Prospective randomized trial comparing sutured with sutureless mesh fixation for Lichtenstein hernia repair: long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Following Lichtenstein hernia repair, up to 25% of patients experience prolonged postoperative and chronic pain as well as discomfort in the groin. One of the underlying causes of these complaints are the compression or irritation of nerves by the sutures used to fixate the mesh. We compared the level and rate of chronic pain in patients operated with the classical Lichtenstein technique fixated by sutures to patients with sutureless mesh fixation technique. METHODS: A two-armed randomized trial with 264 male patients was performed. After consent, patients were randomized preoperatively. For the fixation of the mesh we used either sutures with slow-absorbing material (PDS 2.0) (group I, n = 133) or tissue glue (Histoacryl) (group II, n = 131). Follow-up examinations were performed after 3, 12 months and after 5 years. RESULTS: Patient characteristics in the two groups were similar. No cross-over between groups was observed. After 5 years, long-term follow-up could be completed for 59% of subjects. After 5 years, 10/85 (11.7%) patients in group I and 3/70 (4.2%) in group II suffered from chronic pain in the groin region (P = 0.108). The operation time was significantly shorter in group II (79 min vs 73 min, P = 0.01). One early recurrence occurred in group II (3 months). The recurrence rate was 0 and 0% after 12 months and 5.9% (5/85) and 10% (7/70) after 5 years in group I and group II, respectively (P = 0.379). CONCLUSION: After 5 years, the two techniques of mesh fixation resulted in similar rates of chronic pain. Whereas recurrence rates were comparable, fixation of the mesh with tissue glue decreased operating room time significantly. Hence, suture less mesh fixation with Histoacryl is a sensible alternative to suture fixation and should be especially considered for patients prone to pain.

Primary tuberculosis of the TMJ: presentation of a case and literature review.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a frequent health problem. The prevalence of extrapulmonary TB has increased in the last couple of years. Head and neck tuberculosis forms nearly 10% of all extrapulmonary manifestations of the disease. TB of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rare; only a few cases have been reported. The clinical appearance of TB infection of the TMJ has been described as unspecific, resembling arthritis, osteomyelitis, cancer or any kind of chronic joint diseases. This article describes a 22-year-old woman with pain and left preauricular swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography showed an expansive process with destruction of the left condyle and condylar fossa. A fine needle aspiration examination of the swelling showed non-specific granulomatous inflammation. In the following days, a preauricular fistula developed, of which a swab and biopsy specimens were taken. Histological and microbiological examinations revealed an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The initial antituberculosis treatment consisted of a combination of four antibiotics and could be reduced to two antibiotics in the course of treatment. The treatment was completed successfully after 9 months.

Laparoscopic appendectomy using endoloops: a prospective, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate closure of the appendix stump can lead to abscess formation or peritonitis. This prospective randomized clinical trial was performed to evaluate the number of endoloops needed in laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS: A total of 208 patients were randomized in two groups: 109 in group 1 using one and 99 in group 2 using two proximal endoloops. The groups were compared in terms of intra- and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Postoperative complications were found in five patients (4.6%) in group 1, consisting of intraabdominal abscesses (three patients), pulmonary embolism (one patient), and persisting port-site pain (one patient). In group 2, postoperative complications were found in five patients (5.1%), consisting of intraabdominal abscesses (four patients) and prolonged percutaneous drainage (one patient). There was no significant difference between the two groups. DISCUSSION: In acute appendicitis, a minimal inflamed appendix base can be safely divided using one endoloop.

[Incarcerated and strangulated hernias--surgical approach and management]. / Eingeklemmte und strangulierte Hernien--operativer Zugang und Versorgung.

Acute symptomatic groin hernias with potential or definite ischemia represent a special group of all the groin hernias. The method of choice to treat these hernias has to fulfill the following criteria: 1. Easy reduction of the hernia sac and its contents without causing damage. 2. Good exposure and easy access for possible resection. 3. Safe hernia repair through the same access. According to our experience with 44 incarcerated and strangulated groin hernias operated between 1993 and 1997 and after a literature review, we took the following procedure as our routine: Posterior approach and mesh repair. We do not use a meshgraft only in the presence of colonic necrosis or peritonitis.

["Recurrent appendicitis" 19 years after perityphlitic abscess]. / "Rezidivappendizitis" 19 Jahre nach perityphlitischem Abszess.

We report about a patient who was admitted with acute lower right quadrant pain. She underwent an undetermined operation for appendiceal abscess formation 19 years ago. Our investigations including ultrasound, CT-scan, conventional radiography and finally coloscopy revealed a pericoecal mass formation. Due to worsening of the symptoms, emergency laparotomy was performed. An inflammatory process and a partial necrosis of the coecum wall at the site of the appendix basis were identified und managed by ileocoecal resection and drainage. We took this case to review the literature concerning the treatment of appendiceal abscess and appendiceal mass, and consecutively redesigned our own treatment concept.