eTEP Rives-Stoppa impact on abdominal contour: a retrospective observational and clinical quality improvement study using Ellipse 9 tool.

BACKGROUND: The eTEP Rives-Stoppa (RS) procedure, increasingly used for ventral hernia repair, has raised concerns about postoperative upper abdominal bulging. This study aims to objectively evaluate changes in the abdominal contour after eTEP RS and explore potential causes using a novel analytical tool, the Ellipse 9. METHODS: Thirty patients undergoing eTEP RS without posterior rectus sheath closure were assessed before and 3 months after surgery using CT scan images. Key measurements analyzed included the distance between linea semilunaris (X2), eccentricity over the Cord (c/a Cord), superior eccentricity (c/a Sup), Y2, and the superior perimeter of the abdomen. The Ellipse 9 tool, which provides graphical images and numerical representations, was utilized alongside patient-reported outcomes to assess perceived abdominal changes. RESULTS: The study group exhibited a trend toward a flatter abdomen with reduced distance between linea semilunaris(X2). However, 17% of patients developed upper abdominal bulging (5). Significant differences in c/a Cord, c/a Sup, Y2, and the superior perimeter of the abdomen, confirmed with Bonferroni corrections, were noted between bulging (5 patients) and non-bulging groups (25 patients). There was a notable disparity between patient perceptions and objective outcomes. CONCLUSION: The eTEP RS procedure improved abdominal contour in most patients from a selected cohort. The Ellipse 9 tool was valuable for the objective analysis of these changes. The cause of bulging post-eTEP RS is probably multifactorial. Notably, there was often a discrepancy between patient perceptions of bulging and objective clinical findings.

Impact on Anesthetic Agent Consumption After Autonomic Neural Blockade as Part of a Combined Anesthesia Protocol: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: The intraoperative autonomic neural blockade (ANB) was found safe and effective in controlling pain and associated symptoms and reducing analgesic consumption after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). This study evaluated whether ANB performed at the outset of LSG reduces anesthetic consumption and promotes hemodynamic stability. METHODS: This prospective, double-blinded, randomized trial involved patients undergoing LSG in 2 high-volume institutions. Patients were randomized to receive ANB either at the onset or the end of the procedure. The primary outcome measure was the consumption of remifentanil and sevoflurane. Secondary outcomes included Aldrete scale score differences in the recovery room and hemodynamic stability during the surgery. RESULTS: In total, 80 patients (40 in the ANB at the onset group and 40 in the control group) were included for analysis. The consumption of remifentanil was significantly lower in the onset group compared to the control group (mean difference -0.04 mcg/kg/min, 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.06 to -0.02; P < .0001). There were no differences in the Aldrete scale scores between the 2 groups. Mean heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were also significantly less during surgery in the ANB at the onset group. No complications related to the ANB occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Performing ANB at the onset of LSG is a safe and effective approach that reduces remifentanil consumption and promotes hemodynamic stability during the procedure. This technique holds promise for optimizing anesthesia management in LSG and other minimally invasive surgeries.

Enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal access for repair of ventral hernias: Advantages and liabilities.

The concept of enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) access was developed while exploring ways to facilitate the TEP approach for inguinal hernia repair. Surgeons soon noticed that the surgical space was ideal for repair of other abdominal hernias. The "crossover" maneuver, designed as a technique to cross from one retrorectus space to the other, permitted application of eTEP access to most hernias. eTEP access has the general advantage of working in the extraperitoneal space and the specific advantage of hernia repair allowing implementation of the modern principles of ventral hernia reconstruction and providing flexibility to address different types of hernias in different locations. The technique requires formal training and has inherent complications and limitations. The remarkable widespread acceptance and encouraging early results of this complex technique emphasize the responsibilities of proper training, judicious use, and evaluation of our own and others' results.

Paragastric Autonomic Neural Blockade to Prevent Early Visceral Pain and Associated Symptoms After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Visceral pain (VP) following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy remains a substantial problem. VP is associated with autonomic symptoms, especially nausea and vomiting, and is unresponsive to traditional pain management algorithms aimed at alleviating somatic (incisional) pain. The present study was performed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic paragastric autonomic neural blockade (PG-ANB) in managing the symptoms associated with VP following sleeve gastrectomy. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial involved patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at two high-volume institutions. The patients were randomized to laparoscopic transversus abdominis plane block with or without PG-ANB. The primary outcome was patient-reported pain scores assessed at 1, 8, and 24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcome measures were analgesic requirements, nausea, vomiting, hiccups, and hemodynamic changes immediately after PG-ANB and postoperatively. RESULTS: In total, 145 patients (block group, n = 72; control group, n = 73) were included in the study. The heart rate and mean arterial pressure significantly decreased 10 min after PG-ANB. The visual analog scale score for pain was significantly lower in the PG-ANB than in the control group at 1 h postoperatively (p < 0.001) and 8 h postoperatively (p < 0.001). Vomiting, nausea, sialorrhea, and hiccups were significantly less prevalent in the PG-ANB group. Patients in the PG-ANB group received fewer cumulative doses of analgesics at 1 h postoperatively (p = 0.003) and 8 h postoperatively (p < 0.001). No differences between the groups were detected at 24 h (p = 0.298). No complications related to PG-ANB occurred. CONCLUSION: PG-ANB safely and effectively reduces early VP, associated autonomic symptoms, and analgesic requirements after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Critical view of the myopectineal orifice: a scoring system to objectively evaluate transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: More than 20 million inguinal hernia repair (IHR) procedures are performed worldwide every year. The critical view of the myopectineal orifice (CV of the MPO) is a stepwise guide to the achievement and standardization of minimally invasive IHR (MI IHR). We propose a scoring system as an objective method for fulfillment of the CV of the MPO. METHODS: The scoring system was employed for evaluation of the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) technique in 15 video-recorded procedures. Two variants of the score were used: the simple CV of the MPO score (s-CVMPO score) and the extended CV of the MPO score (e-CVMPO score). The inter-rater agreement and internal consistency for both scores and the correlation between the two scores were assessed. RESULTS: Inter-rater agreement with respect to satisfactory/unsatisfactory achievement of the CV of the MPO was high for both the s-CVMPO and e-CVMPO scores (κ = 1, p < 0.001). The Finn coefficient for inter-rater agreement was 0.97 for the s-CVMPO score and 0.99 for the e-CVMPO score (p < 0.001 for both). Both the s-CVMPO and e-CVMPO scores showed internal consistency with Cronbach's α of 0.89 and 0.87, respectively. The correlation coefficient between the two scores for the average score of each procedure was ρ = 0.96 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The CVMPO score is a reliable tool for expert evaluation of TAPP repair. Implementing the CVMPO score facilitates objective assessment of the safety and quality of the procedure.

Implementation and Validation of a Novel and Inexpensive Training Model for Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a reproducible low-cost model useful for the development and acquisition of skills and competencies required for endoscopic hernia repairs. Methods: Ten general surgery residents (PGY3) were instructed to construct the model and perform the maneuvers necessary for the simulation of laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty by the trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) technique. They practiced for 4 weeks in the model, and the time required to perform simulated hernioplasty by the laparoscopic TAPP technique in the initial session was compared to the time required after 4 weeks of training. Results: The time required to perform the exercise was significantly lower than in the initial session (p < 0.01). The time required by residents to complete the exercise in the initial session was significantly longer than that used by expert surgeons in the same task (p < 0.01), and although a significant difference persisted, this difference was substantially reduced to 3.60 min after the residents completed 4-week training in the model (p < 0.01). An independent expert, blinded to the level of training of the person who performed the exercise, could recognize all residents as novices and all experienced surgeons as experts in the initial session of the exercise with the model, but after 4 weeks of training, they did not recognize 4 of the 10 residents as novices (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The routine implementation of training in this model could be very useful in the laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty teaching-learning process.

Vasomotor changes in abdominal skin after endoscopic subcutaneous/Preaponeurotic Repair of Diastasis Recti (REPA).

INTRODUCTION: Diastasis recti is a common condition with functional and cosmetic effects that can occur in both female and male patients. However, it is more prevalent in females after pregnancies and can be associated with midline hernias. The preaponeurotic endoscopic repair (REPA) has become an emerging procedure for the surgical treatment of this condition. CASES REPORT: We present four cases of vasomotor changes in the abdominal skin, during physical activity or heat exposure, limited to the subcutaneous dissection area after REPA. All patients reported occasional skin redness (erythema) in the subcutaneous dissection area, triggered by exposure to heat or sunlight. The skin redness subsided completely in all the patients after a few minutes in a cool environment and after cessation of physical activity. DISCUSSION: Recently, subcutaneous preaponeurotic repair of diastasis recti has gained popularity. Changes in abdominal skin sensitivity have been reported, but to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of what appears to be vasomotor skin changes after these procedures. CONCLUSION: Vasomotor changes can occur after endoscopic dissections of the abdominal skin and subcutaneous tissue. Incidence and causes remain unclear.

The Principled Approach to Ventral Hernia Repair / El abordaje basado en principios para el reparo de la hernia ventral

La estandarización de la reparación de la hernia ventral sigue siendo difícil de alcanzar. Los cirujanos utilizan una gran cantidad de técnicas, herramientas y tecnología para reparar defectos similares. Sin embargo, existen principios basados en la evidencia que deben aplicarse a todas las reparaciones, independientemente de la técnica que permita la estandarización y mejores resultados. Se proponen seis principios como base para la reconstrucción compleja de la pared abdominal

Standardization of ventral hernia repair remains elusive. Surgeons use a plethora of techniques, tools, and technology to repair similar defects. Nevertheless, evidence-based principles exist that should be applied to all repairs irrespective of technique allowing standardization and improved outcomes. Six principles are proposed as the basis for complex abdominal wall reconstruction

A novel approach using the enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) technique for laparoscopic retromuscular hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: The enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) technique has been previously described for Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair. We present a novel application of the eTEP access technique for the repair of ventral and incisional hernias. METHODS: Retrospective review of consecutive laparoscopic retromuscular hernia repair cases utilizing the eTEP access approach from five hernia centers between August 2015 and October 2016 was conducted. Patient demographics, hernia characteristics, operative details, perioperative complications, and quality of life outcomes utilizing the Carolina's Comfort Scale (CCS) were included in our data analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients with mean age of 54.9 years, mean BMI of 31.1 kg/m2, and median ASA of 2.0 were included in this analysis. Thirty-four percent of patients had a prior ventral or incisional hernia repair. Average mesh area of 634.4 cm2 was used for an average defect area of 132.1 cm2. Mean operative time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 218.9 min, 52.6 mL, and 1.8 days, respectively. There was one conversion to intraperitoneal mesh placement and one conversion to open retromuscular mesh placement. Postoperative complications consisted of seroma (n = 2) and trocar site dehiscence (n = 1). Comparison of mean pre- and postoperative CCS scores found significant improvements in pain (68%, p < 0.007) and movement limitations (87%, p < 0.004) at 6-month follow-up. There were no readmissions within 30 days and one hernia recurrence at mean follow-up of 332 ± 122 days. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial multicenter evaluation of the eTEP access technique for ventral and incisional hernias has found the approach feasible and effective. This novel approach offers flexible port set-up optimal for laparoscopic closure of defects, along with wide mesh coverage in the retromuscular space with minimal transfascial fixation.

Endoscopic subcutaneous component separation as an adjunct to abdominal wall reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Proper defect closure during abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) is a key to improving cosmetic and functional results, and reducing morbidity. We have completed the initial prospective evaluation of a technique we previously described and published: endoscopic subcutaneous anterior component separation (ACS) as an adjunct to mainly laparoscopic AWR. We now present the long-term clinical and imaging follow-up results. STUDY DESIGN: Data were prospectively collected over a 3-year period (2012-2015) on patients who underwent AWR with endoscopic ACS. Inclusion criteria included the following: defects of 6-15 cm that are longer than wider; no skin dystrophy; no loss of domain; no active infection; no previous multiple, complex repairs; no previous multiple mesh repairs; and no high probability of severe adhesions. All patients were followed up clinically at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and then annually. All patients underwent CT scanning of the abdominal wall (sagittal, axial, coronal, and 3D reconstruction) at 3 months and 1 year postoperatively and then annually. RESULTS: Twenty consecutive patients underwent adjunctive endoscopic ACS: 17 laparoscopic AWRs, 2 open repairs, and 1 hybrid repair. Up to 38 months (mean 21 months) of follow-up, there were no ventral hernia recurrences or de novo hernias at the ACS site. One patient experienced partial primary closure failure. Morbidity consisted in one case each of hematoma, seroma, and transient neuralgia. Cosmetic results and patient satisfaction were excellent. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that endoscopic subcutaneous ACS is a safe, effective, reliable, reproducible technique that facilitates primary closure of defects during AWR in selected patients.

Separación endoscópica de componentes por abordaje subcutáneo, experiencia inicial / Endoscopic component separation by subcutaneous approach

Introducción. La separación clásica de componentes crea un colgajo compuesto, el cual se moviliza para reparar primariamente hernias ventrales sin tensión. La extensa disección requerida produce muchas complicaciones e incapacidad. El abordaje mínimamente invasivo ofrece una alternativa menos mórbida. Se describe en detalle nuestra modificación técnica de la separación de componentes con abordaje endoscópico subcutáneo y los resultados iniciales y a corto plazo de una pequeña serie de pacientes. Métodos. Se hace una descripción detallada de la técnica con énfasis en la marcación preoperatoria de la línea semilunar bajo guía ecográfica y se evalúan los resultados de su aplicación en una serie piloto de seis casos de hernias ventrales grandes, intervenidos entre octubre de 2012 y febrero de 2013. Todos los pacientes han sido evaluados clínicamente entre los cuatro y los ocho meses después de la cirugía y, mediante una tomografía computadorizada de abdomen, a los tres meses. Resultados. Un paciente presentó un gran hematoma subcutáneo. No se presentaron otras complicaciones, como infección, problemas relacionados con la malla o seromas. No ha habido recurrencias durante el seguimiento clínico. El control tomográfico a los tres meses de la cirugía demostró una pared abdominal íntegra excepto por un pequeño defecto de 1 cm, bien reforzado por la malla, en uno de los pacientes. Discusión. La modificación descrita de la separación de componentes por abordaje endoscópico subcutáneo es factible, reproducible, ergonómica y de baja morbilidad en el corto plazo. Es necesario hacer un seguimiento más largo para evaluar la tasa de recurrencia.

Traditional component separation (CS) creates a compound flap that can be advanced for tension-free closure of ventral hernias. Wound complications are common because of the extensive dissection that is necessary with the traditional approach. Endoscopic CS offers an alternative with lower morbidity. We describe our initial experience with endoscopic subcutaneous CS and early postoperative results in a pilot series of six patients with large ventral central hernias. This study shows that endoscopic subcutaneous CS is feasible, reproducible, ergonomic, and can result in minimal postoperative complications. Long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate recurrence rate outcomes.

Improvement of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms after standardized laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is present in half of morbidly obese patients. Published data reporting the results of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in patients with GERD are contradictory. We have shown in a previous study that symptoms of GERD can be reduced for up to 12 months after LSG with careful attention to surgical technique. The present study prospectively evaluated the effect of a standardized LSG technique on the incidence of postoperative GERD symptoms in a larger sample, and followed patients for up to 22 months. METHODS: This was a concurrent cohort study. All patients who underwent LSG at our center completed a standard multidisciplinary preoperative evaluation and were followed prospectively. RESULTS: A total of 382 patients underwent surgery. There were no cases of death or fistula. GERD was diagnosed in 170 patients (44.5 %) preoperatively, and hiatal hernia (HH) was detected in 142 patients (37.2 %) intraoperatively. Between 6 and 22 months postoperatively, 373 patients were completely evaluated. Ten (2.6 %) had GERD symptoms 6-22 months postoperatively, and 94 % of patients with preoperative GERD symptoms were asymptomatic at follow-up 6-22 months after LSG. Only 1 patient (0.5 %) of a subgroup of 174 without HH or esophagitis at preoperative evaluation had GERD at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that, contrary to previous reports of LSG in the literature, careful attention to surgical technique can result in significantly reduced GERD symptoms up to 22 months postoperatively suggesting that LSG does not predispose patients to GERD during that period.