[The use of botulinum toxin in hernia surgery: results of a survey in certified hernia centers]. / Die Anwendung von Botulinumtoxin in der Hernienchirurgie: Ergebnisse einer Umfrage an zertifizierten Hernienzentren.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin application into the abdominal wall prior to major hernia repair can reduce the complexity of surgery and has been increasingly used in recent years, even if it is an off-label use. OBJECTIVE: To what extent is botulinum toxin used in hernia surgery in German-speaking countries and what is the current evidence in the literature? MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a voluntary online survey of German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV)-certified competence centers and reference centers for hernia surgery, aspects of botulinum toxin application were surveyed and the results analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 57 centers took part in the survey, of which 27 (47%) use botulinum toxin. The main reasons for not using it were lack of experience and reimbursement. Of the centers 85% have treated less than 50 patients with botulinum toxin. The main indications were midline hernias (M2-4 according to the EHS classification) with a hernia gap > 10 cm (W3 according to EHS classification) and loss of domain situations. The application was predominantly ultrasound-guided by designated hernia surgeons with 100-200 Allergan or 500 Speywood units 4-6 weeks preoperatively and without complications related to the botulinum toxin application. CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin injections in hernia surgery appear to be safe and effective. Ultrasound-guided preoperative bilateral administration is supported by the available data. Specific course and information formats should be offered by the hernia surgery institutions.

Increased type-I interferon level is associated with liver damage and fibrosis in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

BACKGROUND: The level of type-I interferons (IFNs) in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) was investigated to evaluate its association with disease activity and progression. METHODS: Bioactive type-I IFNs were evaluated in a murine model of PSC and human patients' sera using a cell-based reporter assay and ELISA techniques. In total, 57 healthy participants, 71 PSC, and 38 patients with primary biliary cholangitis were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Bioactive type-I IFNs were elevated in the liver and serum of multidrug resistance protein 2-deficient animals and showed a correlation with the presence of CD45+ immune cells and serum alanine transaminase levels. Concordantly, bioactive type-I IFNs were elevated in the sera of patients with PSC as compared to healthy controls (sensitivity of 84.51%, specificity of 63.16%, and AUROC value of 0.8267). Bioactive IFNs highly correlated with alkaline phosphatase (r=0.4179, p<0.001), alanine transaminase (r=0.4704, p<0.0001), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities (r=0.6629, p<0.0001) but not with serum bilirubin. In addition, patients with PSC with advanced fibrosis demonstrated significantly higher type-I IFN values. Among the type-I IFN subtypes IFNα, ß and IFNω could be detected in patients with PSC with IFNω showing the highest concentration among the subtypes and being the most abundant among patients with PSC. CONCLUSIONS: The selectively elevated bioactive type-I IFNs specifically the dominating IFNω could suggest a novel inflammatory pathway that might also have a hitherto unrecognized role in the pathomechanism of PSC.

Analysis of surgical quality indicators after certification as a Hernia Center.

Certifications are an increasingly used tool of quality management in the health care system. The primary goal is to improve the quality of treatment due to implemented measures based on a defined catalog of criteria and standardization of the treatment processes. However, the extent to which this affects medical and health-economic indicators is unknown. Therefore, the study aims to examine the possible effects of the certification as a Reference Center for Hernia Surgery on the treatment quality and reimbursement dimensions. The observation and recording periods were defined as 3 years before (2013-2015) and 3 years after certification as a "Reference Center for Hernia Surgery" (2016-2018). Possible changes due to the certification were examined based on multidimensional data collection and analysis. In addition, the aspects of structure, process and result quality, and the reimbursement situation were reported. One thousand three hundred and nineteen cases before and one thousand four hundred and three cases after certification were included. After the certification, the patients were older (58.1 ± 16.1 vs. 64.0 ± 16.1 years, p < 0.01), had a higher CMI (1.01 vs. 1.06), and a higher ASA score (< III 86.9 vs. 85.5%, p < 0.01). The interventions became more complex (e.g., recurrent incisional hernias 0.5% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.01). The mean length of hospital stay was significantly reduced for incisional hernias (8.8 ± 5.8 vs. 6.7 ± 4.1 days, p < 0.001). The reoperation rate for incisional hernias also decreased significantly from 8.24 to 3.66% (p = 0.04). The postoperative complication rate for inguinal hernias was significantly reduced (3.1 vs. 1.1%, p = 0.002). The reimbursement of the hernia center increased by 27.6%. There were positive changes in process and outcome quality and reimbursement after the certification, which supports the effectivity of certifications in hernia surgery.

Outcome of Laparoscopic Versus Open Appendectomy for Acute Appendicitis-Results of a Propensity Score Matching Analysis of 542 Patients and Consequences for the Military Surgeon.

INTRODUCTION: Appendectomy is the treatment of choice for acute appendicitis. The procedure can be performed open or laparoscopically. However, laparoscopy is not available on military missions abroad. It is unclear whether treatment outcomes differ between the two surgical approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Treatment data of all patients undergoing open and laparoscopic appendectomies in the German Armed Forces Hospital of Ulm from 2013 to 2017 were collected retrospectively. A propensity score matching analysis was performed to minimize the influence of potential confounders and to assess the influence of surgical approach on outcome (reoperations, superficial and deep surgical infections, length of postoperative ileus, need for intravenous analgesics, and operative time). RESULTS: A total of 542 patients with complete datasets were included in the propensity score matching analysis, among these 64 with open and 478 laparoscopic procedures. There were no statistically significant differences between open and laparoscopic surgeries with respect to all outcome variables, with the exception of a 25-minute prolonged operative time for the open approach. CONCLUSIONS: Open appendectomy can be considered equivalent in outcome to the laparoscopic procedure and thus can be performed on military missions abroad without compromising outcome. Military surgeons must continue to be trained and confident in open appendectomy.

Patients at Risk for Transfusion-A Six-Year Multicentre Analysis of More Than 320,000 Helicopter Emergency Medical Service Missions.

BACKGROUND: In Europe, ambulances are increasingly being equipped with blood products for prehospital use. Available evidence on the early administration of blood products comes from military medicine and the Anglo-American medical literature; the evidence cannot be easily transferred to European countries. OBJECTIVES: This study assesses the incidence of patients with massive haemorrhage after trauma and the potential need for prehospital blood transfusions. METHODS: Data reported by 37 German air rescue stations between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively analysed to predict the need for massive transfusion. RESULTS: A total of 320,347 helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) missions were performed and involved 2982 patients with potential need for massive transfusion after trauma (approximately 13 transfusions per helicopter per year). Men were most affected (73%). The median age of patients was 38 years. Traffic accidents accounted for 59% of the cases. Most patients sustained multiple injuries including traumatic brain injuries (62%), as well as thoracic (54%), abdominal (39%), and extremity injuries (41%). The median "rSIG" (reversed shock index multiplied with the Glasgow Coma Scale) decreased from 4.31 to 3.78. CONCLUSIONS: Although the incidence of haemorrhagic trauma patients is low, the prehospital administration of blood products might be useful as a potentially life-saving bridging treatment until hospital admission.

Liquid Biopsy in Organ Damage: small extracellular vesicle chip-based assessment of polytrauma.

Background: Despite major advances in medicine, blood-borne biomarkers are urgently needed to support decision-making, including polytrauma. Here, we assessed serum-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) as potential markers of decision-making in polytrauma. Objective: Our Liquid Biopsy in Organ Damage (LiBOD) study aimed to differentiate polytrauma with organ injury from polytrauma without organ injury. We analysed of blood-borne small EVs at the individual level using a combination of immunocapture and high-resolution imaging. Methods: To this end, we isolated, purified, and characterized small EVs according to the latest Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (MISEV) guidelines from human blood collected within 24 h post-trauma and validated our results using a porcine polytrauma model. Results: We found that small EVs derived from monocytes CD14+ and CD14+CD61+ were significantly elevated in polytrauma with organ damage. To be precise, our findings revealed that CD9+CD14+ and CD14+CD61+ small EVs exhibited superior performance compared to CD9+CD61+ small EVs in accurately indicating polytrauma with organ damage, reaching a sensitivity and a specificity of 0.81% and 0.97%, respectively. The results in humans were confirmed in an independent porcine model of polytrauma. Conclusion: These findings suggest that these specific types of small EVs may serve as valuable, non-invasive, and objective biomarkers for assessing and monitoring the severity of polytrauma and associated organ damage.

Study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled pilot study on decompressive laparotomy vs. decompressive craniectomy for intractable intracranial pressure after traumatic brain injury: The SCALPEL study.

Introduction: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is the ultimate intervention to lower intracranial pressure (ICP) following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, this intervention is associated with considerable adverse events and a higher proportion of survivors with poor functional outcomes. Research question: In a multicompartment system ICP is associated with intraabdominal pressure (IAP) due to cerebral venous outflow from the brain. This is the rationale for decompressive laparotomy (DL) to control ICP after TBI as reported by experimental and retrospective clinical data. The safety profile of DL is superior to DC. This study aims to randomly assign patients with intractable high ICP after severe TBI to DL or DC. Material and methods: Among other inclusion criteria, ICP must be above 20 mmHg (1-12 h) despite sedation and all other measures according to current guidelines. The primary outcome is the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale assessed after twelve months. Further secondary outcome measures are compartmental pressure values, complications, etc. After 20 initial patients, results will be reviewed by the ethics committees and safety monitoring board to decide on the enrolment of 80 additional patients. Results: The study is designed to provide not only high-quality prospective data for the first time on this treatment approach, its two-stage design (20 + 80 pts) also provides maximum patient safety. This protocol conforms with the SPIRIT 2013 Statement. Ethics approval was granted by our but also 5 other university ethics committees (registration 473/18S). Conclusion: Registration was performed prior to study initiation in November 2021 (registration number NCT05115929).

[Physical Strain after Abdominal Surgery - Results of a Patient Survey]. / Belastbarkeit nach abdominellen Eingriffen ­ Ergebnisse einer Patientenbefragung.

INTRODUCTION: Incision hernias are common complications after abdominal surgery and affect the recommendations on postoperative physical strain, as it is thought that excessively early strain causes incisional hernias. However, there is no evidence to justify this. This study evaluates the effect of postoperative strain on the risk of incisional hernia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a laparoscopy (LS) or laparotomy (LT) were asked to complete a questionnaire on postoperative strain, complaints and quality of life. Patients with hernia surgery, or open abdomen therapy for complicated courses (Clavien-Dindo > III) were excluded. RESULTS: 393 patients completed the questionnaire (43.6%). 274 were LS and 128 LT. The incidence of incisional hernias was 5.2% (LS) and 18.0% (LT, p = 0.001). Incisional hernia patients were younger and more commonly males. 30.5% of incisional hernia patients did not return to normal physical strain postoperatively. Abdominal binders did not affect the hernia rate. The incisional hernia patients showed decreased quality of life scores in both mental and physical domains. CONCLUSION: Early postoperative physical strain was not a risk factor for incisional hernia development in this study. However, prospective studies are needed to create necessary evidence to recommend earlier postoperative return to normal physical strain.

Extracellular Vesicles and Circulating Tumour Cells - complementary liquid biopsies or standalone concepts?

Liquid biopsies do promise a lot, but are they keeping it? In the past decade, additional novel biomarkers qualified to be called like that, of which, some took necessary hurdles resulting in FDA approval and clinical use. Some others are since a while around, well known and were once regarded to be a game changer in cancer diagnosis or cancer screening. But, during their clinical use limitations were observed from statistical significance and questions raised regarding their robustness, that eventually led to be dropped from associated clinical guidelines for certain applications including cancer diagnosis. The purpose of this review isn't to give a broad overview of all current liquid biopsy as biomarkers, weight them and promise a brighter future in cancer prevention, but rather to take a deeper look on two of those who do qualify to be called liquid biopsies now or then. These two are probably of greatest interest conceptually and methodically, and likely have the highest chances to be in clinical use soon, with a portfolio extension over their original conceptual usage. We aim to dig deeper beyond cancer diagnosis or cancer screening. Actually, we aim to review in depth extracellular vesicles (EVs) and compare with circulating tumour cells (CTCs). The latter methodology is partially FDA approved and in clinical use. We will lay out similarities as taking advantage of surface antigens on EVs and CTCs in case of characterization and quantification. But drawing readers' attention to downstream application based on capture/isolation methodology and simply on their overall nature, here apparently being living material eventually recoverable as CTCs are vs. dead material with transient effects on recipient cell as in case of EVs. All this we try to bring in perspective, compare and conclude towards which future direction we are aiming for, or should aim for. Do we announce a winner between CTCs vs EVs? No, but we provide good reasons to intensify research on them.

Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture: epidemiology, associated injuries, and outcome-an analysis based on the TraumaRegister DGU®.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is a rare injury in the severely injured patient and is most commonly caused by blunt mechanisms. However, penetrating mechanisms can also dominate depending on regional and local factors. Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is difficult to diagnose and can be missed by primary diagnostic procedures in the resuscitation room. Initially not life-threatening, diaphragmatic ruptures can cause severe sequelae in the patient's long-term course if untreated. The objective of this study was to assess the epidemiology, associated injuries, and outcome of traumatic diaphragmatic ruptures based on a multicenter registry-based analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from all patients enrolled in the TraumaRegister DGU® between 2009 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. That multicenter database collects data on prehospital, intra-hospital emergency, intensive care therapy, and discharge. Included were all patients with a Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale (MAIS) score of 3 or above and patients with a MAIS score of 2 who died or were treated in the intensive care unit, for whom standard documentation forms had been completed and who had sustained a diaphragmatic rupture (AIS score of 3 or 4). The data has been analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test or Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Of the 199,933 patients included in the study population, 687 patients (0.3%) had a diaphragmatic rupture. Of these, 71.9% were male. The mean patient age was 46.1 years. Blunt trauma accounted for 73.5% of the injuries. Primary diagnosis was established in the resuscitation room in 93.1% of the patients. Multislice helical computed tomography (MSCT) was performed in 82.7% of the cases. Rib fractures were detected in 60.7% of the patients with a diaphragmatic injury. Patients with diaphragmatic rupture had a higher mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) than patients without a diaphragmatic injury (32.9 vs. 18.6) and a higher mortality rate (13.2% vs. 9.0%). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the literature, primary diagnostic procedures in the resuscitation room detected relevant diaphragmatic ruptures (AIS ≥ 3) in more than 90% of the patients in our study population. In addition, complex associated serial rib fractures are an important diagnostic indicator.

Surgical treatment of mechanical bowel obstruction: characteristics and outcomes of geriatric patients compared to a younger cohort.

PURPOSE: Mechanical bowel obstruction (MBO) is one of the most common indications for emergency surgery. Recent research justifies the method of attempting 3-5 days of nonoperative treatment before surgery. However, little is known about specific characteristics of geriatric patients undergoing surgery compared to a younger cohort. We aimed to analyze patients with MBO that required surgery, depending on their age, to identify potential targets for use in the reduction in complications and mortality in the elderly. METHODS: Thirty-day and in-hospital mortality were determined as primary outcome. We retrospectively identified all patients who underwent surgery for MBO at the University Hospital of Bonn between 2009 and 2019 and divided them into non-geriatric (40-74 years, n = 224) and geriatric (≥ 75 years, n = 88) patients, using the chi-squared-test and Mann-Whitney U test for statistical analysis. RESULTS: We found that geriatric patients had higher 30-day and in-hospital mortality rates than non-geriatric patients. As secondary outcome, we found that they experienced a longer length of stay (LOS) and higher complication rates than non-geriatric patients. Geriatric patients who suffered from large bowel obstruction (LBO) had a higher rate of bowel resection, stoma creation, and a higher 30-day mortality rate. The time from admission to surgery was not shown to be crucial for the outcome of (geriatric) patients. CONCLUSION: Geriatric patients suffering from mechanical bowel obstruction that had to undergo surgery had higher mortality and morbidity than non-geriatric patients. Especially in regard to geriatric patients, clinicians should treat patients in a risk-adapted rather than time-adapted manner, and conditions should be optimized before surgery.

Status quo of the use of DCS concepts and outcome with focus on blunt abdominal trauma : A registry-based analysis from the TraumaRegister DGU®.

INTRODUCTION: Damage control surgery (DCS) is a standardized treatment concept in severe abdominal injury. Despite its evident advantages, DCS bears the risk of substantial morbidity and mortality, due to open abdomen therapy (OAT). Thus, identifying the suitable patients for that approach is of utmost importance. Furthermore, little is known about the use of DCS and the related outcome, especially in blunt abdominal trauma. METHODS: Patients recorded in the TraumaRegister DGU® from 2008 to 2017, and with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 9 and an abdominal injury with an Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score ≥ 3 were included in that registry-based analysis. Patients with DCS and temporary abdominal closure (TAC) were compared with patients who were treated with a laparotomy and primary closure (non-DCS) and those who did receive non-operative management (NOM). Following descriptive analysis, a matched-pairs study was conducted to evaluate differences and outcomes between DCS and non-DCS group. Matching criteria were age, abdominal trauma severity, and hemodynamical instability at the scene. RESULTS: The injury mechanism was predominantly blunt (87.1%). Of the 8226 patients included, 2351 received NOM, 5011 underwent laparotomy and primary abdominal closure (non-DCS), and 864 were managed with DCS. Thus, 785 patient pairs were analysed. The rate of hepatic injuries AIS > 3 differed between the groups (DCS 50.3% vs. non-DCS 18.1%). DCS patients had a higher ISS (p = 0.023), required more significant volumes of fluids, more catecholamines, and transfusions (p < 0.001). More DCS patients were in shock at the accident scene (p = 0.022). DCS patients had a higher number of severe hepatic (AIS score ≥ 3) and gastrointestinal injuries and more vascular injuries. Most severe abdominal injuries in non-DCS patients were splenic injuries (AIS, 4 and 5) (52.1% versus 37.9%, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: DCS is a strategy used in unstable trauma patients, severe hepatic, gastrointestinal, multiple abdominal injuries, and mass transfusions. The expected survival rates were achieved in such extreme trauma situations.

[Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Fournier's Gangrene: Introduction of a Surgical Approach, Evaluation of Risk Factors, Microbiological Characteristics and Review of the Literature]. / Diagnose und zielgerichtete Therapie der Fournier-Gangrän mit septischem Verlauf: Vorstellung eines Behandlungsalgorithmus, Identifikation von Risikofaktoren, Betrachtung des Mikrobioms und Abgleich mit der Literatur.

BACKGROUND: Fournier's gangrene is a necrotising fasciitis type I occurring in the perineal and genital region. The disease expands progressively and still has poor outcome, especially in critical ill patients. This study's focus was placed on the evaluation of risk factors and comorbidities, on the bacteriological spectrum, laboratory analyses, mortality and the course according to the algorithmic approach. METHOD: The medical records were reviewed of 10 patients with severe Fournier's gangrene from 2010 to 2019 who underwent intensive care therapy for at least 48 hours. Ten patients with Fournier's gangrene and sepsis and intensive therapy lasting at least 48 hours were recorded and analysed descriptively. RESULTS: The patient cohort consisted of six men and four women with a median age of 62 years (range 42 - 78 years). The median time between the onset of symptoms and hospitalisation was four days (range 3 - 5 days). The commonest aetiological event was a minor trauma. Predisposing factors included diabetes mellitus (30%) and overweight (80% BMI > 25). 90% of patients exhibited polymicrobial infection. All patients had systemic sepsis with SOFA-Score between 3 and 17 points. The mortality rate was 40%. Significant differences between surviving and deceased patients were shown by PCT, INR and aPTT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Severe Fournier's gangrene continues to be a major challenge with a high mortality rate. Only rapid diagnosis, urgent extensive surgical debridement and intensive care therapy can lead to a favourable outcome in these critically ill patients. Vacuum-assisted closure can be successfully used in the management of soft-tissue defects.

[Manikin-based comparison of the use of different supraglottic airways by laypersons]. / Vergleich der Anwendung verschiedener extraglottischer Atemwegshilfen durch Laien am Phantom.

BACKGROUND: Supraglottic airways (SGA) are an established method of airway management both in prehospital medicine and clinical settings. Endotracheal intubation is the gold standard, but SGA offer advantages in terms of faster application learnability. OBJECTIVES: In the present study it was investigated whether the time until the first sufficient ventilation in the three examined SGAs applied by bystander differed significantly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 160 visitors to a shopping mall were assigned to one of the three SGA after permutative block randomization. The primary endpoint of the present study was the required placement time until the first sufficient ventilation. RESULTS: Participants managed to place the i­gel laryngeal mask airway (i-gel, Intersurgical Beatmungsprodukte GmbH, Sankt Augustin, Germany) after a median time of 11 s, whereas the median time until the first sufficient ventilation using a classic laryngeal mask airway (LMA; 26 s) or a laryngeal tube (LT; 28 s) was significantly longer. Thus, the time savings when using the i­gel compared to the LT and LMA were each significant (p < 0.001), whereas the times between LT and LMA did not differ significantly (p 0.65). CONCLUSION: The results show that laypersons are able to successfully apply various supraglottic airways to the phantom after a short learning period. The i­gel laryngeal mask could be placed with the highest success rate and speed.

Recommendations on Postoperative Activities After Abdominal Operations and Incisional Hernia Repair-A National and International Survey.

Background: There is no conclusive data on postoperative recommendations after abdominal and hernia surgery, and there is significant variation in the literature on that question. Thus, this study evaluates the status quo of recommendations of postoperative activity restriction after abdominal surgery. Materials and Methods: A national (German) and international survey of general surgeons on postoperative recommendations after abdominal and hernia surgery was pooled and analyzed. Results: A total of 74.6% recommended postoperative reduced activity for 2 weeks or less after laparoscopy. For midline laparotomy, 48.8% considered a reduced activity of 4 weeks or less to be sufficient. A majority from the national survey recommended more than 4 weeks instead (60.2%), whereas only 31.5% from the international survey did so (p = 0.000). In the pooled analysis, 258 of 450 (57.3%) rated 4 weeks or less suitable. However, the recommendations differed significantly between the surveys (4 weeks or less: a national survey, 47.1% vs. international survey, 64.6%; p = 0.000). Conclusion: There was substantial variation in the given recommendations. However, we found no evidence against immediate mobilization, reduced physical activity, and lifting for up to 2 weeks after laparoscopic surgery and for up to 4 weeks after open abdominal surgery and open incisional/ventral hernia repair in uncomplicated and standard cases. There might be individual and socioeconomic benefits to allow patients to return to their whole personal level of activity and work without putting them at risk of complications. Due to lack of evidence, both retrospective and prospective, controlled studies are in need to develop reliable recommendations.

[The Impact of Lockdown during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Care for Elective Patients (C-elective Study) - Results of a Multicenter Survey]. / Die Auswirkung des Lockdowns während der COVID-19-Pandemie auf die Versorgung von elektiven Patienten (C-elective-Studie).

BACKGROUND: Due to the COVID-19-related lockdown regulations, surgical clinics had to cut down elective procedures. The impact of the cancellation and postponing surgery on patients is unclear. METHODS: All patients from six hospitals with canceled surgery during the first lockdown (03/16-04/24/2020) were asked to answer a questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 225 patients took part. In 88 (39.1%) patients, the disease-related complaints changed, mainly towards an increase in severity (82.6%). That was especially true for hernia patients (44.4%). In 4% of the cases, there was a complication requiring surgery in the time interval between the original date of the operation and the interview. For about a third, the cancelation of scheduled surgery caused major administrative difficulties. Most of the patients (76.3%) understood the measures taken, though 40.4% of them considered that their indication was very urgent. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The overall complication rate was low, and patients agreed to the measures taken; however, especially hernia patients showed increasing symptoms and some acute incarcerations. It seems reasonable to monitor symptomatic patients closely, in order to prioritise them when surgical capacity is restricted.

Long Term Outcome After Open Abdomen Treatment: Function and Quality of Life.

Background: Open abdomen treatment (OAT) is widely accepted to manage severe abdominal conditions such as peritonitis and abdominal compartment syndrome but can be associated with high morbidity and mortality. The main risks in OAT are (1) entero-atmospheric fistula (EAF), (2) failure of primary fascial closure, and (3) incisional hernias. In this study, we assessed the long-term functional outcome after OAT to understand which factors impacted most on quality of life (QoL)/daily living activities and the natural course after OAT. Materials and Methods: After a retrospective analysis of 165 consecutive OAT patients over a period of 10 years (2002-2012) with over 65 clinical parameters that had been performed at our center (1), we initiated a prospective structured follow-up approach. All survivors were invited for a clinical follow-up. Forty complete datasets including clinical and social follow-up with SF-36 scores were available for full analysis. Results: The patients were dominantly male (75%) with a median age of 52 years. Primary fascial closure (PC) was achieved in 9/40 (23%), while in 77% a planned ventral hernia (PVH) approach was followed. A total of 3/4 of the PVH patients underwent a secondary-stage abdominal wall reconstruction (SSR), but 2/3 of these reconstructed patients developed recurrent hernias. Fifty-five percent of the patients with PC developed an incisional hernia, while 20% of all patients developed significant scarring (Vancouver Scar Score >8). Scar pain was described by 15% of the patients as "moderate" [Visual Analog Scale (VAS) 4-6] and by 10% as "severe" (VAS > 7). While hernia presence, PC or PVH, and scarring showed no impact on QoL, male sex and especially EAF formation significantly reduced QoL. Discussion: Despite many advantages, OAT was associated with relevant mortality and morbidity, especially in the early era before the implementation of a structured concept at our center. Follow-up revealed that hernia incidence after OAT and secondary reconstruction were high and that 25% of patients qualifying for a secondary reconstruction either did not want surgery or were unfit. Sex and EAF formation impacted significantly on QoL, which was lower than in the general population. With regard to hernia incidence, new strategies such as prophylactic mesh implantation upon fascial closure should be discussed analogous to other major abdominal procedures.