ENGINE-An EHS Project for Future Guidelines.

Clinical guidelines are evidence-based recommendations developed by healthcare organizations or expert panels to assist healthcare providers and patients in making appropriate and reliable decisions regarding specific health conditions, aiming to enhance the quality of healthcare by promoting best practices, reducing variations in care, and at the same time, allowing tailored clinical decision-making. European Hernia Society (EHS) guidelines aim to provide surgeons a reliable set of answers to their pertinent clinical questions and a tool to base their activity as experts in the management of abdominal wall defects. The traditional approach to guideline production is based on gathering key opinion leader in a particular field, to address a number of key questions, appraising papers, presenting evidence and produce final recommendations based on the literature and consensus. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method offers a transparent and structured process for developing and presenting evidence summaries and for carrying out the steps involved in developing recommendations. Its main strength lies in guiding complex judgments that balance the need for simplicity with the requirement for complete and transparent consideration of all important issues. EHS guidelines are of overall good quality but the application of GRADE method, began with EHS guidelines on open abdomen, and the increasing adherence to the process, has greatly improved the reliability of our guidelines. Currently, the need to application of this methodology and the creation of stable and dedicated group of researchers interested in following GRADE in the production of guidelines has been outlined in the literature. Considering that the production of clinical guidelines is a complex process, this paper aim to highlights the primary features of guideline production, GRADE methodology, the challenges associated with their adoption in the field of hernia surgery and the project of the EHS to establish a stable guidelines committee to provide technical and methodological support in update of previously published guideline or the creation of new ones.

Don't fear the (small) bite: A narrative review of the rationale and misconceptions surrounding closure of abdominal wall incisions.

Background: The most common complications related to the closure of abdominal wall incisions are surgical site infections, wound dehiscence and the development of an incisional hernia. Several factors relating to the surgical technique and the materials used have been identified and analysed over the years, as mirrored in the current recommendations of the European Hernia Society, but some misconceptions still remain that hinder wide implementation. Method: A literature search was performed in the PubMed and GoogleScholar databases on 15 July 2021 and additionally on 30 March 2022 to include recent updates. The goal was to describe the scientific background behind the optimal strategies for reducing incisional hernia risk after closure of abdominal wall incisions in a narrative style review. Results: An aponeurosis alone, small bites/small steps continuous suture technique should be used, using a slowly resorbable USP 2/0 or alternatively USP 0 suture loaded in a small ½ circle needle. The fascial edges should be properly visualised and tension should be moderate. Conclusion: Despite the reproducibility, low risk and effectiveness in reducing wound complications following abdominal wall incisions, utilisation of the recommendation of the guidelines of the European Hernia Society remain relatively limited. More work is needed to clear misconceptions and disseminate the established knowledge and technique especially to younger surgeons.

Updated guideline for closure of abdominal wall incisions from the European and American Hernia Societies.

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernia is a frequent complication of abdominal wall incision. Surgical technique is an important risk factor for the development of incisional hernia. The aim of these updated guidelines was to provide recommendations to decrease the incidence of incisional hernia. METHODS: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL was performed on 22 January 2022. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network instrument was used to evaluate systematic reviews and meta-analyses, RCTs, and cohort studies. The GRADE approach (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was used to appraise the certainty of the evidence. The guidelines group consisted of surgical specialists, a biomedical information specialist, certified guideline methodologist, and patient representative. RESULTS: Thirty-nine papers were included covering seven key questions, and weak recommendations were made for all of these. Laparoscopic surgery and non-midline incisions are suggested to be preferred when safe and feasible. In laparoscopic surgery, suturing the fascial defect of trocar sites of 10 mm and larger is advised, especially after single-incision laparoscopic surgery and at the umbilicus. For closure of an elective midline laparotomy, a continuous small-bites suturing technique with a slowly absorbable suture is suggested. Prophylactic mesh augmentation after elective midline laparotomy can be considered to reduce the risk of incisional hernia; a permanent synthetic mesh in either the onlay or retromuscular position is advised. CONCLUSION: These updated guidelines may help surgeons in selecting the optimal approach and location of abdominal wall incisions.

An incisional hernia results from a weakness of the abdominal wall muscles that allows fat from the inside or organs to bulge out. These hernias are quite common after abdominal surgery at the site of a previous incision. There is research that discusses different ways to close an incision and this may relate to the chance of hernia formation. The aim of this study was to review the latest research and to provide a guide for surgeons on how best to close incisions to decrease hernia rates. When possible, surgery through small incisions may decrease the risk of hernia formation. If small incisions are used, it may be better if they are placed away from areas that are already weak (such as the belly button). If the incision is larger than 1 cm, it should be closed with a deep muscle-fascia suture in addition to skin sutures. If there is a large incision in the middle of the abdomen, the muscle should be sutured using small stitches that are close together and a slowly absorbable suture should be used. For patients who are at higher risk of developing hernias, when closing the incision, the muscle layer can be strengthened by using a piece of (synthetic) mesh. There is no good research available on recovery after surgery and no clear guides on activity level or whether a binder will help prevent hernia formation.

Leveraging Twitter and its Unique #HashTag Capability: A Novel Social Media Resource From the European Hernia Society.

Background: Digital and Social Media (#SoMe) platforms have revolutionized the way information is shared, classified and accessed among medical professionals worldwide. The aim of this study was to review the hashtags used on Twitter by @EuroHerniaS to provide a practical roadmap for easier social media utilization for hernia surgery stakeholders. Methods: The hashtags used in tweets and retweets of the @EuroHerniaS Twitter feed were collated since its foundation in November 2016. Results: The first hashtag used was #HerniaSurgery. Since foundation to July 2021, the @EuroHerniaS Twitter feed has used 90 separate hashtags. The number of new hashtags per year was increasing leading to the development of an online library. The increasing diversity of hernia related hashtags allows for the more detailed posting and searching of hernia related information on the #SoMe platform Twitter. Conclusion: The more detailed use of hashtags on Twitter is to be encouraged. Hernia surgeons can make use of them both when posting and reviewing posts to aid the categorization of posts.

Patient Views Around Their Hernia Surgery: A Worldwide Online Survey Promoted Through Social Media.

Introduction: Hernias are one of the most common surgical diagnoses, and general surgical operations are performed. The involvement of patients in the decision making can be limited. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of patients around their hernia and its management, to aid future planning of hernia services to maximise patient experience, and good outcomes for the patient. Methods: A SurveyMonkey questionnaire was developed by patient advocates with some advice from surgeons. It was promoted on Twitter and Facebook, such as all found "hernia help" groups on these platforms over a 6-week period during the summer of 2020. Demographics, the reasons for seeking a hernia repair, decision making around the choice of surgeon, hospital, mesh type, pre-habilitation, complications, and participation in a hernia registry were collected. Results: In total, 397 questionnaires were completed in the study period. The majority of cases were from English speaking countries. There was a strong request for hernia specialists to perform the surgery, to have detailed knowledge about all aspects of hernia disease and its management, such as no operation and non-mesh options. Chronic pain was the most feared complication. The desire for knowledge about the effect of the hernia and surgery on the sexual function in all age groups was a notable finding. Pre-habilitation and a hernia registry participation were well-supported. Conclusions: Hernia repair is a quality of life surgery. Whether awaiting surgery or having had surgery with a good or bad outcome, patients want information about their condition and treatment, such as the effect on aspects of life, such as sex, and they wish greater involvement in their management decisions. Patients want their surgery by surgeons who can also manage complications of such surgery or recommend further treatment. A large group of "hernia surgery injured" patients feel abandoned by their general surgeon when complications ensue.

Thou shalt not trust online videos for inguinal hernia repair techniques.

BACKGROUND: Videos are used by surgeons when learning new techniques; however, online videos are often not vetted. Our aim is to review online videos of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs based on a benchmark for critical view of the myopectineal orifice (MPO) and safe inguinal hernia repair as defined by Daes and Felix and commonly referred to as "the 9 Commandments." METHODS AND MATERIALS: YouTubeⓇ was queried for "laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair." The top 50 videos were ranked based on number of views. Those endorsed and/or vetted by surgical societies were excluded (n = 4). Three expert hernia surgeons scored the videos based on adherence to the 9 Commandments. RESULTS: The 50 videos originated from 11 countries. They had 72,825 mean views and a mean runtime of 14 min. Videos obeyed a median of 77.8% of commandments shown. Eight videos (16%) obeyed all 9 (100%) commandments. Three videos (6%) failed to obey any commandments. Operations employed TEP (18, 36%), TAPP (28, 56%), and rTAPP (4, 8%) approach. Stratification by approach showed significant variance in commandments obeyed (Kurskal-Wallis, p = 0.016) with significant difference between TEP and rTAPP scores (p = 0.008) and no significant difference between TEP and TAPP or rTAPP and TAPP scores. Twenty-three videos (46%) displayed unsafe techniques including: threatened critical structures (16, 32%), rough tissue handling (15, 30%), and dangerous placement of fixation (9, 18%). CONCLUSION: Online surgical videos on YouTube are not reliable in demonstrating best practices for minimally invasive inguinal hernia repairs. In our study, only 16% of the most viewed videos followed all 9 Commandments for critical view of the MPO. Many showed suboptimal repairs with significant safety concerns. While a significant number of online videos are a free and readily available resource for surgeons around the world, we recommend caution in relying on non-vetted videos as a form of surgical education.

Can volumetric measurement be used in the selection of treatment for inguinoscrotal hernias?

OBJECTIVE: Inguinoscrotal hernias are often qualified subjectively as big, giant, scrotal, etc. In order to classify this type of hernia, objective criteria are needed. For this purpose, we aimed to introduce a scrotal volume measurement-based classification system and propose a corresponding surgical plan (open or laparoscopic surgery, anterior or posterior repair) based on volumetric data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between October 2012 and October 2013, 30 consecutive male patients with a mean age of 59.5 years (range: 36 to 82 years) presenting with unilateral ISH were included in this retrospective study. Physical measurements in the upright position and computerized tomography measurements using the Valsalva maneuver were obtained from all patients. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients, 26 patients had scrotal volumes less than 1000 mL, two patients had SVs between 1001 and 2000 mL, one patient had an SV between 2001 and 3000 mL, and one patient had an SV greater than 3000 mL. Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair was performed in patients with scrotal volumes inferior to 1000 mL. In three patients with scrotal volumes between 1000 and 3000 mL, an open posterior approach was used. In one patient with a scrotal volume superior to 3000 mL, no surgical intervention was performed due to the patient's cardiac comorbidity. CONCLUSION: By establishing a common language among surgeons, we believe that the volumetric measurement-based scrotal hernia classification system proposed in this study will lead to further studies on the subject.

Application of advancement flap after loose seton placement: a modified two-stage surgical repair of a transsphincteric anal fistula.

PURPOSE: A number of techniques have been described for the treatment of a transsphincteric anal fistula. In this report, we aimed to introduce a relatively new two-stage technique, application of advancement flap after loose seton placement, to present its technical aspects and to document our results. METHODS: Included in this retrospective study were 13 patients (10 males, 3 females) with a mean age of 42 years who underwent a two-stage seton and advancement flap surgery for transsphincteric anal fistula between June 2008 and June 2013. In the first stage, a loose seton was placed in the fistula tract, and in the second stage, which was performed three months later, the internal and external orifices were closed with advancement flaps. RESULTS: All the patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. The mean follow-up period was 34 months. Only one patient reported anal rigidity and intermittent pain, which was eventually resolved with conservative measures. The mean postoperative Wexner incontinence score was 1. No recurrence or complications were observed, and no further surgical intervention was required during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The two-stage seton and advancement flap technique is very efficient and seems to be a good alternative for the treatment of a transsphincteric anal fistula.

Single incision laparoscopic total gastrectomy and d2 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer using a four-access single port: the first experience.

Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) have been developed to reduce the invasiveness of laparoscopic surgery. SILS has been frequently applied in various clinical settings, such as cholecystectomy, colectomy, and sleeve gastrectomy. So far, there have been four reports on single incision laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and one report on single incision laparoscopic total gastrectomy with D1 lymph node dissection for gastric cancer. In this report, we present our single incision laparoscopic total gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection technique using a four-hole single port (OctoPort) in a patient with gastric cancer.

Relaparoscopic treatment of recurrences after previous laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Background. Relaparoscopic treatment of inguinal hernia recurrences has become a relatively new concept with favourable results. The purpose of this study was to examine a series of relaparoscopic repair, present technical experiences, and the clinical outcomes in this subset of patients. Patients and Methods. The medical records of five patients who underwent relaparoscopic repair (TAPP or TEP) for a recurrence between March 2005 and September 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Results. All the patients were male with a mean age of 45 years. Technical failures in the previous repairs were the main factors contributing to recurrences. In two re-TEP cases with no previous mesh fixation, the old mesh remained on the peritoneal side during preperitoneal dissection and this greatly facilitated surgical manipulation. The mean operative time was 93 min (range, 45-120 min). There were no conversions, no intraoperative complications, and no morbidity or rerecurrence after a mean follow-up period of 17 months (range, 7-24 months). Conclusion. Relaparoscopic repair appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia and repeated TEP could be a simpler approach than expected in the presence of no prior mesh fixation.

Single-incision (with multi-input single-port) laparoscopic colorectal procedures: Early results.

OBJECTIVE: Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a "scar-less" new surgical technique which has been gaining popularity over recent years. In comparison to conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery, SILS is introduced as a less invasive method. This technique has also been applied to colorectal surgery. The aim of the presenting study is to investigate the applicability of SILS and report short term results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated prospectively collected data of 24 patients who had been operated with "Single Incision Laparoscopic Colon Resection (SILCR)" in our clinic between June 2011-June 2013. Informed consent was obtained from all patients before surgery. Patient data such as ASA and BMI values, need for additional surgery, tumors, number of lymph nodes resected, length of hospital stay, length of surgery, timing of flatus, time to start oral feeding and complications were recorded. RESULTS: SILCR was performed in 24 patients. In 13 patients, SILCR was performed for cancer treatment. There was no need for extra ports, conversion to open surgery and stoma creation was also not necessary. Drain was placed in 4 patients. Overall complication rate was 12.5%. The mean number of lymph nodes in 13 patients who underwent SILCR for tumor was found to be 23 (14-33). The mean operative time and length of hospital stay was 177 minutes (110-363) and 5.35 days (4-11) respectively. Anastomotic leakage was not seen in any of the patients. In one patient, urinoma formation due to ureteral leakage was seen which resulted from thermal injury. CONCLUSION: When we compare other series with almost the same number of patients' reported SILS results in the literature, we believe that we could draw conclusions from our data. SILS appears to have comparable results to conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery in the hands of experienced surgeons. It seems advantegous as it can be done with conventional laparoscopic instruments in a "scar-less" manner. Prospective randomized trials are necessary to define the benefits of one procedure over the other.

An unusual case in surgical emergency: Abdominal cocoon and its laparoscopic management.

Small bowel obstruction associated with abdominal cocoon (AC) is a rarely encountered surgical emergency. This condition is characterised by a thick fibrous membrane which encases the small bowel partially or completely. It is usually difficult to be able to make a definitive diagnosis in the presence of obscure clinical and radiological findings. Diagnosis is usually made at laparotomy when the encasement of the small bowel within a cocoon-like sac is visualised. Here, we report on a 29-year-old male patient who presented with acute small bowel obstruction and was eventually diagnosed with AC at laparoscopy. In this case, laparoscopic excision of the fibrous sac and extensive adhesiolysis resulted in complete recovery. Although rare, the diagnosis of AC should be kept in cases of patients with intestinal obstruction combined with relevant imaging findings. Laparoscopy should also be considered for the management of this condition in suitable patients.