Open tension-free hernioplasty using a novel lightweight self-gripping mesh: medium-term experience from two institutions.

PURPOSE: The process of mesh fixation and the potential risk of associated chronic pain are always surgeon's main concerns in hernia surgery. A wide variety of lightweight mesh models are currently available on the market to overcome some of these problems showing good preliminary results, but no data representing the medium- or long-term results. The present study aims to report the clinical outcomes of two institutional series of patients who underwent hernia repair using a partially absorbable auto adherent mesh (Parietene™ Progrip™--PP). METHODS: A prospective analysis was performed including unselected patients with primary groin hernia who underwent a standardized Lichtenstein procedure using the PP mesh at two tertiary institutions. RESULTS: During the 2-year study period, 181 patients (167 males; 14 females) with a median age of 63 years (19-85 years) were operated on at both centers. Short-term complications occurred in 27 patients (15%), the most commonly seen being urinary retention (6%) followed by hematoma (5%) and acute orchitis (2%). With a median follow-up of 17 months (12-29 months), 4 patients (2%) had a feeling of a foreign body in the groin, and 7 (4%) developed chronic pain. A total of four patients (2%) developed recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the use of the PP mesh for hernioplasties offers a potential benefit not only in the short-term period but also in a medium-term follow-up with low recurrence and late chronic pain rates. However, this particular mesh does not fully prevent all complications and chronic pain and recurrent hernias have been reported for the first time.

Acute massive gastric distention with emphysematous gastritis: a case report and literature review.

Acute massive gastric dilatation is a rare condition mainly seen in patients with alimentary disorders. This massive distention may cause gastric necrosis and even perforation and emphysematous gastritis. We report the case of an 18-year-old female with intense abdominal pain and signs of sepsis. Computed-tomography scan diagnosed an acute massive gastric distention within gas into the gastric wall. Despite rapid instauration of conservative treatment, the patient finally underwent surgery. It is important to discard this infrequent pathology even in young and healthy people. An early diagnosis is crucial, a rapid instauration of conservative management may be effective and avoid surgery.

La distensión gástrica masiva es una condición rara, principalmente descrita en pacientes con trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, que puede evolucionar hacia una necrosis, perforación o gastritis enfisematosa. Reportamos el caso de una paciente de 18 años valorada por intenso dolor abdominal y sepsis, diagnosticada de distensión gástrica masiva. A pesar del tratamiento conservador, la paciente requirió cirugía urgente. Es importante descartar esta entidad cuando valoramos a un paciente en Urgencias ya que es una patología infrecuente presente en gente joven y sana. Un diagnóstico temprano es crucial porque el tratamiento conservador precoz puede ser eficaz y evitar la cirugía.