Abdominal weakness, bulge, or hernia after DIEP flaps: An algorithm of management, prevention, and surgical repair with classification.

BACKGROUND: This study analyzes abdominal weakness, hernia, and bulge following deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. Abdominal wall morbidities are categorized, and an algorithm for management is provided. METHODS: A retrospective review of 644 patients who underwent abdominal based flap breast reconstruction between 2009 and 2018 and met selection criteria was performed. Bulge and hernia were evaluated on exam and then by imaging and/or operative exploration. The incidence of abdominal weakness was evaluated by BREAST-Q™ data. Risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 644 patients, 23 (3.6%) had a clinically significant bulge or hernia on exam postoperatively. Developing an abdominal wound postoperatively and sacrificing nerves both correlated with an increased incidence of bulge or hernia (p < 0.05). The use of lateral row perforators, keeping the umbilicus, higher BMI, and the use of biological mesh in the initial abdominal wall repair trended toward an increased incidence of bulge or hernia; however, these data were not statistically significant. Seven percent of patients who answered the BREAST-Q™ reported abdominal weakness. Patients in the umbilicus sacrificing cohort had an increased incidence of weakness (p < 0.05). Abdominal wounds, nerve sacrificing procedures and obesity correlated with an increased incidence of weakness; these data were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: A classification and algorithm for treatment of functional abdominal wall morbidity after DIEP flap is provided. Abdominal wall morbidity is classified as: type 1 - abdominal weakness; type 2 - smaller, unilateral abdominal bulge; and type 3 - true abdominal hernia or large bilateral bulge. An algorithm of treatment is presented, which includes physical therapy and surgical repair recommendations.

Internal hernias in pregnant females with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a systematic review.

Improved fertility following a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) can lead to pregnancy and increase the risk of internal herniation. A developing fetus and symptoms of pregnancy can mask the diagnosis and delay intervention, leading to deleterious maternal and fetal consequences. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the literature regarding internal hernias during pregnancy, their management, and patient outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken on PubMed and Google Scholar to identify cases of internal hernias presenting during pregnancy after RYGB. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for eligibility and inclusion of articles. Twenty-seven articles, with a total of 59 patients, regarding internal herniation during pregnancy after RYGB were identified. Epigastric pain and nausea and vomiting was the most common presentation. Regardless of orientation of the Roux limb and despite previous closure of mesenteric defects, internal herniation can still occur. A triad of epigastric pain, pregnancy, and a history of RYGB should be a red flag for clinicians to consider internal hernias as a top differential diagnosis. Prompt bariatric consultation and rapid intervention will improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Diagnosis and treatment of chronic abdominal pain 5 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of optimal diagnostic workup, etiology, and response to treatment of chronic abdominal pain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is limited. OBJECTIVE: To define the etiology of chronic abdominal pain presenting at the 5-year follow-up after RYGB and to evaluate response to treatment. SETTING: Oslo University Hospital (tertiary referral center for obesity surgery). METHODS: Of 234 patients operated during a randomly selected 12-month period, 165 (71%) returned for 5-year follow-up, and 160 responded to study questionnaires. Of these, 54 (34%) reported chronic abdominal pain and were invited to participate in a structured diagnostic and treatment algorithm. These patients were contacted for the evaluation of their response to treatment. RESULTS: Fifty-one of 54 patients (94%) reporting chronic abdominal pain at the 5-year follow-up were included in the study. Of the 45 patients with onset of symptoms post-RYGB, 28 (62%) underwent one or more radiologic evaluations, 10 (22%) underwent endoscopy, and 13 (29%) underwent laparoscopy. Diagnosis and treatment were established for 34 patients (76%), whereas 11 (24%) had abdominal pain of unknown cause. The most common etiology was internal herniation (n = 6), dumping (n = 6), food intolerance (n = 6), gallstones (n = 5), and irritable bowel syndrome (n = 4). After a median follow-up of 13.0 months (standard deviation, 11.5), 37 (82%) patients reported remission or improvement of symptoms, 6 had unchanged symptoms, and 2 patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The etiology of long-term chronic abdominal pain post-RYGB is diverse. A multidisciplinary team can help most patients with dedicated follow-up, but a subset of patients has symptoms of unknown etiology.

Fibrin glue mesh fixation combined with mesenchymal stem cells or exosomes modulates the inflammatory reaction in a murine model of incisional hernia.

Surgical meshes are effective and frequently used to reinforce soft tissues. Fibrin glue (FG) has been widely used for mesh fixation and is also considered an optimal vehicle for stem cell delivery. The aim of this preclinical study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of MSCs and their exosomes combined with FG for the treatment of incisional hernia. A murine incisional hernia model was used to implant surgical meshes and different treatments with FG, MSCs and exo-MSCs were applied. The implanted meshes were evaluated at day 7 by anatomopathology, cellular analysis of infiltrating leukocytes and gene expression analysis of TH1/TH2 cytokines, MMPs, TIMPs and collagens. Our results demonstrated a significant increase of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages and TH2 cytokines when MSCs or exo-MSCs were used. Moreover, the analysis of MMPs, TIMPs and collagen exerted significant differences in the extracellular matrix and in the remodeling process. Our in vivo study suggests that the fixation of surgical meshes with FG and MSCs or exo-MSCs will have a beneficial effect for the treatment of incisional hernia in terms of improved outcomes of damaged tissue, and especially, in the modulation of inflammatory responses towards a less aggressive and pro-regenerative profile. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The implantation of surgical meshes is the standard procedure to reinforce tissue defects such as hernias. However, an exacerbated and persistent inflammatory response secondary to this implantation is frequently observed, leading to a strong discomfort and chronic pain in the patients. In many cases, an additional surgical intervention is needed to remove the mesh. This study shows that mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes, combined with a fibrin sealant, can be used for the successful fixation of these meshes. This new therapeutic approach, assayed in a murine model of incisional hernia, favors the modulation of the inflammatory response towards a less aggressive and pro-regenerative profile.

Non-operative treatment as a strategy for patients with parastomal hernia: a multicentre, retrospective cohort study.

AIM: Parastomal hernia is the most common complication following stoma construction. Surgical treatment is usually chosen over non-operative treatment, but a clear rationale for the choice of management is often lacking. This study aims to investigate the reasons for non-operative treatment, cross-over rates and postoperative complications. METHOD: A multicentre, retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients diagnosed with a parastomal hernia between January 2007 and December 2012 were included. Data on baseline characteristics, primary surgery and hernias were collected. For non-operative treatment, reasons for this treatment and cross-over rates were evaluated. For all patients undergoing surgery (surgical treatment and cross-overs), complication and recurrence rates were analysed. RESULTS: Of the 80 patients included, 42 (53%) were in the surgical treatment group and 38 (48%) in the non-operative treatment group. Median follow-up was 46 months (interquartile range 24-72). The reasons for non-operative treatment were absence of symptoms in 12 patients (32%), comorbidities in nine (24%) and patient preference in three (7.9%). In 14 patients (37%) reasons were not documented. Eight patients (21%) crossed over from non-operative treatment to surgical treatment, of whom one needed emergency surgery. In 23 patients (55%), parastomal hernia recurred after the original surgical treatment, of whom 21 (91%) underwent additional repair. CONCLUSION: Parastomal hernia repair is associated with high recurrence and additional repair rates. Non-operative treatment has a relatively low cross-over and emergency surgery rate. Given these data, non-operative treatment might be a better choice for patients without complaints or with comorbidities.

Hernia obturatriz complicada. Conducta diagnóstica y terapéutica / COMPLICATED OBTURATOR HERNIA. DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT

La hernia obturatriz tiene una baja incidencia, predomina en mujeres ancianas desnutridas, habitualmente con signos y síntomas poco específicos, situación que requiere resolución quirúrgica precoz para disminuir la morbi-mortalidad. Materiales y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo observacional sobre tres casos de oclusión intestinal por hernia obturatriz en el servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Italiano de Córdoba entre el período comprendido desde enero de 2013 a diciembre de 2015. Resultados: Los tres pacientes fueron diagnosticados por TC en el preoperatorio, en dos se debió realizar resección intestinal y entero-entero anastomosis. Conclusión: la cirugía de urgencia es el tratamiento ideal

Obturator hernia is a rare type of hernia. Because of its low incidence, predominantly in elderly malnourished women, usually with non- specific signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed. This situation requires early surgical treatment to prevent serious morbidity and mortality associated with this entity. Methods: Retrospective observational analysis of 3 cases of intestinal occlusion due to complicated obturator hernia at the Department of General Surgery, Hospital Italiano Córdoba, Argentina, between January 2013 to December 2015. Results: All three cases were diagnosed preoperatively by CT , but in two of the three cases it was due to perform an intestinal resection with anastomosis. Conclusion: The surgery performed early after admission, is the treatment of choice.

Contribution of Computed Tomographic Imaging to the Management of Acute Abdominal Pain after Gastric Bypass: Correlation Between Radiological and Surgical Findings.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of first interpretations of computed tomographic (CT) images and blind interpretation using predefined CT signs in patients with previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) and acute abdominal pain. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with RYGBP who underwent surgical exploration from January 2009 to December 2014 for acute abdominal pain in our university institution, excluding patients without CT scan and comparing initial CT imaging interpretation with surgical findings. Two blinded radiologist specialists in bariatric imaging evaluated the CT images for seven previously reported CT signs. We then calculated the sensitivity and specificity of these signs and Cohen's kappa inter-observer agreement for diagnosing internal hernia. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients had a recorded CT scan. The original CT interpretation showed that 26/64 (40%) patients had an accurate diagnosis. Cohen's kappa coefficient for concordance between surgical exploration and first interpretation was 0.26. The image review showed an accurate diagnosis was obtained in 51/64 patients (79.6%) and 48/64 (75%) patients for the first and second reader, respectively (Cohen's kappa coefficient = 0.67; 95% confidence interval = 0.52-0.76). The most prevalent sign indicating internal hernia was whirling of the mesentery (sensitivity = 82-91%; specificity = 79-93.1%). CONCLUSIONS: CT is an important diagnostic tool for skilled readers for managing acute abdominal pain in patients with previous RYGBP. Experience in the abdominal and bariatric imaging and the use of predetermined CT image signs provided a high degree of accuracy and confidence. A low threshold for surgical exploration remains the gold standard of appropriate treatment.

Laparoscopic-assisted management of traumatic abdominal wall hernias in children: case series and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is defined as herniation through a disrupted portion of musculature/fascia without skin penetration or history of prior hernia. In children, TAWH is a rare injury. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to report our experience with different management strategies of TAWH in children and to determine the utility of laparoscopy. DESIGN/METHOD: A retrospective chart review of all children treated by pediatric surgery at our institution for TAWH in a 5year interval was performed. Data were collected on mechanism of injury, initial patient presentation, surgical management, and outcomes. RESULTS: We present 5 cases of traumatic abdominal wall hernia; 3 were managed using laparoscopic assistance. One patient was managed nonoperatively. All patients recovered without complications and were asymptomatic on follow up. CONCLUSION: Traumatic abdominal wall hernias require a high index of suspicion in the cases of blunt abdominal trauma. Laparoscopy is useful mainly as a diagnostic modality, both to evaluate the hernia and associated injuries to intraabdominal structures. Its use may facilitate repair through a smaller incision. Conservative management of TAWH may be appropriate in select cases where there is a low risk of bowel strangulation.

Watchful waiting in incisional hernia: is it safe?

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernia (IH) is among the most common postoperative complications after abdominal surgery. Operative treatment (OT) using mesh is the treatment of choice. A strategy of watchful waiting (WW) might be a considered in some patients. This retrospective study compares the outcomes of WW and OT. METHODS: All patients presenting with IH in an academic surgery department between January 2004 and December 2009 were analyzed according to whether they were treated by WW or OT. Crossovers between both groups were also analyzed. Patient characteristics, information about the initial abdominal operative procedure, symptoms at presentation, and characteristics of the hernia were collected retrospectively. In case of OT, postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULT: In total, 255 patients were included; 151 (59%) in the OT group and 104 (41%) in WW group. The median follow-up was 68 months (interquartile range [IQR], 52-93). The reasons for WW were the absence of symptoms in 34 patients (33%), comorbidities in 24 (23%), and obesity in 23 (22%). During follow-up, 34 patients (33%) crossed over from WW to OT. Eight of the crossovers (24%) were emergency repairs owing to incarceration at a median of 1 month (IQR, 1-5) after the start of WW. The incidence of unexpected intraoperative intestinal perforation was greater in the crossover group (13%) compared with the OT group (2%; P = .002). Postoperative fistulas were seen in 7% of patients who crossed over from WW to OT versus 0% in primary OT (P = .002). Postoperatively, 3 patients died, 2 of whom were treated operatively after belonging initially to the WW group. CONCLUSION: WW for IH leads to high crossover rates with significantly greater incidence of intraoperative perforations, fistulas, and mortality, than in the OT group, particularly in patients who require emergency repair of IH owing to incarceration.

Early intervention, parastomal hernia and quality of life: a research study.

Parastomal hernia continues to be a common and distressing problem for stoma patients. But are they preventable? In 2005 and again in 2007, Thompson and Trainor reported that by introducing a simple prevention programme that advised the wearing of support garments for heavy lifting for 1 year after stoma surgery, they significantly reduced the incidence of parastomal hernias. They also found that most of the hernias occurred in the early months after stoma surgery (their intervention programme started 3 months after surgery). The current study builds on Thompson and Trainor's work by introducing an intervention programme at a much earlier stage, with specific advice to wear a lightweight support garment on discharge from hospital in place of normal underwear. Advice was also given about lifting and participants were started on an abdominal exercise programme. Quality of life was monitored at discharge, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. The results show reduced hernia rates and an increased quality of life for these patients. The aim was to improve on the results of Thompson and Trainor in reducing parastomal hernias, improving quality of life and reducing costs to the NHS through fewer complications associated with hernias, and wasted prescriptions for unused, inappropriate or ill-fitting support wear.

Modification of collagen formation by mesenchymal stem cells isolated from human adipose tissue in culture and after autotransplantation for abdominal hernia plasty.

Mesenchymal stem cells from the adipose tissue of patients with postoperative hernias produce excessive amounts of collagen III, which shifts the balance between type III and type I collagens. The proposed technique of pretransplantation preparation allows in vitro stimulation collagen formation processes with predominant activation of collagen I synthesis and normalization of proportion between different collagen types. Abdominal wall repair with polypropylene surgical mesh in combination with autotransplantation of mesenchymal stem cells reduced the collagen III to collagen I ratio due to activation of collagen I synthesis and suppression of collagen III production, which had a positive effect on the structure of in vivo formed connective tissue.

Atypical clinical presentation of internal herniation after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

A 60-years old women with history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass presented with progressive abdominal pain, mainly at the left loin. Imaging was aspecific. Exploratory laparoscopy showed an internal herniation trough the Petersen space.

[Dealing with surgical complications after bariatric gastric bypass surgery]. / Håndtering af kirurgiske komplikationer efter gastrisk bypassoperation for fedme

The subject of this article is surgical complications to Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass and how to deal with them. The article addresses doctors, who are on duty in hospitals without bariatric surgery and who often deal with this patient category in the acute situation. Managing complications is challenging due to both the patient's physiognomy and the wide-ranged change in anatomy. The article gives a review of the literature and hands-on-recommendations for treating anastomotic leak, post-operative bleeding, internal herniation, bowel obstruction and biliary complications.

Prospective study of single-stage repair of contaminated hernias using a biologic porcine tissue matrix: the RICH Study.

BACKGROUND: In the presence of contamination, the repair of a ventral incisional hernia (VIH) is challenging. The presence of comorbidities poses an additional risk for postoperative wound events and hernia recurrence. To date, very few studies describe the outcomes of VIH repair in this high-risk population. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, single-arm, the Repair of Infected or Contaminated Hernias study was performed to study the clinical outcomes of open VIH repair of contaminated abdominal defects with a non-cross-linked, porcine, acellular dermal matrix, Strattice. RESULTS: Of 85 patients who consented to participate, 80 underwent open VIH repair with Strattice. Hernia defects were 'clean-contaminated' (n = 39), 'contaminated' (n = 39), or 'dirty' (n = 2), and the defects were classified as grade 3 (n = 60) or grade 4 (n = 20). The midline was restored, and primary closure was achieved in 64 patients; the defect was bridged in 16 patients. At 24 months, 53 patients (66%) experienced 95 wound events. There were 28 unique, infection-related events in 24 patients. Twenty-two patients experienced seromas, all but 5 of which were transient and required no intervention. No unanticipated adverse events occurred, and no tissue matrix required complete excision. There were 22 hernia (28%) recurrences by month 24. There was no correlation between infection-related events and hernia recurrence. CONCLUSION: The use of the intact, non-cross-linked, porcine, acellular dermal matrix, Strattice, in the repair of contaminated VIH in high-risk patients allowed for successful, single-stage reconstruction in >70% of patients followed for 24 months after repair.

[The operations of the abdominal hernias with the use propylene material in patients operated due to abdominal aortic aneurysm]. / Stosowanie siatek propylenowych w operacjach przepuklin brzusznych u chorych, operowanych z powodu tetniaka aorty brzusznej.

The correlation between abdominal hernias and aortic aneurysm has been well documented in literature. The pathophysiology of aneurysm and hernia formation is seen within the abnormal collagen metabolism, resulting in extracellular matrix defects. This study presents a group of 8 men in the age of 36 to 78 years old (average 63, 5 years old) who underwent both an operation for the aneurysm and for the abdominal hernia. Of the reported 8 patients, 7 had postoperative hernias, where 4 of the cases there were recurrent postoperative hernias. The remaining patient had an inguinal hernia. In 7 cases patients underwent an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) operation and in one case a hepatic artery aneurysm endovascular operation was performed. Due to the fact that postoperative hernias are an immense problem, especially within the group of patient with collagen defects, the area of research and improvement of the materials that are used in prosthetic hernia surgery today needs to progress. This study also presents a short review of the various types of prosthetic materials used in the production of hernial meshes. This is to emphasize the necessity of improving operational techniques to minimize the risk of herniation, especially within a group of patients with collagen defects.

[Factors affecting morbidity in urgent repair of abdominal wall hernia with intestinal incarceration in adults]. / Intestinal inkarserasyon için acil karin duvari fitik onarimi yapilan eriskinlerde morbiditeyi etkileyen faktörler.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate factors that affect morbidity in adults with incarcerated intestinal hernia of the abdominal wall. METHODS: 124 patients with a mean age of 61 ± 13.87 years (73 males) underwent emergency surgery for incarcerated intestinal hernia between March 1999 and March 2008. The median duration of the hernia was 5 years (0.1-30). Type and duration of hernia, accompanying diseases, surgical procedure, and operation-related complications were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (20%) had complications. Twelve patients (10%) had surgical site infection and 10 patients (8%) had septic complications. Four patients (3%) died in the postoperative period. Out of 40 patients developing strangulation, 18 underwent bowel resection. The only independent variable concerning bowel resection other than inguinal hernia was found to be ventral hernia (p=0.039). There was no statistical significance between duration of hernia and incarceration and complications. The rate of complications was significantly high in the patients with accompanying diseases (p<0.001). The relation between age and complications was also significant (p=0.034). Multivariate analyses showed high ASA scores as the only independent variable for development of complications (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with comorbid diseases and high ASA scores should be informed about the elevated risk of complications, and scheduled surgery before the development of incarceration should be recommended.