Short-term outcomes of heavyweight versus mediumweight synthetic mesh in a retrospective cohort of clean-contaminated and contaminated retromuscular ventral hernia repairs.

BACKGROUND: Mediumweight (40-60 g/m2) polypropylene (MWPP) mesh has been shown to be safe and effective in CDC class II-III retromuscular ventral hernia repairs (RMVHR). However, MWPP has the potential to fracture, and it is possible that heavyweight (> 75 g/m2) polypropylene mesh has similar outcomes in this context. However, there is limited data on HWPP mesh performance in clean-contaminated and contaminated scenarios. We aimed to compare HWPP to MWPP mesh in CDC class II-III wounds during open RMVHR. METHODS: The Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative database was retrospectively queried for a cohort of patients who underwent open RMVHR with MWPP or HWPP mesh placed in CDC class II/III wounds from 2012 to 2023. Mesh types were compared using a 3:1 propensity score-matched analysis. Covariates for matching included CDC classification, BMI, diabetes, smoking within 1 year, hernia, and mesh width. Primary outcome of interest included wound complications. Secondary outcomes included reoperations and readmissions at 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 1496 patients received MWPP or HWPP (1378 vs. 118, respectively) in contaminated RMVHR. After propensity score matching, 351 patients remained in the mediumweight and 117 in the heavyweight mesh group. There were no significant differences in surgical site infection (SSI) rates (13.4% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.877), including deep SSIs (0.3% vs. 0%, p = 1), surgical site occurrence rates (17.9% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.377), surgical site occurrence requiring procedural intervention (16% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.719), mesh removal (0.3% vs. 0%, p = 1), reoperations (4.6% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.428), or readmissions (12.3% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.504) at 30 days. CONCLUSION: HWPP mesh was not associated with increased wound morbidity, mesh excisions, reoperations, or readmissions in the early postoperative period compared with MWPP mesh in open RMVHR for CDC II/III cases. Longer follow-up will be necessary to determine if HWPP mesh may be a suitable alternative to MWPP mesh in contaminated scenarios.

Women speaker representation at SAGES annual meetings: a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gender representation trends at the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Annual Meetings and the effect of the 2018 'We R SAGES' initiatives are unknown. We assessed gender trends in oral presentations at the SAGES Annual Meeting between 2012 and 2022 with a focus on assessing the impact of the 2018 initiatives. METHODS: Abstracts selected for oral presentations from 2012 to 2022 were reviewed for presenter and first, second, and senior author gender. Gender was categorized as woman, man, or unknown using public professional profiles. Subsequent publications were identified using search engines. The primary outcome was the temporal trend of proportion of women in each role using interrupted time series analysis. Secondary outcomes included publication rates based on first and senior author genders in 2012-2018 versus 2019-2022. RESULTS: 1605 abstracts were reviewed. The proportion of women increased linearly in all categories: presenter (2.4%/year, R2 = 0.91), first author (2.4%/year, R2 = 0.90), senior author (2%/year, R2 = 0.65), and overall (2.2%, R2 = 0.91), (p < 0.01 for all). Prior to 2018, the proportion of women increased annually for presenters (coefficient: 0.026, 95% CI [0.016, 0.037], p = 0.002) and first authors (coefficient: 0.026, 95% CI [0.016, 0.037], p = 0.002), but there was no significant increase after 2018 (p > 0.05). Female second author proportion increased annually prior to 2018 (coefficient: 0.012, 95% CI [0.003, 0.021], p = 0.042) and increased by 0.139 (95% CI [0.070, 0.208], p = 0.006) in 2018. Annual female senior author proportion did not significantly change after 2018 (p > 0.05). 1198 (75.2%) abstracts led to publications. Women were as likely as men to be first (79% vs 77%, p = 0.284) or senior author (79% vs 77%, p = 0.702) in abstracts culminating in publications. There was no difference in woman first author publication rate before and after 2018 (80% vs 79%, p = 1.000), but woman senior author publication rate increased after 2018 (71% vs 83%, p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: There was an upward trend in women surgeons' presentations and associated publications in the SAGES Annual Meetings over the last decade.

Long-term mesh-related complications from minimally invasive intraperitoneal onlay mesh for small to medium-sized ventral hernias.

INTRODUCTION: Intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) placement for small to medium-sized hernias has garnered negative attention due to perceived long-term risk of mesh-related complications. However, sparse data exists supporting such claims after minimally invasive (MIS) IPOM repairs and most is hindered by the lack of long-term follow-up. We sought to report long-term outcomes and mesh-related complications of MIS IPOM ventral hernia repairs. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Adult patients who underwent MIS IPOM ventral hernia repair at our institution were identified in the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative database from October 2013 to October 2020. Outcomes included hernia recurrence and mesh-related complications or reoperations up to 6 years postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 325 patients were identified. The majority (97.2%) of cases were elective, non-recurrent (74.5%), and CDC class I (99.4%). Mean hernia width was 4.16 ± 3.86 cm. Median follow-up was 3.6 (IQR 2.8-5) years. Surgeon-entered or patient-reported follow-up was available for 253 (77.8%) patients at 3 years or greater postoperatively. One patient experienced an early small bowel obstruction and was reoperated on within 30 days. Two-hundred forty-five radiographic examinations were available up to 6 years postoperatively. Twenty-seven patients had hernia recurrence on radiographic examination up to 6 years postoperatively. During long-term follow-up, two mesh-related complications required reoperations: mesh removed for chronic pain and mesh removal at the time of colon surgery for perforated cancer. Sixteen additional patients required reoperation within 6 years for the following reasons: hernia recurrence (n = 5), unrelated intraabdominal pathology (n = 9), obstructed port site hernia (n = 1), and adhesive bowel obstruction unrelated to the prosthesis (n = 1). The rate of reoperation due to intraperitoneal mesh complications was 0.62% (2/325) with up to 6 year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal mesh for repair of small to medium-sized hernias has an extremely low rate of long-term mesh-related complications. It remains a safe and durable option for hernia surgeons.

The association of permanent versus absorbable fixation on developing chronic post-herniorrhaphy groin pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

INTRODUCTION: Fixation of mesh during minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair is thought to contribute to chronic post-herniorrhaphy groin pain (CGP). In contrast to permanent tacks, absorbable tacks are hypothesized to minimize the likelihood of CGP. This study aimed to compare the rates of CGP after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair between absorbable versus permanent fixation at maximum follow-up. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial in patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (NCT03835351). All patients were contacted at maximum follow-up after surgery to administer EuraHS quality of life (QoL) surveys. The pain and restriction of activity subdomains of the survey were utilized. The primary outcome was rate of CGP, as defined by a EuraHS QoL pain domain score ≥ 4 measured at ≥ 1 year postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were pain and restriction of activity domain scores and hernia recurrence at maximum follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 338 patients were contacted at a mean follow-up of 28 ± 11 months. 181 patients received permanent tacks and 157 patients received absorbable tacks during their repair. At maximum follow-up, the rates of CGP (27 [15%] vs 28 [18%], P = 0.47), average pain scores (1.78 ± 4.38 vs 2.32 ± 5.40, P = 0.22), restriction of activity scores (1.39 ± 4.32 vs 2.48 ± 7.45, P = 0.18), and the number of patients who reported an inguinal bulge (18 [9.9%] vs 15 [9.5%], P = 0.9) were similar between patients with permanent versus absorbable tacks. On multivariable analysis, there was no significant difference in the odds of CGP between the two groups (OR 1.23, 95% CI [0.60, 2.50]). CONCLUSION: Mesh fixation with permanent tacks does not appear to increase the risk of CGP after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair when compared to fixation with absorbable tacks. Prospective trials are needed to further evaluate this relationship.

Long-term Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Transversus Abdominis Release With Permanent Synthetic Mesh: A Single Center Analysis of 1203 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to report long-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes of transversus abdominis release (TAR) with permanent synthetic mesh performed in a high-volume abdominal wall reconstruction practice. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Despite increasing utilization of TAR in abdominal wall reconstruction, long-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes remain uncertain. METHODS: Prospectively collected registry data from the Cleveland Clinic Center for Abdominal Core Health were analyzed retrospectively. Patients undergoing elective, open VHR with TAR and permanent synthetic mesh implantation between August 2014 and March 2020 with 30-day clinical and ≥1 year clinical or patient-reported outcome follow-up were included. Outcomes included composite hernia recurrence, characterized by patient-reported bulges and recurrent hernias noted on physical exam or imaging, as well as hernia-specific quality of life and pain. RESULTS: A total of 1203 patients were included. Median age was 60 years [interquartile range (IQR): 52-67], median body mass index was 32 kg/m 2 (IQR: 28-36), median hernia width was 15 cm (IQR: 12-19), and 57% of hernias were recurrent. Fascial reapproximation was achieved in 92%. At a median follow-up of 2 years (IQR: 1-4), the overall composite hernia recurrence rate was 26%, with sensitivity analysis yielding best-case and worst-case estimates of 5% and 28%, respectively. Patients experienced improved hernia-specific quality of life and pain regardless of recurrence outcome; however, those who did not recur experienced more substantial improvement. CONCLUSIONS: TAR with permanent synthetic mesh remains a valuable, versatile technique; however, surgeon and patient expectations should be tempered regarding long-term durability. Despite a high rate of recurrence, patients experience measurable improvements in quality of life.

The case for a new post-graduate hernia designation: a review of fellowship council case logs from the past twelve-years.

BACKGROUND: The Fellowship Council (FC) is a robust accreditation body with numerous fellowships; however, no specific criteria exist for hernia fellowships. This study analyzed the case log database to evaluate trends in fellowship exposure to hernia repairs. METHODS: FC hernia case log records (2007-2019) were coded as inguinal or ventral hernias and with or without mesh repair. Retrospective analysis examined total hernia repairs logged, type of repair, program designation, and robotic adoption. Robotic adoption was categorized by quartiles of program performance according to the final year of analysis (2018-2019); yearly performance was then graphed by quartiles. RESULTS: Over this twelve-year period, 93,334 hernia repairs, 5 program designations, 152 unique programs and 1,558 unique fellows were analyzed. The number of fellows grew from 106 (2007-2008) to > 130 (2018-2019). Total hernias repairs per fellow increased from an average of 41.2 in 2007-2008 to 75.7 in 2018-2019 (183.7%). Open and robotic hernia repairs increased by 241.9% and 266.3%, respectively; laparoscopic hernia repairs decreased by 14.8%. Inguinal and ventral hernia repairs comprised 48.1% and 51.9% of total cases, respectively. Advanced GI/MIS and Advanced GI/MIS/Bariatrics programs logged the majority of hernia repairs (86.0-90.2%). 2014 began an exponential rise in robotic adoption, with fellows averaging < 1 robotic repairs before and > 25 repairs in 2019. A significant difference was found between all groups when comparing quartiles of robotic adopters (median robotic repairs per fellow; IQR): first quartile (72.0; 47.9-108.8), second quartile (25.5; 21.0-30.6), third quartile (13.0; 12.0-14.3) and fourth quartile (3.5; 0.5-5.0) (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This twelve-year analysis shows a near doubling in the growth of total hernia repairs, with a decrease in laparoscopic repairs as robotic repairs increased. These data show the importance of hernia repairs in FC fellows' training and warrant further granular analysis to determine specific accreditation criteria for hernia fellowship designations.

Laparoscopic versus robotic inguinal hernia repair: 1- and 2-year outcomes from the RIVAL trial.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic inguinal hernia repair is growing in popularity among general surgeons despite little high-quality evidence supporting short- or long-term advantages over traditional laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. The original RIVAL trial showed increased operative time, cost, and surgeon frustration for the robotic approach without advantages over laparoscopy. Here we report the 1- and 2-year outcomes of the trial. METHODS: This is a multi-center, patient-blinded, randomized clinical study conducted at six sites from 2016 to 2019, comparing laparoscopic versus robotic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair with follow-up at 1 and 2 years. Outcomes include pain (visual analog scale), neuropathic pain (Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs pain scale), wound morbidity, composite hernia recurrence (patient-reported and clinical exam), health-related quality of life (36-item short-form health survey), and physical activity (physical activity assessment tool). RESULTS: Early trial participation included 102 patients; 83 (81%) completed 1-year follow-up (45 laparoscopic vs. 38 robotic) and 77 (75%) completed 2-year follow-up (43 laparoscopic vs. 34 robotic). At 1 and 2 years, pain was similar for both groups. No patients in either treatment arm experienced neuropathic pain. Health-related quality of life and physical activity were similar for both groups at 1 and 2 years. No long-term wound morbidity was seen for either repair type. At 2 years, there was no difference in hernia recurrence (1 laparoscopic vs. 1 robotic; P = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic and robotic inguinal hernia repairs have similar long-term outcomes when performed by surgeons with experience in minimally invasive inguinal hernia repairs.

Robotic eTEP versus IPOM evaluation: the REVEAL multicenter randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: For small to medium-sized ventral hernias, robotic intraperitoneal onlay mesh (rIPOM) and enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) repair have emerged as acceptable approaches that each takes advantage of robotic instrumentation. We hypothesized that avoiding mesh fixation in a robotic eTEP repair offers an advantage in early postoperative pain compared to rIPOM. METHODS: This is a multi-center, randomized clinical trial for patients with midline ventral hernias ≤ 7 cm, who were randomized to rIPOM or robotic eTEP. The primary outcome was pain (0-10) on the first postoperative day. Secondary outcomes included same-day discharge, length of stay, opioid consumption, quality of life, surgeon workload, and cost. RESULTS: Between November 2019 and November 2021, 100 patients were randomized (49 rIPOM, 51 eTEP) among 5 surgeons. Pain on the first postoperative day [median (IQR): 5 (4-6) vs. 5 (3.5-7), p = 0.66] was similar for rIPOM and eTEP, respectively, a difference maintained following adjustments for surgeon, operative time, baseline pain, and patient co-morbidities (difference 0.28, 95% CI - 0.63 to 1.19, p = 0.56). No differences in pain on the day of surgery, 7, and 30 days after surgery were identified. Same-day discharge, length of stay, opioid consumption, and 30-day quality of life were also comparable, though rIPOM required less surgeon workload (p < 0.001), shorter operative time [107 (86-139) vs. 165 (129-212) min, p < 0.001], and resulted in fewer surgical site occurrences (0 vs. 8, p = 0.004). The total direct costs for rIPOM and eTEP were comparable [$8282 (6979-11835) vs. $8680 (7550-10282), p = 0.52] as the cost savings for eTEP attributable to mesh use [$442 (434-485) vs. $69 (62-76), p = < 0.0001] were offset by increased expenses for operative time [$669 (579-861) vs. $1075 (787-1367), p < 0.0001] and use of more robotic equipment [$760 (615-933) vs. $946 (798-1203), p = 0.001]. CONCLUSION: The avoidance of fixation in a robotic eTEP repair did not reveal a benefit in postoperative pain to offset the shorter operative time and surgeon workload offered by rIPOM.

The Efficacy of Liposomal Bupivacaine on Postoperative Pain Following Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine on postoperative opioid requirement and pain following abdominal wall reconstruction. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Despite the widespread use of liposomal bupivacaine in transversus abdominis plane block, there is inadequate evidence demonstrating its efficacy in open abdominal wall reconstruction. We hypothesized that liposomal bupivacaine plane block would result in decreased opioid requirements compared with placebo in the first 72 hours after surgery. METHODS: This was a single-center double-blind, placebo-controlled prospective study conducted between July 2018 and November 2019. Adult patients (at least 18 yrs of age) undergoing open, elective, ventral hernia repairs with mesh placed in the retromuscular position were enrolled. Patients were randomized to surgeon-performed transversus abdominis plane block with liposomal bupivacaine, simple bupivacaine, or normal saline (placebo). The main outcome was opioid requirements in the first 72 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included total inpatient opioid use, pain scores determined using a 100 mm visual analog scale, length of hospital stay, and patientreported quality of life. RESULTS: Of the 164 patients who were included in the analysis, 57 patients received liposomal bupivacaine, 55 patients received simple bupivacaine, and 52 received placebo. There were no differences in the total opioid used in the first 72 hours after surgery as measured by morphine milligram equivalents when liposomal bupivacaine was compared with simple bupivacaine and placebo (325 ± 225 vs 350 ± 284 vs 310 ± 272, respectively, P = 0.725). Similarly, there were no differences in total inpatient opioid use, pain scores, length of stay, and patient-reported quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: There are no apparent clinical benefits to using liposomal bupivacaine transversus abdominis plane block when compared with simple bupivacaine and placebo for open abdominal wall reconstruction.

Registry-Based Trainee Assessments: Leveraging a Quality Collaborative for Surgical Education.

INTRODUCTION: We present our experience developing and embedding a registry-based module for resident feedback. METHODS: At our institution, entering operative data into the institutional quality collaborative registry is standard practice. In February 2019, a surgical education module was embedded into the registry to capture procedure-specific resident operative assessments. Faculty engagement with the sugical education module was assessed during its first year in existence (February 2019-February 2020). RESULTS: In total, 1074 of 1269 (85%) operative assessments were completed by 27 faculty via the surgical education registry module. Median faculty engagement rate with the module following resident-assisted procedures was 91% [IQR 76%-100%]. Residents received a median of 7 operative assessments [IQR 2-19] over the study period. CONCLUSION: By embedding a surgical education module into an existing surgical quality collaborative registry, procedure-specific operative assessments can be routinely captured.

Multidisciplinary Simulation Training Improves Surgical Resident Comfort With Airway Management.

BACKGROUND: Airway management is an essential element of surgical training, but with fewer procedures performed during residency, simulation is crucial to fill educational gaps. We evaluated the effect of a multidisciplinary airway simulation on the comfort of general surgery residents in managing airways. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All residents PGY 2-5 at a large academic general surgery residency program participated in a multidisciplinary airway management simulation. Precourse surveys evaluated self-perception of skills in three areas of airway management: surgical airway, basic ventilator strategies, and endotracheal intubation. Simulation consisted of didactic and procedural components and used high- and low-fidelity models including silicon airways, ventilators, porcine trachea, and airway adjuncts. Instruction was provided by anesthesia and otolaryngology faculty. Postcourse assessment was performed with a four-level Likert questionnaire. Results were analyzed using paired t-tests. RESULTS: Of the 19 residents surveyed, 37% of residents had 1-5 h and 32% had 5-10 h of prior airway instruction. Significant increases in mean comfort were observed across all three studied areas. Residents reported increased comfort performing a surgical airway (1.16 versus 1.95), P < 0.0001, and troubleshooting ventilator issues (1.59 versus 2.16), P < 0.0001. Comfort regarding overall airway management including endotracheal intubation demonstrated similar improvement (1.84 versus 2.32), P = 0.02. Subgroup analysis by PGY level showed the greatest impact on comfort level in junior residents. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary airway simulation can be effectively implemented in a general surgery training program and positively affect trainee comfort with these techniques, particularly among junior residents.

Registry-Based Randomized Controlled Trials: A New Paradigm for Surgical Research.

BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard to establish evidence for surgical practice but can be hindered by high costs, complexity, and time requirements. Recently, observational registries have been leveraged as platforms for clinical trials to address these limitations, though few registry-based surgical RCTs have been conducted. Here, we present our group's approach to surgical registry-based RCTs and early results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To facilitate these trials, we focused on registry integration into surgeons' workflows, routine collection of patient-reported outcomes at clinic visits, and pragmatic trial design featuring broad inclusion criteria and standard of care follow-up. These features maximize generalizability and facilitate follow-up by minimizing visits and tests outside of normal practice. RESULTS: Since 2017, our group has completed enrollment in 4 registry-based RCTs with another 5 trials ongoing. Of these, 4 trials have been multicenter. Over 1000 patients have been enrolled in these studies, with follow-up rates of 90% or greater. Most of these trials are on track to complete enrollment in approximately 2 y from their start date. Beyond salary support, resource utilization is low. None of our trials has been terminated due to lack of resources or futility. CONCLUSIONS: Registry-based RCTs allow for efficient conduct of pragmatic surgical trials. Thoughtful study design, registry integration into surgeons' routines, and a team culture embracing research are paramount. We believe registry-based trials are the future of affordable, high-level, prospective surgical research.

The Diagnostic Utility of Splenectomy in Idiopathic Splenomegaly.

INTRODUCTION: With increasing frequency, patients with idiopathic splenomegaly are referred to surgeons for splenectomy. We evaluated the diagnostic utility of splenectomy and feasibility of a minimally invasive approach in the face of idiopathic splenomegaly. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 68 patients who underwent splenectomy for idiopathic splenomegaly. The primary endpoint was the rate of definitive diagnosis based on final surgical pathology of the removed spleen. RESULTS: Preoperative workup included a bone marrow biopsy and peripheral blood smear in 93% and 100% of patients, respectively, with none having lymphadenopathy warranting biopsy. Splenectomy provided a definitive diagnosis for 44 (64.7%) patients. Of these, 34 (50%) patients had an underlying malignancy, of which more than half were splenic marginal zone lymphoma. There were 33 (48.5%) laparoscopic, 23 (33.8%) open, 10 (14.7%) laparoscopic converted to open, and two (2.9%) laparoscopic hand-assist cases. Conversion to open was due to splenic size [median craniocaudal length 21.8 cm (cm)] in eight and staple line bleeding at the splenic hilum in two patients. Overall, the laparoscopic approach was completed in patients with a smaller splenic size compared to open (median craniocaudal length 15.2 vs. 26.0 cm, p < 0.0001). The open group had one (1.5%) intra-operative mortality due to uncontrollable hemorrhage. Thirty-day complication rates were similar for laparoscopic and open approaches (p = 0.10). CONCLUSION: Splenectomy is an effective diagnostic modality in determining a pathologic cause for splenomegaly in this patient population. Laparoscopic splenectomy can be performed safely in appropriate cases with craniocaudal splenic size having the largest influence on surgical approach.

Laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): long-term outcomes of a modern cohort.

BACKGROUND: The advent of newer second-line medical therapies (SLMT) for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) has contributed to decreased rates of splenectomy, following a trend to avoid or delay surgery. We aimed to characterize the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) for ITP at our institution, examining differences in LS efficiency when performed before or after SLMTs. METHODS: Adults with primary ITP who underwent LS between 2002 and 2016 were identified. Retrospective review of electronic medical records was supplemented with telephone interviews. Treatment response was defined according to current guidelines as complete responders (CR), responders (R), and non-responders (NR). Kaplan-Meier estimates assessed relapse-free rates, and predictors of long-term response were investigated using logistic regression. RESULTS: 109 patients met inclusion criteria, from which 42% were treated with an SLMT before referral to LS. LS was completed in all cases, with no conversions or intraoperative complications. The perioperative morbidity was 7.3%, including 3 deep vein and 2 portal vein thrombosis, one reoperation for bleeding, and no mortalities. Splenectomy was initially effective in 99 patients (CR + R = 90.8%), and 10 patients were NR. At a median 62-month follow-up, 25 patients relapsed, resulting in a 68% CR + R rate. Proportion of CR + R was similar in patients who previously received SLMT and those who did not (61 vs. 76.7%, p = 0.08). CR + R patients were younger (45 vs. 53, p = 0.03), had higher preoperative platelet counts (36 vs. 19, p = 0.01), and experienced a higher increment in platelet counts during hospital stay (117 vs. 38, p < 0.001) as well as 30-days postoperatively (329 vs. 124, p < 0.001). Only a robust response in platelet count at 30-days postoperatively was independently associated with long-term response (OR 1.005, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: LS was curative in 68% of patients, with no statistically significant difference when performed before or after SLMTs. Outcomes remain challenging to predict preoperatively, with only a robust increase in platelet counts on short term being associated with long-term response.

Is It Time to Reconsider Postoperative Epidural Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Elective Ventral Hernia Repair?: An AHSQC Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the association of epidural analgesia (EA) with hospital length of stay (LOS), wound morbidity, postoperative complications, and patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing ventral hernia repair (VHR). BACKGROUND: EA has been shown to reduce LOS in certain surgical populations. The LOS benefit in VHR is unclear. METHODS: Patients having VHR performed in the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC) were separated into 2 comparable groups matched on several confounding factors using a propensity score algorithm: one group received postoperative EA, and the other did not. The groups were then evaluated for hospital LOS, 30-day wound morbidity, other complications, and 30-day patient-reported outcomes using pain and hernia-specific quality-of-life instruments. RESULTS: A 1:1 match was achieved and the final analysis included 763 patients receiving EA and 763 not receiving EA. The EA group had an increased LOS (5.49 vs 4.90 days; P < 0.05). The rate of wound events was similar between the groups. There was an increased risk of having any postoperative complication associated with having EA (26% vs 21%; P < 0.05). Pain intensity-scaled scores were significantly higher (worse) in the EA group versus the non-EA group (47.6 vs 44.0; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The LOS benefit of EA noted for other operations may not apply to patients undergoing VHR. Further study is necessary to determine the beneficial role of invasive pain management procedures in this group of patients with an extremely common disease state.

Reducing Length of Stay Using a Robotic-assisted Approach for Retromuscular Ventral Hernia Repair: A Comparative Analysis From the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare length of stay (LOS) after robotic-assisted and open retromuscular ventral hernia repair (RVHR). BACKGROUND: RVHR has traditionally been performed by open techniques. Robotic-assisted surgery enables surgeons to perform minimally invasive RVHR, but with unknown benefit. Using real-world evidence, this study compared LOS after open (o-RVHR) and robotic-assisted (r-RVHR) approach. METHODS: Multi-institutional data from patients undergoing elective RVHR in the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative between 2013 and 2016 were analyzed. Propensity score matching was used to compare median LOS between o-RVHR and r-RVHR groups. This work was supported by an unrestricted grant from Intuitive Surgical, and all clinical authors have declared direct or indirect relationships with Intuitive Surgical. RESULTS: In all, 333 patients met inclusion criteria for a 2:1 match performed on 111 r-RVHR patients using propensity scores, with 222 o-RVHR patients having similar characteristics as the robotic-assisted group. Median LOS [interquartile range (IQR)] was significantly decreased for r-RVHR patients [2 days (IQR 2)] compared with o-RVHR patients [3 days (IQR 3), P < 0.001]. No differences in 30-day readmissions or surgical site infections were observed. Higher surgical site occurrences were noted with r-RVHR, consisting mostly of seromas not requiring intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Using real-world evidence, a robotic-assisted approach to RVHR offers the clinical benefit of reduced postoperative LOS. Ongoing monitoring of this technique should be employed through continuous quality improvement to determine the long-term effect on hernia recurrence, complications, patient satisfaction, and overall cost.

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.