Reporting guideline for interventional trials of primary and incisional ventral hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Primary and incisional ventral hernia trials collect unstandardized inconsistent data, limiting data interpretation and comparison. This study aimed to create two minimum data sets for primary and incisional ventral hernia interventional trials to standardize data collection and improve trial comparison. To support these data sets, standardized patient-reported outcome measures and trial methodology criteria were created. METHODS: To construct these data sets, nominal group technique methodology was employed, involving 15 internationally recognized abdominal wall surgeons and two patient representatives. Initially a maximum data set was created from previous systematic and panellist reviews. Thereafter, three stages of voting took place: stage 1, selection of the number of variables for data set inclusion; stage 2, selection of variables to be included; and stage 3, selection of variable definitions and detection methods. A steering committee interpreted and analysed the data. RESULTS: The maximum data set contained 245 variables. The three stages of voting commenced in October 2019 and had been completed by July 2020. The final primary ventral hernia data set included 32 variables, the incisional ventral hernia data set included 40 variables, the patient-reported outcome measures tool contained 25 questions, and 40 methodological criteria were chosen. The best known variable definitions were selected for accurate variable description. CT was selected as the optimal preoperative descriptor of hernia morphology. Standardized follow-up at 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years was selected. CONCLUSION: These minimum data sets, patient-reported outcome measures, and methodological criteria have allowed creation of a manual for investigators aiming to undertake primary ventral hernia or incisional ventral hernia interventional trials. Adopting these data sets will improve trial methods and comparisons.

International classification of abdominal wall planes (ICAP) to describe mesh insertion for ventral hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Nomenclature for mesh insertion during ventral hernia repair is inconsistent and confusing. Several terms, including 'inlay', 'sublay' and 'underlay', can refer to the same anatomical planes in the indexed literature. This frustrates comparisons of surgical practice and may invalidate meta-analyses comparing surgical outcomes. The aim of this study was to establish an international classification of abdominal wall planes. METHODS: A Delphi study was conducted involving 20 internationally recognized abdominal wall surgeons. Different terms describing anterior abdominal wall planes were identified via literature review and expert consensus. The initial list comprised 59 possible terms. Panellists completed a questionnaire that suggested a list of options for individual abdominal wall planes. Consensus on a term was predefined as occurring if selected by at least 80 per cent of panellists. Terms scoring less than 20 per cent were removed. RESULTS: Voting started August 2018 and was completed by January 2019. In round 1, 43 terms (73 per cent) were selected by less than 20 per cent of panellists and 37 new terms were suggested, leaving 53 terms for round 2. Four planes reached consensus in round 2, with the terms 'onlay', 'inlay', 'preperitoneal' and 'intraperitoneal'. Thirty-five terms (66 per cent) were selected by less than 20 per cent of panellists and were removed. After round 3, consensus was achieved for 'anterectus', 'interoblique', 'retro-oblique' and 'retromuscular'. Default consensus was achieved for the 'retrorectus' and 'transversalis fascial' planes. CONCLUSION: Consensus concerning abdominal wall planes was agreed by 20 internationally recognized surgeons. Adoption should improve communication and comparison among surgeons and research studies.

ANTECEDENTES: La nomenclatura de la inserción de una malla para la reparación de una hernia incisional ventral (ventral hernia, VH) es inconsistente y confusa. En la literatura indexada se usan varios términos, tales como 'inlay', 'sublay', y 'underlay' que pueden referirse a los mismos planos anatómicos. Este hecho frustra las comparaciones de técnicas quirúrgicas e invalida los metaanálisis que comparan resultados quirúrgicos en función del plano de inserción de la malla. En consecuencia, el objetivo de este estudio fue establecer una clasificación internacional de los planos de la pared abdominal (International Classification of Abdominal Wall Planes, ICAP). MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio Delphi, en el que participaron 20 cirujanos de pared abdominal reconocidos internacionalmente. Se identificaron diferentes términos que describían los planos de la pared abdominal anterior mediante la revisión de la literatura y el consenso de expertos. La lista inicial incluía 59 términos posibles. Los panelistas completaron un cuestionario que sugería una lista de opciones para los planos individuales de la pared abdominal. El consenso sobre un término fue predefinido cuando dicho término había sido seleccionado por ≥ 80% de panelistas. Se eliminaron los términos con una puntuación < 20%. RESULTADOS: La votación comenzó en agosto de 2018 y se completó en enero de 2019. Durante la Ronda 1, 43 (73%) términos fueron seleccionados por < 20% de los panelistas y se sugirieron 37 términos nuevos, dejando 53 términos para la Ronda 2. Cuatro planos alcanzaron un consenso en la Ronda 2 con los términos 'onlay', 'inlay', 'pre-peritoneal' e 'intra-peritoneal'. Treinta y cinco (66%) términos fueron seleccionados por < 20% de los panelistas y fueron eliminados. Después de la Ronda 3, se logró un consenso para 'anterectus' (ante-recto), 'interoblique' (inter-oblicuo), 'retrooblique' (retro-oblicuo) y 'retromuscular'. Se alcanzó un consenso por defecto para los planos 'retrorectus' (retro-recto) y 'transversalis fascial' (fascial transverso). CONCLUSIÓN: La ICAP ha sido desarrollada por el consenso de 20 cirujanos reconocidos internacionalmente. Su implementación debería mejorar la comunicación y la comparación entre cirujanos y estudios de investigación.

Update of Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias (International Endohernia Society (IEHS)): Part B.

In 2014 the International Endohernia Society (IEHS) published the first international "Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias". Guidelines reflect the currently best available evidence in diagnostics and therapy and give recommendations to help surgeons to standardize their techniques and to improve their results. However, science is a dynamic field which is continuously developing. Therefore, guidelines require regular updates to keep pace with the evolving literature. METHODS: For the development of the original guidelines all relevant literature published up to year 2012 was analyzed using the ranking of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based-Medicine. For the present update all of the previous authors were asked to evaluate the literature published during the recent years from 2012 to 2017 and revise their statements and recommendations given in the initial guidelines accordingly. In two Consensus Conferences (October 2017 Beijing, March 2018 Cologne) the updates were presented, discussed, and confirmed. To avoid redundancy, only new statements or recommendations are included in this paper. Therefore, for full understanding both of the guidelines, the original and the current, must be read. In addition, the new developments in repair of abdominal wall hernias like surgical techniques within the abdominal wall, release operations (transversus muscle release, component separation), Botox application, and robot-assisted repair methods were included. RESULTS: Due to an increase of the number of patients and further development of surgical techniques, repair of primary and secondary abdominal wall hernias attracts increasing interests of many surgeons. Whereas up to three decades ago hernia-related publications did not exceed 20 per year, currently this number is about 10-fold higher. Recent years are characterized by the advent of new techniques-minimal invasive techniques using robotics and laparoscopy, totally extraperitoneal repairs, novel myofascial release techniques for optimal closure of large defects, and Botox for relaxing the abdominal wall. Furthermore, a concomitant rectus diastasis was recognized as a significant risk factor for recurrence. Despite still insufficient evidence with respect to these new techniques it seemed to us necessary to include them in the update to stimulate surgeons to do research in these fields. CONCLUSION: Guidelines are recommendations based on best available evidence intended to help the surgeon to improve the quality of his daily work. However, science is a continuously evolving process, and as such guidelines should be updated about every 3 years. For a comprehensive reference, however, it is suggested to read both the initially guidelines published in 2014 together with the update. Moreover, the presented update includes also techniques which were not known 3 years before.

Correction to: Update of Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias (International Endohernia Society (IEHS))-Part A.

This article was updated to include the middle initial of author L. N. Jorgensen's name.

Update of Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias (International Endohernia Society (IEHS))-Part A.

In 2014, the International Endohernia Society (IEHS) published the first international "Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias." Guidelines reflect the currently best available evidence in diagnostics and therapy and give recommendations to help surgeons to standardize their techniques and to improve their results. However, science is a dynamic field which is continuously developing. Therefore, guidelines require regular updates to keep pace with the evolving literature. METHODS: For the development of the original guidelines, all relevant literature published up to year 2012 was analyzed using the ranking of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. For the present update, all of the previous authors were asked to evaluate the literature published during the recent years from 2012 to 2017 and revise their statements and recommendations given in the initial guidelines accordingly. In two Consensus Conferences (October 2017 Beijing, March 2018 Cologne), the updates were presented, discussed, and confirmed. To avoid redundancy, only new statements or recommendations are included in this paper. Therefore, for full understanding both of the guidelines, the original and the current, must be read. In addition, the new developments in repair of abdominal wall hernias like surgical techniques within the abdominal wall, release operations (transversus muscle release, component separation), Botox application, and robot-assisted repair methods were included. RESULTS: Due to an increase of the number of patients and further development of surgical techniques, repair of primary and secondary abdominal wall hernias attracts increasing interests of many surgeons. Whereas up to three decades ago hernia-related publications did not exceed 20 per year, currently this number is about 10-fold higher. Recent years are characterized by the advent of new techniques-minimal invasive techniques using robotics and laparoscopy, totally extraperitoneal repairs, novel myofascial release techniques for optimal closure of large defects, and Botox for relaxing the abdominal wall. Furthermore, a concomitant rectus diastasis was recognized as a significant risk factor for recurrence. Despite insufficient evidence with respect to these new techniques, it seemed to us necessary to include them in the update to stimulate surgeons to do research in these fields. CONCLUSION: Guidelines are recommendations based on best available evidence intended to help the surgeon to improve the quality of his daily work. However, science is a continuously evolving process, and as such guidelines should be updated about every 3 years. For a comprehensive reference, however, it is suggested to read both the initial guidelines published in 2014 together with the update. Moreover, the presented update includes also techniques which were not known 3 years before.

'Treatment of the sportsman's groin': British Hernia Society's 2014 position statement based on the Manchester Consensus Conference.

INTRODUCTION: The aim was to produce a multidisciplinary consensus to determine the current position on the nomenclature, definition, diagnosis, imaging modalities and management of Sportsman's groin (SG). METHODS: Experts in the diagnosis and management of SG were invited to participate in a consensus conference held by the British Hernia Society in Manchester, U.K. on 11-12 October 2012. Experts included a physiotherapist, a musculoskeletal radiologist and surgeons with a proven track record of expertise in this field. Presentations detailing scientific as well as outcome data from their own experiences were given. Records were made of the presentations with specific areas debated openly. RESULTS: The term 'inguinal disruption' (ID) was agreed as the preferred nomenclature with the term 'Sportsman's hernia' or 'groin' rejected, as no true hernia exists. There was an overwhelming agreement of opinion that there was abnormal tension in the groin, particularly around the inguinal ligament attachment. Other common findings included the possibility of external oblique disruption with consequent small tears noted as well as some oedema of the tissues. A multidisciplinary approach with tailored physiotherapy as the initial treatment was recommended with any surgery involving releasing the tension in the inguinal canal by various techniques and reinforcing it with a mesh or suture repair. A national registry should be developed for all athletes undergoing surgery. CONCLUSIONS: ID is a common condition where no true hernia exists. It should be managed through a multidisciplinary approach to ensure consistent standards and outcomes are achieved.

Delphi consensus statement for understanding and managing the subcostal hernia: subcostal hernias collaborative report (scholar study).

INTRODUCTION: Subcostal hernias are categorized as L1 based on the European Hernia Society (EHS) classification and frequently involve M1, M2, and L2 sites. These are common after hepatopancreatic and biliary surgeries. The literature on subcostal hernias mostly comprises of retrospective reviews of small heterogenous cohorts, unsurprisingly leading to no consensus or guidelines. Given the limited literature and lack of consensus or guidelines for dealing with these hernias, we planned for a Delphi consensus to aid in decision making to repair subcostal hernias. METHODS: We adopted a modified Delphi technique to establish consensus regarding the definition, characteristics, and surgical aspects of managing subcostal hernias (SCH). It was a four-phase Delphi study reflecting the widely accepted model, consisting of: 1. Creating a query. 2. Building an expert panel. 3. Executing the Delphi rounds. 4. Analysing, presenting, and reporting the Delphi results. More than 70% of agreement was defined as a consensus statement. RESULTS: The 22 experts who agreed to participate in this Delphi process for Subcostal Hernias (SCH) comprised 7 UK surgeons, 6 mainland European surgeons, 4 Indians, 3 from the USA, and 2 from Southeast Asia. This Delphi study on subcostal hernias achieved consensus on the following areas-use of mesh in elective cases; the retromuscular position with strong discouragement for onlay mesh; use of macroporous medium-weight polypropylene mesh; use of the subcostal incision over midline incision if there is no previous midline incision; TAR over ACST; defect closure where MAS is used; transverse suturing over vertical suturing for closure of circular defects; and use of peritoneal flap when necessary. CONCLUSION: This Delphi consensus defines subcostal hernias and gives insight into the consensus for incision, dissection plane, mesh placement, mesh type, and mesh fixation for these hernias.

Autoimmunity and hernia mesh: fact or fiction?

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing number of patients following hernia surgery with implanted mesh reporting symptoms that could indicate autoimmune or allergic reactions to mesh. 'Allergy' to metals, various drugs, and chemicals is well recognised. However, hypersensitivity, allergy or autoimmunity caused by surgical mesh has not been proven by a scientific method to date. The aim of this study was twofold: to describe the pathophysiology of autoimmunity and foreign body reaction and to undertake a systematic review of surgical mesh implanted at the time of hernia repair and the subsequent development of autoimmune disease. METHODS: A systematic review using the PRISMA guidelines was undertaken. Pubmed (Medline), Google Scholar and Cochrane databases were searched for all English-written peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2021. The search was performed using the keywords "hernia", "mesh", "autoimmunity", "ASIA", "immune response", "autoimmune response". RESULTS: Seven papers were included in the final analysis-three systematic reviews, three cohort studies and one case report. Much of the current data regarding the association of hernia mesh and autoimmunity relies on retrospective cohort studies and/or case reports with limited availability of cofounding factor data linked to autoimmune disease such as smoking status or indeed a detailed medical history of patients. Three systematic reviews have discussed this topic, each with a slightly different approach and none of them has identified causality between the use of mesh and the subsequent development of autoimmune disease. CONCLUSION: There is little evidence that the use of polypropylene mesh can lead to autoimmunity. A large number of potential triggers of autoimmunity along with the genetic predisposition to autoimmune disease and the commonality of hernia, make a cause and effect difficult to unravel at present. Biomaterials cause foreign body reactions, but a chronic foreign body reaction does not indicate autoimmunity, a common misunderstanding in the literature.

Exploring the link between poor oral hygiene and mesh infection after hernia repair: a systematic review and proposed best practices.

BACKGROUND: There is a reasonable body of evidence around oral/dental health and implant infection in orthopaedic and cardiovascular surgery. Another large area of surgical practice associated with a permanent implant is mesh hernia repair. This study aimed to review the evidence around oral/dental health and mesh infection. METHODS: The research protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022334530). A systematic review of the literature was undertaken according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. The initial search identified 582 publications. A further four papers were identified from references. After a review by title and abstract, 40 papers were read in full text. Fourteen publications were included in the final review, and a total of 47,486 patients were included. RESULTS: There is no published evidence investigating the state of oral hygiene/health and the risk of mesh infection or other infections in hernia surgery. Improvement in oral hygiene/health can reduce surgical site infection and implant infection in colorectal, gastric, liver, orthopaedic and cardiovascular surgery. Poor oral hygiene/health is associated with a large increase in oral bacteria and bacteraemia in everyday activities such as when chewing or brushing teeth. Antibiotic prophylaxis does not appear to be necessary before invasive dental care in patients with an implant. CONCLUSION: Good oral hygiene and oral health is a strong public health message. The effect of poor oral hygiene on mesh infection and other complications of mesh hernia repair is unknown. While research is clearly needed in this area, extrapolating from evidence in other areas of surgery where implants are used, good oral hygiene/health should be encouraged amongst hernia patients both prior to and after their surgery.

Hernia Basecamp-A Free to Use, Online Hernia Learning Platform. Analysis of Its Use Since Launch in June 2021.

Introduction: Hernia Basecamp is an online learning platform hosted within the WebSurg website. One of the drivers of its development was to cover the syllabus of the UEMS AWS examination, but it is a learning resource in its own right. There are currently 205 video lectures, with a number of them selected to create 10 modules of 3 h each with UEMS CME accreditation. The aim of this study was to review the Hernia Basecamp usage since launch in June 2021. Methods: The Hernia Basecamp WebSurg platform was interrogated using Matomo Analytics in January 2023 (19 month period since launch). Data on the number of visits, pages looked at and time spent on the platform per visit, along with the number of CME modules taken and passed were collected. Results: Users from 146 countries visited the Hernia Basecamp site 17,171 times (6,586 times, 38.4% in first 9 months). The top 5 countries by visitors were the United Kingdom, Mexico, Spain, United States and Germany (accounting for 29.4% of the visits). The average time spent per visit was 11 min 37 s (range: 47 s-49 min 4 s), and the number of pages/videos viewed per visit was 8.1 (range: 2-21). The number of UEMS CME modules taken was 675, and 326 (48%) of these tests were passed. Conclusion: In the first 19 months from launch, Hernia Basecamp provided over 3,000 h of hernia education. The UEMS approved CME accreditation tests were commonly used.

Thoughts on Trocar Site Hernia Prevention. A Narrative Review.

Background: Laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery is now common place, and each trocar site is a potential incisional hernia site. A number of factors increase the risk of trocar site hernia (TSH) at any given trocar site. The aim of this paper is to explore the literature and identify the patients and the trocar sites at risk, which may allow target prevention strategies to minimise TSH. Methods: A pub med literature review was undertaken using the MeSH terms of "trocar" OR "port-site" AND "hernia." No qualifying criteria were applied to this initial search. All abstracts were reviewed by the two authors to identify papers for full text review to inform this narrative review. Results: 961 abstracts were identified by the search. A reasonable quality systematic review was published in 2012, and 44 additional more recent publications were identified as informative. A number of patient factors, pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative factors were identified as possibly or likely increasing the risk of TSH. Their careful management alone and more likely in combination may help reduce the incidence of TSH. Conclusion: Clinically symptomatic TSH is uncommon, in relation to the many trocars inserted every day for "keyhole" surgery, although it is a not uncommon hernia to repair in general surgical practice. There are patients inherently at risk of TSH, especially at the umbilical location. It is likely, that a multi-factored approach to surgery, will have a cumulative effect at reducing the overall risk of TSH at any trocar site, including choice of trocar type and size, method of insertion, events during the operation, and decisions around the need for fascial closure and how this is performed following trocar removal.

Peritoneal flap hernioplasty for repair of incisional hernias after orthotopic liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Repair of incisional hernias following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a surgical challenge due to concurrent midline and transverse abdominal wall defects in the context of lifelong immunosuppression. The peritoneal flap hernioplasty addresses this problem by using flaps of the hernial sac to bridge the fascial gap and isolate the mesh from both the intraperitoneal contents and the subcutaneous space, exploiting the retro-rectus space medially and the avascular plane between the internal and external oblique muscles laterally. We report our short and long-term results of 26 consecutive liver transplant cases with incisional hernias undergoing repair with the peritoneal flap technique. METHODS: Post-OLT patients undergoing elective peritoneal flap hernioplasty for incisional hernias from Jan 1, 2010-Nov 1, 2017 were identified from the Lothian Surgical Audit system (LSA), a prospectively-maintained computer database of all surgical procedures in the Edinburgh region of south-east Scotland. Patient demographics and clinical data were obtained from the hospital case-notes. Follow-up data were obtained in Feb 2020. RESULTS: A total of 517 liver transplantations were performed during the inclusion period. Twenty-six of these (18 males, 69%) developed an incisional hernia and underwent a peritoneal flap repair. Median mesh size (Optilene Elastic, 48 g/m2, BBraun) was 900 cm2 (range 225-1500 cm2). The median time to repair following OLT was 33 months (range 12-70 months). Median follow-up was 54 months (range 24-115 months) and median postoperative stay was 5 days (range 3-11 days). Altogether, three patients (12%) presented with postoperative complications: 1 with hematoma (4%) and two with chronic pain (8%). No episodes of infection or symptomatic seroma were recorded. No recurrence was recorded within the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Repair of incisional hernias in patients following liver transplantation with the Peritoneal Flap Hernioplasty is a safe procedure associated with few complications and a very low recurrence rate. We propose this technique for the reconstruction of incisional hernias following liver transplantation.

Liquid resorbable nanofibrous surgical mesh: a proof of a concept.

BACKGROUND: Surgical mesh is widely used not only to treat but also to prevent incisional hernia formation. Despite much effort by material engineers, the 'ideal' mesh mechanically, biologically and surgically easy to use remains elusive. Advances in tissue engineering and nanomedicine have allowed new concepts to be tested with promising results in both small and large animals. Abandoning the concept of a pre-formed mesh completely for a 'pour in liquid mesh' has never been tested before. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rabbits underwent midline laparotomy with closure using an absorbable suture and small stitch small bites technique. In addition, their abdominal wall closure was reinforced by a liquid nanofibrous scaffold composed of a fibrin sealant and nanofibres of poly-ε-caprolactone with or without hyaluronic acid or the sealant alone, poured in as an 'onlay' over the closed abdominal wall. The animals were killed at 6 weeks and their abdominal wall was subjected to histological and biomechanical evaluations. RESULTS: All the animals survived the study period with no major complication. Histological evaluation showed an eosinophilic infiltration in all groups and foreign body reaction more pronounced in the groups with nanofibres. Biomechanical testing demonstrated that groups treated with nanofibres developed a scar with higher tensile yield strength. CONCLUSION: The use of nanofibres in a liquid form applied to the closed abdominal wall is easy to use and improves the biomechanical properties of healing fascia at 6 weeks after midline laparotomy in a rabbit model.

A modified Delphi process to establish research priorities in hernia surgery.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal wall hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide, yet despite this, there remains a lack of high-quality evidence to support best management. The aim of the study was to use a modified Delphi process to determine future research priorities in this field. METHODS: Stakeholders were invited by email, using British Hernia Society membership details or Twitter, to submit individual research questions via an online survey. In addition, questions obtained from a patient focus group (PFG) were collated to form Phase I. Two rounds of prioritization by stakeholders (phases II and III) were then completed to determine a final list of research questions. All questions were analyzed on an anonymized basis. RESULTS: A total of 266 questions, 19 from the PFG, were submitted by 113 stakeholders in Phase I. Of these, 64 questions were taken forward for prioritization in Phase II, which was completed by 107 stakeholders. Following Phase II analysis, 97 stakeholders prioritized 36 questions in Phase III. This resulted in a final list of 14 research questions, 3 of which were from the PFG. Stakeholders included patients and healthcare professionals (consultant surgeons, trainee surgeons and other multidisciplinary members) from over 27 countries during the 3 phases. CONCLUSION: The study has identified 14 key research priorities pertaining to abdominal wall hernia surgery. Uniquely, these priorities have been determined from participation by both healthcare professionals and patients. These priorities should now be addressed by well-designed, high-quality international collaborative research.

The evolution of laparoscopic antireflux surgery and its influence on postoperative stay.

Laparoscopic fundoplication is an established treatment for refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. This study aims to compare the outcome of two laparoscopic antireflux techniques in a regional specialist unit. A sequential audit was carried out on patients undergoing laparoscopic Nissen (LN: performed May 1994 to November 2000) or laparoscopic anterior (LA: performed March 2001 to December 2004) fundoplication. Patient satisfaction was assessed by postal questionnaire. The cohorts undergoing each operation were also divided into two chronological groups of 51 patients, to study the effect of possible learning curve progression on the number of nights spent in the hospital postoperatively. In all, 142/204 (70%) questionnaires were returned from patients with follow-up ranging from 5 to 40 months postoperation. Overall, 102/142 (72%) reported a good or excellent outcome. Patients who underwent LA had a higher rate of antacid medication use (LN 17.4% versus LA 34.2%, P = 0.036) but there was a higher score for inability to belch following LN (LN 2.03 versus LA 1.53, P = 0.034). When comparing the chronologically divided cohorts, LN was associated with a significantly longer hospital stay than LA (P < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). There was a significant decrease in hospital stay from the first to second group of 51 LNs (P < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test) and a further significant reduction in hospital stay from the first 51 to second 51 LAs (P < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). In conclusion, both procedures provide good symptom control. Increased requirement for acid suppression following LA and inability to belch following LN, may suggest more long-term durability of the LN wrap. The decrease in the number of nights spent in hospital may be related to the procedure performed but seems more likely to be an effect of increasing volume of surgical experience.

Algorithm for management of an incarcerated inguinal hernia in the emergency settings with manual reduction. Taxis, the technique and its safety.

BACKGROUND: An acute inguinal hernia remains a common emergency surgical condition worldwide. While emergency surgery has a major role to play in treatment of acute hernias, not all patients are fit for emergency surgery, nor are facilities for such surgery always available. Taxis is the manual reduction of incarcerated tissues from the hernia sack to its natural compartment, and can help delay the need for surgery from days to months. The aim of this study was to prepare a safe algorithm for performing manual reduction of incarcerated inguinal hernias in adults. METHODS: Medline, Scopus, Ovid and Embase were searched for papers related to emergency inguinal hernias and manual reduction. In addition, the British National Formulary and Safe Sedation Practice for Healthcare Procedures: Standards and Guidance were reviewed. RESULTS: A safe technique of manual reduction of an acute inguinal hernia, called GPS (Gentle, Prepared and Safe) Taxis, is described. It should be performed within 24 h from the onset of a painful irreducible lump in groin, and when concomitant symptoms and signs of bowel strangulation are absent. Conscious sedation guidelines should be followed. The most popular drug combination is of intravenous morphine and short-acting benzodiazepine, both titrated carefully for optimal and safe effect. The dose of drugs must be individualised, and the smallest effective dosage should be used to avoid oversedation. Following successful taxis, the patient should undergo a short period of observation. Urgent surgery can be undertaken during the same admission or up to several weeks later. CONCLUSIONS: Taxis is a benign/non-invasive method for patients with an acute, non-strangulated inguinal hernias. It likely reduces the risk and complications of anaesthesia and surgery in the emergency settings. GPS Taxis should be considered as first line treatment in the majority of patients presenting with an acute inguinal hernia when existing bowel infarction is unlikely.

The darn technique for small (< 2 cm diameter) midline hernias.

PURPOSE: Primary midline hernias arising in the linea alba are common. While mesh repair has been shown to reduce recurrence rates even in small hernias, many surgeons still use a suture repair for defects of less than 2 cm. The recent European and Americas Hernia Societies Guidelines recommended suture repair only for hernias smaller than 1 cm. A suture repair implies edge-to-edge or overlapping fascial margins, which necessarily involves tension on the repair. A darn is a tension-free repair where, in effect, a "mesh" is hand-woven across the defect in situ. METHODS: The darn repair is a modification of the darn techniques for inguinal hernia repair. Eligible patients undergoing this repair at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2017 were identified from a prospective computer-based medical record system and their case notes reviewed. Inclusion criteria were adult patients with a primary midline abdominal wall defect smaller than 2 cm in the widest diameter of the hernia defect measured intra-operatively. Patients were followed up by telephone in 2019. Those who reported possible recurrence or other symptoms in the region of their hernia repair were reviewed in the outpatient clinic. RESULTS: 47 suture-darn repairs were undertaken over the 10-year period. Fifteen of the darn repair operations (32%) were performed under local anaesthesia. Forty-one patients were followed up with a mean of 80 ± 35 and median of 87 months after surgery. Six patients (13%) were lost to follow-up. Recurrence was found in two cases (5%) and one patient has since been diagnosed with a new epigastric hernia some 5 cm cranial to the previous repair. CONCLUSIONS: The darn repair for small primary midline hernias is quick and inexpensive with promising long-term results. It can be performed under local anaesthesia. It can serve as an alternative to mesh repair for defects less than 2 cm in maximum dimension.

Peritoneal flap hernioplasty for reconstruction of transverse incisional hernias.

BACKGROUND: Repair of transverse incisional hernias is a surgical challenge with current methods of abdominal wall reconstruction. The peritoneal flap hernioplasty addresses this problem using flaps of hernial sac to bridge the fascial gap and isolate the mesh from both the intraperitoneal contents and the subcutaneous space exploiting the retro-rectus space medially and the avascular plane between the internal and external oblique muscles laterally. The operative technique and long-term results of 80 consecutive cases with transverse incisional hernias undergoing repair with this method are reported. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective peritoneal flap hernioplasty repair for transverse incisional hernias from Jan. 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2014 were identified from the Lothian Surgical Audit system, a prospectively-maintained computer database of all surgical procedures in the Edinburgh region of south-east Scotland. Patient demographics and clinical data were obtained from the hospital case-notes. Follow-up data were obtained in May 2019 from hospital records and telephone interview. RESULTS: 80 patients, (n = 53 male, 66%) were identified. Mean follow-up was 83 months (range 55-114 months) and mean postoperative stay was 6.4 days (range 1-23 days). Eleven repairs (14%) were for recurrent hernia. Mean mesh size applied (Optilene Elastic, 48 g/m2, BBraun) was 747 cm2 (ranged 150-1500 cm2). Redundant skin excision was performed in 54% of cases. Altogether, seven patients (8.8%) presented with postoperative complications: five superficial wound infections (6.3%), one symptomatic seroma (1.3%) and one recurrence (1.3%) within the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The peritoneal flap hernioplasty is associated with few complications and a very low recurrence rate. We propose this technique as the method of choice for reconstruction of transverse abdominal incisional hernias when primary fascial apposition is not possible.

A manual reduction of hernia under analgesia/sedation (Taxis) in the acute inguinal hernia: a useful technique in COVID-19 times to reduce the need for emergency surgery-a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Acute IH is a common surgical presentation. Despite new guidelines being published recently, a number of important questions remained unanswered including the role of taxis, as initial non-operative management. This is particularly relevant now due to the possibility of a lack of immediate surgical care as a result of COVID-19. The aim of this review is to assess the role of taxis in the management of emergency inguinal hernias. METHODS: A review of the literature was undertaken. Available literature published until March 2019 was obtained and reviewed. 32,021 papers were identified, only 9 were of sufficient value to be used. RESULTS: There was a large discrepancy in the terminology of incarcerated/strangulated used. Taxis can be safely attempted early after the onset of symptoms and is effective in about 70% of patients. The possibility of reduction en-mass should be kept in mind. Definitive surgery to repair the hernia can be delayed by weeks until such time as surgery can be safely arranged. CONCLUSIONS: The use of taxis in emergency inguinal hernia is a useful first line of treatment in areas or situations where surgical care is not immediately available, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency surgery remains the mainstay of management in the strangulated hernia setting.