patient with achalasia. RESULTS: Average number of interventions required was 2.3 dilations or two injections for efficacies of 80 and 61 %, respectively. POEM cost 1.058 times the cost of LM, and PD and BI cost 0.559 and 0.448 times the cost of LM. Annual cost per cure over a period of 4 years for POEM, and LM were consistently equivalent, trending the same as PD although this has a lower initial cost. The cost per cure of BI remains stable over 3 years and then doubles. CONCLUSION: The cost-effectiveness of POEM and LM is equivalent. Myotomy, either surgical or endoscopic, is more cost-effective than BI due to high failure rates of the economical intervention. When treatment is being considered BI should be utilized in patients with less than 2-year life expectancy. Pneumatic dilations are cost-effective and are an acceptable approach to treatment of achalasia, although myotomy has a lower relapse rate and is cost-effective compared to PD after 2 years.

Changing attitudes and improving skills: demonstrating the value of the SAGES flexible endoscopy course for fellows.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the SAGES flexible endoscopy course in improving fellows' attitudes, confidence, and skills related to implementing endoscopy in practice. METHODS: Fellows participated in a 2-day course consisting of case presentations, expert panels, and hands-on laboratory training. Before and after the course, fellows completed a questionnaire assessing demographics, experiences in residency, practice plans, plans to implement flexible endoscopy in practice, and level of confidence performing 15 endoscopic procedures. Half of the fellows were randomly assigned to complete pre- and post-skills testing using a previously validated endoscopic targeting model. RESULTS: Fifty-four fellows (90 %; age 33.5 ± 2.8; 58 % male) completed the pre- and post-questionnaire. All MIS fellowship types were represented. Almost half (48 %) reported none or very little flexible endoscopy in their current fellowship. The average prior case volume among those completing an ACGME-approved residency (42/54) was 76 upper and 75 lower endoscopies with one-third reporting no experience in therapeutic EGD (33 %) or polypectomy (31 %). Intentions to implement flexible endoscopy in practice significantly improved after the course overall (3.72 ± .85-3.92 ± .69, p < 0.05; 1 = never; 5 = very frequently). Prior to the course, 39 % of fellows reported plans to use endoscopy in practice "occasionally" or "rarely." After, this decreased to 28 with 72 % planning to implement "frequently" or "very frequently." Mean levels of confidence performing all 15 endoscopic tasks improved significantly after the course. Skills performance for the 27 fellows improved significantly as well; participants decreased their time to perform the targeting task by 40 % (222.3 ± 119.8-133.0 ± 70.1 s; p < 0.001) and decreased errors by 49 % (2.9 ± 1.7-1.5 ± 1.5; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the SAGES flexible endoscopy course increases fellow confidence to implement endoscopic techniques, expands the ways in which they plan to include endoscopy in practice, and enhances their endoscopic skills.

Evaluation of antibiotic pressurized pulse lavage for contaminated retromuscular abdominal wall reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Despite patient risk factors such as diabetes and obesity, contamination during surgery remains a significant cause of infections and subsequent wound morbidity. Pressurized pulse lavage (PPL) has been utilized as a method to reduce bacterial bioburden with promising results in many fields. Although existing methods of lavage have been utilized during abdominal operations, no studies have examined the use of PPL during complex hernia repair. METHODS: Patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) in clean-contaminated or contaminated fields with antibiotic PPL, from January 2012 to May 2013, were prospectively evaluated. Primary outcome measures studied were conversion of retrorectus space culture from positive to negative after PPL and 30-day surgical site infection (SSI) rate. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients underwent AWR, with 44 patients (78.6 %) having clean-contaminated fields and 12 patients (21.4 %) having contaminated ones. Twenty-two patients (39.3 %) had positive pre-PPL cultures, 18 of which (81.8 %) converted to negative cultures after PPL. Eleven patients (19.6 %) developed SSIs. Those with persistently positive cultures after PPL had the highest rate of SSI, where two out of four patients (50.0 %) developed an SSI. Contrastingly, only 5 of 18 patients (27.8 %) who converted from a positive to negative culture after PPL developed an SSI. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that antibiotic PPL is an effective method to reduce bacterial bioburden during AWR in clean-contaminated and contaminated fields. While complete conversion and eradication of SSI were not achieved, we believe that PPL may be a useful adjunct to standard operative asepsis in preventing prosthetic contamination during contaminated AWR.

Outcomes of Posterior Component Separation With Transversus Abdominis Muscle Release and Synthetic Mesh Sublay Reinforcement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transversus abdominis muscle release (TAR) with retrorectus synthetic mesh reinforcement in a large series of complex hernia patients. BACKGROUND: Posterior component separation via TAR during abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) continues to gain popularity. Although our early experience with TAR has been promising, long-term outcomes have not been reported. METHODS: From December 2006 to December 2014, consecutive patients undergoing open AWR utilizing TAR were identified in our prospectively maintained database and reviewed retrospectively. Main outcome measures included demographics, perioperative details, wound complications, and recurrences. RESULTS: During the study period, 428 consecutive TAR procedures were analyzed. Mean age was 58, with mean body mass index 34.4 kg/m (range 20-65). Major comorbidities included diabetes (21%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (12%), and immunosuppression (3%). Mean hernia defect area was 606 cm (range 180-1280) and average mesh size was 1220 cm (range 600-4500). The majority of cases (66%) were clean, 26% were clean-contaminated, and 8% were contaminated. Eighty (18.7%) surgical-site events occurred, of which 39 (9.1%) were surgical-site infections. Three patients required mesh debridement; however, no instances of mesh explantation occurred. Of the 347 (81%) patients with at least 1-year follow-up (mean 31.5 mo), there were 13 (3.7%) recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Complex AWR represents a formidable surgical challenge. In this large series, we demonstrated that posterior component separation via TAR with wide synthetic mesh sublay provides a very durable repair with low morbidity, even in comorbid patients with large defects. We strongly advocate TAR as a robust addition to the armamentarium of reconstructive surgeons.

An in vivo analysis of Miromesh--a novel porcine liver prosthetic created by perfusion decellularization.

BACKGROUND: Bioprosthetics derived from human or porcine dermis and intestinal submucosa have dense, homogenous, aporous collagen structures that potentially limit cellular penetration, undermining the theoretical benefit of a "natural" collagen scaffold. We hypothesized that Miromesh-a novel prosthetic derived from porcine liver by perfusion decellularization-provides a more optimal matrix for tissue ingrowth. METHODS: Thirty rats underwent survival surgery that constituted the creation of a 4 × 1 cm abdominal defect and simultaneous bridged repair. Twenty rats were bridged with Miromesh, and 10 rats were bridged with non-cross-linked porcine dermis (Strattice). Ten Miromesh and all 10 Strattice were rinsed in vancomycin solution and inoculated with 10(4) colony-forming units of green fluorescent protein-labeled Staphylococcus aureus (GFP-SA) after implantation. Ten Miromesh controls were neither soaked nor inoculated. No animals received systemic antibiotics. All animals were euthanized at 90 d and underwent an examination of their gross appearance before being sectioned for quantitative bacterial culture and histologic grading. A pathologist scored specimens (0-4) for cellular infiltration, acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, granulation tissue, foreign body reaction, and fibrous capsule formation. RESULTS: All but one rat repaired with Strattice survived until the 90-d euthanization. All quantitative bacterial cultures for inoculated specimens were negative for GFP-SA. Of nine Strattice explants, none received a cellular infiltration score >0, consistent with a poor tissue-mesh interface observed grossly. Of 10 Miromesh explants also inoculated with GFP-SA, seven of 10 demonstrated cellular infiltration with an average score of +2.7 ± 0.8, whereas sterile Miromesh implants received an average score of 0.8 ± 1.0. Two inoculated Miromesh implants demonstrated acute inflammation and infection on histology. CONCLUSIONS: A prosthetic generated from porcine liver by perfusion decellularization provides a matrix for superior cellular infiltration compared with non-cross-linked porcine dermis.

Evaluation of a novel permanent capped helical coil fastener in a porcine model of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Existing permanent helical coil fasteners, although commonly employed for mesh fixation during laparoscopic hernia repair, are associated with peritoneal tissue attachment formation and resultant visceral complications. We evaluated attachment formation, fastener engagement, and mesh/tissue integration associated with laparoscopic fixation using a novel permanent capped helical coil fastener (HC-Capped) compared to permanent non-capped helical coil fasteners (HC-Non-Capped) in a porcine model. METHODS: Twelve female pigs underwent bilateral laparoscopic intraperitoneal fixation of Composix™ L/P Mesh (10 × 15 cm oval) with HC-Capped or HC-Non-Capped fasteners. Thirty-two fasteners were used to secure each mesh utilizing a "double-crown" technique. Laparoscopy at 30 days was used to evaluate the presence and area coverage of attachments (Diamond Score) and percentage of engaged fasteners. At 90 days, following necropsy, each mesh was evaluated for the presence, percentage, and tenacity (Butler Score) of attachments and fastener engagement. Samples were biomechanically evaluated to assess tissue integration via T-peel testing. RESULTS: HC-Capped fasteners demonstrated a significantly lower attachment area score compared to the HC-Non-Capped group at 30 days (0.92 ± 0.26 vs. 2.50 ± 0.29/3.00, p = 0.002) and 90 days (0.60 ± 0.22 vs. 2.08 ± 0.29/3.00, p = 0.004). At 90 days, the HC-Capped group evidenced significantly lower attachment tenacity score (1.00 ± 0.37 vs. 2.75 ± 0.33/4.00, p = 0.013). Furthermore, at 30 and 90 days, a significantly greater percentage of HC-Capped fasteners remained properly engaged (30 days: 99.7 % vs. 86.5 %, p < 0.001 and 90 days: 99.4 % vs. 74.5 %, p = 0.001). T-peel biomechanical testing demonstrated significantly greater mesh/tissue integration for HC-Capped group (2.16 ± 0.24 vs. 1.16 ± 0.29 N/cm, p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: In a porcine model, HC-Capped fasteners demonstrated significantly less attachment coverage and tenacity in the early postoperative period. Furthermore, the HC-Capped cohort evidenced significantly greater percentage of properly engaged fasteners and greater mesh/tissue integration. Data suggest that shielding exposed fastener points on the visceral mesh surface with polymer caps may reduce attachment formation and aid in mesh fixation and integration.

Cell-coating affects tissue integration of synthetic and biologic meshes: comparative analysis of the onlay and underlay mesh positioning in rats.

BACKGROUND: While mesh reinforcement is recognized as the optimal strategy for many hernia repairs, there remains debate on the optimal position for deployment and characteristics that lead to improved biocompatibility. Coatings are an avenue by which integration may be improved. Our aim was to evaluate tissue integration between uncoated, fibroblast- and mesenchymal stem cell-coated meshes placed as subcutaneous onlay (ON) or intraperitoneal underlay (UN). METHODS: Three commonly used biologic and synthetic hernia meshes were tested including Parietex, TIGR and Strattice. Each mesh was coated with rat kidney fibroblasts (NRKs) or rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) along with an uncoated group. In the ON group, mesh was fixated on top of the external oblique fascia. In the UN group, mesh was placed against the intact peritoneum. Animals were survived for 30 days and killed for biomechanical and histologic analysis. A "T"-peel test was performed on a mesh-tissue explant from each sample to analyze the strength of integration at the mesh-tissue interface. Tissue integration was evaluated histologically using an established scoring system. RESULTS: All uncoated meshes demonstrated significantly higher tissue ingrowth in the UN compared to ON position. Cell-coating of synthetic meshes decreased tissue ingrowth as UN, but increased it as ON, with a net effect of minimizing biomechanical difference between the two positions. In the biologic group however, NRK-coating decreased tissue ingrowth regardless of position, while MSC-coating increased it in both ON and UN positions. CONCLUSIONS: Both cell-coating and positioning affect mesh-tissue integration. Integration is superior in the underlay position compared to onlay when uncoated. Cell-coating of selected synthetic meshes can improve integration, particularly in the onlay position. Furthermore, MSCs appear to be a viable choice for biologic mesh coating, especially when implanted as an onlay. Overall, cell-coating of surgical meshes appears to a have a potential to improve mesh-tissue integration.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of a Novel Rifampin/Minocycline-Coated, Noncrosslinked Porcine Acellular Dermal Matrix Compared With Uncoated Scaffolds for Soft Tissue Repair.

Background Despite meticulous aseptic technique and systemic antibiotics, bacterial colonization of mesh remains a critical issue in hernia repair. A novel minocycline/rifampin tyrosine-coated, noncrosslinked porcine acellular dermal matrix (XenMatrix AB) was developed to protect the device from microbial colonization for up to 7 days. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial efficacy of this device against clinically isolated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli. Methods XenMatrix AB was compared with 5 existing uncoated soft tissue repair devices using in vitro methods of zone of inhibition (ZOI) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 24 hours following inoculation with MRSA or E coli These devices were also evaluated at 7 days following dorsal implantation and inoculation with MRSA or E coli (60 male New Zealand white rabbits, n = 10 per group) for viable colony-forming units (CFU), abscess formation and histopathologic response, respectively. Results In vitro studies demonstrated a median ZOI of 36 mm for MRSA and 16 mm for E coli for XenMatrix AB, while all uncoated devices showed no inhibition of bacterial growth (0 mm). SEM also demonstrated no visual evidence of MRSA or E coli colonization on the surface of XenMatrix AB compared with colonization of all other uncoated devices. In vivo XenMatrix AB demonstrated complete inhibition of bacterial colonization, no abscess formation, and a reduced inflammatory response compared with uncoated devices. Conclusion We demonstrated that XenMatrix AB possesses potent in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial efficacy against clinically isolated MRSA and E coli compared with uncoated devices.

Antibiotic Coating of Hernia Meshes: The Next Step Toward Preventing Mesh Infection.

Mesh bacterial colonization/infection remains a critical issue in complex ventral hernia repair. Despite the recent emergence of biologic meshes, current strategies to prevent and treat mesh infection are largely ineffective, often leading to device failure and subsequent explantation along with the associated costs and effect on patient welfare. Unacceptably high rates of morbidity and hernia recurrence following mesh infection highlight the need for innovation in the area of hernia repair for the complex patient. One recent strategy to address such shortcomings is local antibiosis in the form of polymer coatings applied to the mesh itself. Current literature regarding the use of antibiotic-coated hernia mesh is limited but does illustrate the ability of these devices to inhibit bacterial growth and prevent mesh infection in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Although there is a paucity of literature regarding long-term clinical efficacy, this provides opportunity for further inquiry into a promising new development to combat mesh infective complications.

Transversus abdominis release with posterior component separation in patients with previously recurrent ventral hernias: A single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent hernias pose significant challenges due to violated anatomic planes, resultant scar, and potential prior mesh. Transversus abdominis release has been widely utilized for complex hernias. Transversus abdominis release can provide a novel plane for dissection and mesh placement for recurrent hernias. This study provides our institution's experience with transversus abdominis release in patients with recurrent ventral hernias. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with recurrent ventral hernias from January 2018 to September 2020 who underwent transversus abdominis release by 2 fellowship-trained abdominal wall surgeons. Combined procedures (ie, gynecological/urological), robotic totally extraperitoneal, and emergency cases were excluded. Demographics, perioperative, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: In total, 108 patients underwent open-transversus abdominis release and 25 had robotic-transversus abdominis release for recurrent ventral hernias. All patients received a lightweight to midweight nonabsorbable polypropylene synthetic mesh. Mean age was 59, mean body mass index was 34 kg/m2, with mean hernia defect area of 333 cm2. We noted 34 (25.6%) surgical site occurrences and 11 (8.3%) surgical site infections. Mean postoperative follow-up was 15.5 months, with 7 (5%) recurrences (6 open-transversus abdominis release, 1 robotic-transversus abdominis release). A minimum 12-month follow-up was available for 62% of patients, and minimum 6-month follow-up in 80% of patients. CONCLUSION: Recurrent hernias pose significant operative challenges for surgeons due to violated tissue planes and limited repair options. Our experience suggests that transversus abdominis release may provide a durable repair for difficult recurrent ventral hernias. However, long-term postoperative follow-up over multiple years is still needed to establish extended durability of transversus abdominis release in these patients.

Does immunosuppression increase perioperative wound morbidity in patients undergoing transversus abdominis release?

BACKGROUND: Transversus abdominis release is an effective procedure for complex ventral hernias. As wound complications contribute to hernia recurrences, mitigating risk factors is vitally important for hernia surgeons. Although immunosuppression can impair wound healing, it has inconsistently predicted wound occurrences, and its effect on wound morbidity after a transversus abdominis release is unknown. METHODS: Patients undergoing either an elective open or robotic bilateral transversus abdominis release with permanent synthetic mesh were retrospectively stratified by perioperative immunosuppression and secondarily by procedure type (open versus robotic) and immunosuppression. RESULTS: A total of 321 patients were included for analysis. Overall, 63 (19.6%) patients were on chronic immunosuppression, with history of solid-organ transplant being the most common indication (43 patients). Patients stratified by perioperative immunosuppression were well-matched with similar defect size (P = .97), body mass index ≥30 (P = .32), diabetes (P = .09), history of surgical site infection (P = .53), surgical approach (P = .53), and tobacco use history (P = .33). No differences between cohorts were elicited for any wound event when stratified by immunosuppression use. Similarly, no differences were elicited when cohorts were further stratified also by procedure type. CONCLUSION: Chronic immunosuppression is often viewed as a notable risk factor for wound occurrences after surgery. However, our data suggest immunosuppression may not significantly increase the risk of perioperative wound morbidity follow transversus abdominis release as previously predicted.

Initial Experience with a Virtual Platform for Advanced Gastrointestinal Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship Interviews.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions triggered a rapid alteration in the interview process for fellowships this spring. We describe our initial experience with virtual interviews for Advanced Gastrointestinal (GI) Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowships and assess the value and limitations via a post-interview applicant survey. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty candidates were interviewed via Zoom teleconferencing during March and April 2020 using combined group and breakout rooms. An anonymous post-interview Likert and free text survey was sent to candidates with questions regarding feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability of this method. RESULTS: Seventeen of 20 candidates (85%) responded to the survey. The candidates rated ease of interaction with the program director, faculty surgeons, and the current fellow highly: 94%, 83%, and 89%, respectively. The majority (53%) stated the virtual interviews exceeded or met expectations. Only a minority, 12%, reported the virtual platform was short of expectations. Approximately 70% noted little to no impact of not being able to conduct these interviews in-person and not being able to physically see the program institution. Overall, 94% were satisfied with their experience, and only 6% were neutral, with no respondents reporting dissatisfaction. Finally, 76% would recommend a virtual interview in the future. Most negative open response comments were secondary to issues with software rather than the lack of the in-person traditional interviews. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a remote teleconferencing platform provides a favorable method for conducting fellowship interviews and results in a high degree of candidate satisfaction. Virtual interviews will likely be increasingly substituted for in-person interviews across the spectrum of medical training.

Stapled Transabdominal Ostomy Reinforcement with retromuscular mesh (STORRM): Technical details and early outcomes of a novel approach for retromuscular repair of parastomal hernias.

BACKGROUND: Parastomal hernia repair (PHR) remains a challenge with no optimal repair technique. During retromuscular hernia repair, traversing the stomal conduit through the abdominal wall can result in angulation and compression. Widening of traditional cruciate incisions in mesh and/or fascia likely contributes to recurrences. To address these pitfalls, the Stapled Transabdominal Ostomy Reinforcement with Retromuscular Mesh (STORRM) technique utilizing a circular stapler was developed. METHODS: A prospective registry of consecutive patients undergoing STORRM was analyzed. We characterized demographics, hernia characteristics, and perioperative results. Primary outcomes were complications, surgical site events (SSEs) and hernia recurrence. RESULTS: 12 patients underwent PHR with STORRM; mean age 64 and BMI 36 kg/m2. Synthetic mesh was used in 92% of patients. We observed two (17%) SSEs, one case of cellulitis and one organ space infection. With mean 12.8-month follow-up, we documented two recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: STORRM represents a safe method to repair parastomal hernias. The unified aperture with stapled reinforcement results in reproducible repairs, minimizing intestinal angulation associated with traditional stoma passage. Early outcomes evidenced minimal complications and favorable recurrence rate.