A study to improve identification of the retroperitoneal course of iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, femorocutaneous and genitofemoral nerves during laparoscopic triple neurectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic triple neurectomy is an available treatment option for chronic groin pain, but a poor working knowledge of the retroperitoneal neuroanatomy makes it an unsafe technique. OBJECT: Describe the retroperitoneal course of iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, lateral femoral cutaneous and genitofemoral nerves, to guide the surgeon who operates in this region. METHODS: Fifty adult cadavers were dissected resulting in 100 anatomic specimens. Additionally, 30 patients were operated for refractory chronic inguinal pain, using laparoscopic triple neurectomy. All operations and dissections were photographed. Measurements were made between the nerves of the lumbar plexus and various landmarks: interneural distances in a vertical midline plane, posterior or anterior iliac spine and branch presentation model. RESULTS: The ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves were independent in 78% (Type II) and separated by an average of 2.5 ± 0.8 cm. In surgery study, only 38% were recognized as Type II and at a significantly greater distance (3.5 ± 1.2 cm, p < 0.001). The distance between ilioinguinal and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves was also greater during surgery, with statistical significance (5.1 ± 1.5 versus 4.2 ± 1.5, p < 0.005). The distance of the nerves to their bone references were not statistically different. The genitofemoral nerve emerged from the psoas major muscle in 20% as two separate branches (Type II), regardless of the study. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve had a mean distance of 0.98 ± 1.6 cm medial to the anterior superior iliac spine. CONCLUSION: The identification of the IH, II, FC and GF nerves is essential to reduce the rate of failures in the treatment of CGP. The frequent anatomical variations of the lumbar plexus nerves make knowledge of their courses in the retroperitoneal space essential to ensure safe surgery. The location of the nerves in the LTN is distorted by up to 1 cm. regarding references in the cadavers.

Giulio Cesare Casseri (1552-1616): el anatomista de Padua ensombrecido por la historia / Giulio Cesare Casseri (1552-1616): the anatomist of Padua overshadowed by history

Casseri fue un brillante anatomista y docente de la Universidad de Padua, cuya vida se vio ensombrecida por la eterna rivalidad con su mentor Fabrizio. Tras su muerte, la historia también le dio la espalda, y un cúmulo de hechos desafortunados ha ido otorgando a su discípulo Spiegel la credibilidad de buena parte de sus logros. A pesar de aportar un legado anatómico incuestionable, todavía hoy es el gran olvidado en muchos textos de la especialidad. Como tributo a su obra nosotros proponemos denominar a las hernias de la línea semilunar como Hernias de Spiegel-Casseri.

Casseri was a brilliant anatomist and professor at the University of Padua, whose life was overshadowed by the eternal rivalry with his mentor Fabrizio. After his death, history also turned its back on him and a host of unfortunate events gave his disciple, Spiegel, credit for many of his achievements. Despite an unquestionable anatomical legacy, he is still is forgotten today in many texts specializing in the field. As a tribute to his work we propose to call the semilunar hernia, the Spiegel-Casseri Hernias.

El anatomista español que se atrevió a rectificar a Vesalio: Juan Valverde de Amusco / The Spanish anatomist who dared to rectify Vesalius: Juan Valverde de Amusco

Las aportaciones científicas de los anatomistas españoles del renacimiento son muy poco conocidas a nivel internacional, sin embargo, fueron clave para comprender la anatomía actual, en especial la obra anatómica de Juan Valverde de Amusco, "el Vesalio español". Este trabajo tiene como objetivo mostrar que su obra anatómica es original, y que supuso un hito histórico para la ciencia y la lengua castellana. Frente a la Fábrica de Vesalio, escrita en latín académico y difícil de comprender, se sitúa la obra de Valverde como el primer manual moderno de anatomía, escrita en castellano, preciso y sencillo, con una difusión por Europa muy superior, que facilitó el conocimiento profesional a médicos, cirujanos y artistas. La obra de Juan Valverde debe considerarse como original, en base a su contribución: (1) a la utilización del método científico en la anatomía, (2) al desarrollo del español como idioma científico demostrando que este idioma es muy útil y conveniente para expresar los conocimientos médicos y llegar a un mayor número de profesionales, (3) por introducir en el lenguaje científico las ideas de claridad, sencillez y rigor.

The scientific contributions of Spanish Renaissance anatomists are little known internationally, but were the key to understanding current anatomy, especially the anatomical work of Juan Valverde de Amusco, "the Spanish Vesalius". This study shows that his anatomical work is original, and that it was a milestone for science and for the Spanish language. Located across from the Vesalius factory, where the Latin writing is academic and difficult to understand, stands the work of Valverde as the very first modern anatomy manual, written in simple and accurate Castilian. It was disseminated extensively throughout Europe, which facilitated knowledge for professional physicians, surgeons and artists. The anatomy of Juan Valverde should be considered as original, based on its contribution: (1) the use of scientific method in anatomy, (2) the development of Spanish as a scientific language, proving that this language is useful, convenient for conveying medical knowledge, and contributes in reaching greater numbers of professionals, (3) to introduce in scientific language the ideas of clarity, simplicity and rigor.

Vólvulo gástrico por hernia diafragmática crónica / Gastric volvulus due to chronic diaphragmatic hernia

Objetivo: Presentar un caso de vólvulo gástrico obstructivo. Caso clínico: Presentamos el caso de una paciente que inició con un episodio de obstrucción intestinal por una volvulación gástrica. El antecedente de otro episodio antiguo y la radiología de tórax alertaron de una posible hernia diafragmática crónica. La buena respuesta al tratamiento médico inicial permitió un estudio completo y una cirugía programada mediante abordaje laparoscópico.

Aim: To present a patient with gastric volvulus. Case report: A case of a female patient who started with an episode of intestinal obstruction due to gastric volvulus. The history of a former episode and chest radiology alerted us to a possible chronic diaphragmatic hernia. The patient's good response to initial medical treatment allowed a complete study and laparoscopic intervention.

Does Abdominoplasty Add Morbidity to Incisional Hernia Repair? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Abdominoplasty is considered an operation linked to a considerable rate of morbidity. The convenience of simultaneously performing an incisional hernia repair and an abdominoplasty remains controversial. Methods A total of 111 patients were randomized prospectively to compare isolated incisional hernia repair and hernia repair when combined with abdominoplasty. Primary end points were in-hospital stay and early morbidity. Secondary end points were late morbidity, recurrences, and quality of life. Patients were followed-up for 24 months. Results Duration of the surgical procedure differed significantly between both groups (39 vs 85 minutes, P < .001) and postoperative hospital stay (2.5 vs 3.5 days; P < .001). No statistically significant differences in early or late morbidity between both groups were detected. The perceived quality of life for patients was higher in the combined surgery group (P < .001) that in the isolated hernia repair group. Conclusions Postoperative in-hospital stay and early and late morbidity do not differ significantly between isolated incisional hernia repair and simultaneous hernia repair with abdominoplasty, but associated abdominoplasty provides a higher quality of life when indicated.

Double Prosthetic Repair for Complex Incisional Hernia Repair: Long-term Results and Evolution of the Technique.

No single approach has emerged as the best way to close complex incisional hernias. The aim of this report is to present the long-term results with a double prosthetic repair. In this prospective observational study over 12 years (Group 1, 8 years; Group 2, 4 years), the following data were collected: age, gender, previous surgery, comorbidities, situation and size of defect, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and recurrence. There were 53 lateral cases and 31 midline cases. About 88.6 per cent of the lateral defects were repaired without needing to approach the intra-abdominal cavity (Type I), whereas in the patients with large medial defects this was only achieved in 6.5 per cent of the cases (93.5% required a Type II). The average length of the defects was 18 cm. Global morbidity was 18 per cent early, and 7 per cent late. The statistical analysis over time shows significant differences in the operative time, hospital stay, and consumption of analgesics (P < 0.001). The recurrence rate has not varied despite the modifications to the technique (use of lighter meshes and fixation with tacks and glue). Complex abdominal wall defects can be corrected using the double prosthetic repair technique with low morbidity rates and with practically no long-term recurrence. The combination of two meshes reduces their density and the use of combined fixation (tacks + glue) improves postoperative recovery.

How to Prevent Trocar-site Hernia? A Totally Atraumatic Endoscopic Mini-IPOM-Plug Technique (With Extra-Lightweight Titanium-coated Mesh and Glue).

BACKGROUND: The trocar-site hernia is a new complication in laparoscopic surgery, which is becoming increasingly prevalent. Thus, the search for an efficient method of prophylaxis should be prioritized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe a new, totally endoscopic technique based on 2 steps, intra-abdominal and parietal: (1) a mini-IPOM with an extra-lightweight titanium-coated mesh, fixed atraumatically using glue and (2) occlusion of the parietal opening using a small plug. RESULTS: In 15 cases, we have not needed to expand the initial aperture, performance time was always less than a minute, and we did not encounter any added morbidity, pain, local infection, or hernia, over a minimum postoperative follow-up period of 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique for trocar-site closure is easy to perform, safe, and not time-consuming. A complete reconstruction is achieved of the peritoneal injury (intra-abdominal) and of the parietal route created by the trocar (intraparietal). The mesh design and fixation with glue are essential for good results.

Implantación de un programa de tratamiento integral de la pared abdominal: hernia incisional y abdominoplastia Resultados preliminares / Implementation of a program of integral treatment of the abdominal wall: incisional hernia and abdominoplasty. Preliminary results

Introducción. Las vías clínicas son planes asistenciales sistematizados para determinados procesos hospitalarios, que constituyen una herramienta que coordina a múltiples profesionales implicados en un objetivo común. La abdominoplastia es una de las operaciones que con mayor frecuencia practican el cirujano plástico y el cirujano general, pero no existe ningún consenso sobre cómo debe hacerse cuando existe una hernia incisional o quirúrgica asociada. En el presente trabajo se presenta el proceso de elaboración de la vía clínica del proceso "hernia incisional y abdominoplastia". Metodología. La elaboración de la vía clínica se ha llevado a cabo mediante reuniones semanales durante tres meses. El grupo implicado ha estado formado por cirujanos, anestesiólogos, enfermeros y coordinadores de calidad de cirugía y enfermería. Se hizo un análisis de una serie previa y, además, una revisión bibliográfica con gradación de la evidencia científica, tanto del proceso "hernia incisional", como de otras vías clínicas publicadas. Con ello, se elaboraron los documentos principales de la vía clínica, los cuales se discutieron con los miembros del servicio de cirugía y las unidades de enfermería. Resultados. Se presentan todos los documentos y protocolos de asistencia previos y posteriores a la hospitalización de los pacientes con eventración. Conclusión. La eventración puede ser sistematizada en una vía clínica que pretende estandarizar los cuidados y mejorar los resultados futuros.

Introduction: Clinical pathways are standard care plans for certain processes. They are specially useful in those procedures that are frequent and with nonjustified variability. In addition it is advisable to initiate the way of the clinical pathways with processes that have a predictable clinical course. Clinical pathways constitute a tool that coordinates all the implied professionals, so the joint work of doctors and nurses is fundamental. Abdominoplasty is one of the operations most commonly performed by plastic surgeon and the general surgeon, but there is no consensus about how it should be done if there is a ventral hernia associated. The objective of this work is to present the elaboration and evaluation of the clinical pathway of the incisional hernioplasty. Methodology: The elaboration of the clinical pathway has been carried out by means of weekly meetings of all the group during 3 months. The group was made by surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses of the different implied units and the quality coordinators of surgery and nursery. A bibliographical search with scientific evidence as well as of other published clinical routes has been performed. Then the main documents of the clinical pathway were elaborated and discussed with the members of the service of surgery and units of nursery. Results: The protocols of attendance in the pre- and postoperative period, as well as the main documents of the clinical pathway are presented. Conclusion: The incisional hernia repair is a suitable process to initiate the systematization of the clinical pathways.

Investigación histórica de las hernias laterales de la pared abdominal / Historical analysis of the lateral abdominal wall hernias

Objective: To analyze the history of lateral abdominal wall hernias. Method: Review of the literature. Critical analysis of articles, books and monographs published, using key words: "ventral, lateral or semilunar abdominal wall hernia". Results: Undocumented contributions, such as Mancke, Molliére, Reynier, Ferrand or Thèvenot, among others are discovered. Casseri was the first surgeon to illustrate the semilunar line, before Spiegel. Mancke was the first surgeon to use the term lateral ventral hernia. Molliére was the first surgeon to use the term semilunar hernia (not Klinkosch). Thévenot was the first surgeon to use the term Spiegel hernia. Conclusion: The story of the lateral hernias has errors and omissions of important authors. 1) semilunar line was known and illustrated first by Casseri, so we should call Spiegel-Casseri semilunar line; 2) Klinkosch was not the first to use the name of semilunar hernia, but Molliere, who defined them as a different group of ventral; 3) Mancke was first named as the lateral hernias, and Ferrand side who made the first thesis under that title, and 4) the contributions of Reignier and Thévenot, not mentioned in any treatise on surgery are discovered.

Objetivo: Analizar la historia de la hernia lateral de la pared abdominal. Método: Revisión de la literatura. Análisis crítico de los artículos, tesis, libros y monografías publicadas, utilizando como palabras clave: "hernia ventral, lateral o semilunar". Resultados: Se descubren aportaciones no documentadas, como las de Mancke, Molliére, Reynier, Ferrand o Thévenot, entre otros. Casseri fue el primer cirujano en ilustrar la línea semilunar, antes que Spiegel. Mancke, el primero que utilizó el nombre de hernia lateral del abdomen. Molliére fue el primero que usó el término hernia semilunar (no Klinkosch), y Thévenot el primero que usó el término hernia de Spiegel. Conclusión: La historia de las hernias laterales presenta errores y omisiones de autores importantes: 1) la línea semilunar fue conocida e ilustrada primero por Casseri, por lo que deberíamos llamarla línea semilunar de Spiegel-Casseri; 2) Klinkosch no fue el primero en utilizar el nombre de hernia semilunar, sino Molliére, quien las definió como un grupo diferente de las hernias ventrales; 3) Mancke fue el primero que las nombró como hernias laterales y Ferrand quien realizó la primera tesis bajo ese título, y 4) se descubren las aportaciones de Reignier y Thévenot, no mencionadas en ningún tratado de cirugía.

Which should be the gold standard laparoscopic technique for handling Spigelian hernias?

BACKGROUND: The advantages and disadvantages of both extraperitoneal and intra-abdominal laparoscopic Spigelian hernia repair are still being discussed. To our knowledge, no study has compared both techniques in terms of safety, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. METHOD: Prospective data were collected to compare the results of the extraperitoneal approach with the intra-abdominal approach in laparoscopic Spigelian hernia repair, between 2000 and 2012 (n = 16). Diagnosis was confirmed preoperatively by ultrasonography and/or tomography. RESULTS: Spigelian hernias occur mostly in women (69 %), on the left side (56 %) and at a median age of 62 (range: 38-83). In our study, the extraperitoneal technique was performed in seven patients, while the intra-abdominal approach was indicated in nine. No complications, re-admissions, or recurrences were detected in either during a mean follow-up of 48 months (range: 18 months-9 years). The statistical study showed that there was no difference in either morbidity or the recurrence rate between a totally extraperitoneal (TEP) and an intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair. The mean duration of an IPOM repair was, though, shorter than that of a TEP repair (30 vs. 48 min, P = 0.06). The combined fixation technique (tacks + glue) did not modify the results but did reduce the costs, as shown in the cost-effectiveness study where the intra-abdominal approach was cheaper (1260 vs. 2200 euros, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy seems to be a safe and feasible technique whichever the approach chosen, be it intra or extraperitoneal. Our experience shows that intra-abdominal laparoscopic Spigelian hernia repair should be recommended as the gold standard because of its technical and economic advantages. The IPOM procedure with a lightweight titanium-coated mesh fixed using a combined technique is a highly effective option for Spigelian hernia repair.

Is it possible to eliminate sutures in open (Lichtenstein technique) and laparoscopic (totally extraperitoneal endoscopic) inguinal hernia repair? A randomized controlled trial with tissue adhesive (n-hexyl-α-cyanoacrylate).

BACKGROUND: The morbidity linked to the use of sutures in inguinal hernioplasty is well known. Tissue adhesives may be an alternative, so as to be able to improve levels of postoperative comfort, but clinical experience using them is limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of cyanoacrylate as a substitute for sutures in the treatment of inguinal hernias. PATIENTS: Randomized clinical trial in abdominal wall unit. A total of 208 patients were operated upon for inguinal hernias of which 102 were unilateral hernias via open surgery using the Lichtenstein technique, randomized to receive prolene sutures (n = 52) or n-hexyl-α-cyanoacrylate glue (n = 50) and 106 were patients with bilateral inguinal hernias operated upon via totally extraperitoneal laparoscopy and randomized to receive either tackers (n = 54) or glue (n = 52). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoints were pain and recurrence. Secondary endpoints were operating time, postoperative morbidity, pain, and analgesic consumption. RESULTS: No morbidity associated with the use of the glue existed. The use of glue significantly reduced the mean of surgical time (12 minutes in open surgery, 13 minutes in laparoscopic surgery), pain, and analgesics consumption, both via the open and laparoscopic approaches (P < .001). After 1 year the adhesive did not change the recurrence rate in either of the approaches. The economic analysis shows potential yearly savings of 123 916.3 Euros. CONCLUSIONS: Substituting sutures with glue (n-hexyl-α-cyanoacrylate) in open or laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty is safe with less postoperative pain and the same possibilities of recurrence.

Surgical options in lumbar hernia: laparoscopic versus open repair. A long-term prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic lumbar hernia repair. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Abdominal wall unit, university hospital. PATIENTS: Between January 1995 and December 2008, data from 55 consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic (n = 35) or open (n = 20) lumbar hernia repair. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint was recurrence; secondary endpoints were patient outcomes (morbidity, pain, and return to normal activity). RESULTS: Mean operating time (P = .01), hospital stay, return to normal activity, analgesic consumption, and pain at 1 month (P < .001) were significantly less in the laparoscopic group. Complications were similar in the 2 groups (37% vs 40%, respectively; P = .50). Traumatic hernias increased local complications versus incisional lumbar hernias (71.4% vs 29%; P = .007). Consumption of analgesics (6.8 ± 6.5 vs 18.1 ± 9.1; P < .001) and pain during the first month (no pain: 90% vs 54.3%; P = .015) were significantly less with a lightweight versus medium-weight mesh. The risk factors associated with recurrences development were localization (P = .01) and size (P = .008). Recurrence rates were 2.9% in the laparoscopic group and 15% in the open group (P = .13). CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes did not differ with respect to morbidity and recurrence rate after long-term follow-up; however, this study suggested that laparoscopic approach for lumbar hernia is safe, effective, and more efficient than open repair and can be considered the procedure of choice. Open surgery may be considered the best option in the diffuse hernias with size larger than 15 cm.

Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic hernia repair comparing titanium-coated lightweight mesh and medium-weight composite mesh.

BACKGROUND: The use of lightweight meshes in incisional hernia repair could have beneficial effects on quality of life. This study aimed to compare a new titanium-coated lightweight mesh with a standard composite mesh after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair. METHODS: A randomized controlled single-center clinical trial was designed using the basic principle of one unit, one surgeon, one technique (midline incisional hernia with a laparoscopic approach), and two meshes: a lightweight titanium-coated mesh (group 1) and a medium-weight collagen-polyester composite mesh (group 2) used in 102 patients. The primary end points were pain and recurrence. The secondary end points were morbidity and patient outcomes (analgesic consumption, return to everyday activities). RESULTS: The postoperative complication rates were similar for the two meshes. Pain was significantly less common in group 1 than in group 2 at 1 month (P = 0.029) but was similar for the two groups at 6 months and 1 year. There was a significant difference between the two groups in the average use of analgesics: 6.1 days in group 1 versus 1.6 days in group 2 (P < 0.001). The lightweight group returned to everyday activities after 6.9 days versus 9.7 days for the composite group (P < 0.001). The rate of recurrence did not differ between the two groups at the 2-year follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The light titanium-covered polypropylene mesh was associated with less postoperative pain in the short term, lower analgesic consumption, and a quicker return to everyday activities than the Parietex composite medium-weight mesh. The recurrence rates at 2 years showed no difference between the two groups.

[Is sutureless hernia repair a safe option for treating abdominal wall hernias? A prospective study with a synthetic tissue adhesive (n-hexyl-alpha-cyanoacrylate)]. / ¿Es segura la hernioplastia sin sutura como opción para tratar las hernias de pared abdominal? Estudio prospectivo con un adhesivo tisular sintético (n-hexil-α-cianoacrilato).

INTRODUCTION: The use of tissue adhesives can be an alternative to suture fixation of the mesh, but experience in their use is very limited. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective descriptive study was conducted on a group of 35 patients with inguinal hernias repaired by sutureless hernioplasty (20 by open and 15 by endoscopic), the prosthesis was fixed with a synthetic adhesive (n-hexyl-α-cyanoacrylate). This group was compared with another 35 patients for hernia repair with fixation sutures. All patients were scheduled for outpatient surgery. Peri-operative variables were recorded. The patients were followed up at one week, one month, 6 months and one year after surgery. RESULTS: There was no morbidity associated with the use of tissue adhesive (bruising, infection or skin necrosis). During a median follow-up of 15 months, no complications or recurrences were detected. In the open hernioplasty using adhesive significantly reduced surgery time (30 min versus 70 min, P=.001), postoperative pain (from 2.4 to 4.5 at one week, P<.001) and analgesic consumption (7 to 14 days, P<.001). In the laparoscopic approach are demonstrated significant differences in favour of the adhesive in pain (P=.001 at 24h), and in analgesic use (P<.001) was observed using the laparoscopic approach. The adhesive did not alter the morbidity or the relapse rate at one year in any of the two approaches, and the financial analysis showed an annual savings of 117,461.2 euros (about 460 hernias). CONCLUSION: The use of a synthetic tissue adhesive (n-hexyl-α-cyanoacrylate) is safe as a means of fixation in uncomplicated hernia and patients without comorbidity, and with good postoperative results.

Reduction in inappropriate hospital use based on analysis of the causes.

BACKGROUND: To reduce inappropriate admissions and stays with the application of an improvement cycle in patients admitted to a University Hospital. The secondary objective is to analyze the hospital cost saved by reducing inadequacy after the implementation of measures proposed by the group for improvement. METHODS: Pre- and post-analysis of a sample of clinical histories studied retrospectively, in which the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (AEP) was applied to a representative hospital sample of 1350 clinical histories in two phases. In the first phase the AEP was applied retrospectively to 725 admissions and 1350 stays. The factors associated with inappropriateness were analysed together with the causes, and specific measures were implemented in a bid to reduce inappropriateness. In the second phase the AEP was reapplied to a similar group of clinical histories and the results of the two groups were compared. The cost of inappropriate stays was calculated by cost accounting. SETTING: General University Hospital with 426 beds serving a population of 320,000 inhabitants in the centre of Murcia, a city in south-eastern Spain. RESULTS: Inappropriate admissions were reduced significantly: 7.4% in the control group and 3.2% in the intervention group. Likewise, inappropriate stays decreased significantly from 24.6% to 10.4%. The cost of inappropriateness in the study sample fell from 147,044 euros to 66,642 euros. The causes of inappropriateness for which corrective measures were adopted were those that showed the most significant decrease. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to reduce inadequacy by applying measures based on prior analysis of the situation in each hospital.