Update of Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias (International Endohernia Society (IEHS)): Part B.

In 2014 the International Endohernia Society (IEHS) published the first international "Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias". Guidelines reflect the currently best available evidence in diagnostics and therapy and give recommendations to help surgeons to standardize their techniques and to improve their results. However, science is a dynamic field which is continuously developing. Therefore, guidelines require regular updates to keep pace with the evolving literature. METHODS: For the development of the original guidelines all relevant literature published up to year 2012 was analyzed using the ranking of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based-Medicine. For the present update all of the previous authors were asked to evaluate the literature published during the recent years from 2012 to 2017 and revise their statements and recommendations given in the initial guidelines accordingly. In two Consensus Conferences (October 2017 Beijing, March 2018 Cologne) the updates were presented, discussed, and confirmed. To avoid redundancy, only new statements or recommendations are included in this paper. Therefore, for full understanding both of the guidelines, the original and the current, must be read. In addition, the new developments in repair of abdominal wall hernias like surgical techniques within the abdominal wall, release operations (transversus muscle release, component separation), Botox application, and robot-assisted repair methods were included. RESULTS: Due to an increase of the number of patients and further development of surgical techniques, repair of primary and secondary abdominal wall hernias attracts increasing interests of many surgeons. Whereas up to three decades ago hernia-related publications did not exceed 20 per year, currently this number is about 10-fold higher. Recent years are characterized by the advent of new techniques-minimal invasive techniques using robotics and laparoscopy, totally extraperitoneal repairs, novel myofascial release techniques for optimal closure of large defects, and Botox for relaxing the abdominal wall. Furthermore, a concomitant rectus diastasis was recognized as a significant risk factor for recurrence. Despite still insufficient evidence with respect to these new techniques it seemed to us necessary to include them in the update to stimulate surgeons to do research in these fields. CONCLUSION: Guidelines are recommendations based on best available evidence intended to help the surgeon to improve the quality of his daily work. However, science is a continuously evolving process, and as such guidelines should be updated about every 3 years. For a comprehensive reference, however, it is suggested to read both the initially guidelines published in 2014 together with the update. Moreover, the presented update includes also techniques which were not known 3 years before.

Correction to: Update of Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias (International Endohernia Society (IEHS))-Part A.

This article was updated to include the middle initial of author L. N. Jorgensen's name.

Update of Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias (International Endohernia Society (IEHS))-Part A.

In 2014, the International Endohernia Society (IEHS) published the first international "Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias." Guidelines reflect the currently best available evidence in diagnostics and therapy and give recommendations to help surgeons to standardize their techniques and to improve their results. However, science is a dynamic field which is continuously developing. Therefore, guidelines require regular updates to keep pace with the evolving literature. METHODS: For the development of the original guidelines, all relevant literature published up to year 2012 was analyzed using the ranking of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. For the present update, all of the previous authors were asked to evaluate the literature published during the recent years from 2012 to 2017 and revise their statements and recommendations given in the initial guidelines accordingly. In two Consensus Conferences (October 2017 Beijing, March 2018 Cologne), the updates were presented, discussed, and confirmed. To avoid redundancy, only new statements or recommendations are included in this paper. Therefore, for full understanding both of the guidelines, the original and the current, must be read. In addition, the new developments in repair of abdominal wall hernias like surgical techniques within the abdominal wall, release operations (transversus muscle release, component separation), Botox application, and robot-assisted repair methods were included. RESULTS: Due to an increase of the number of patients and further development of surgical techniques, repair of primary and secondary abdominal wall hernias attracts increasing interests of many surgeons. Whereas up to three decades ago hernia-related publications did not exceed 20 per year, currently this number is about 10-fold higher. Recent years are characterized by the advent of new techniques-minimal invasive techniques using robotics and laparoscopy, totally extraperitoneal repairs, novel myofascial release techniques for optimal closure of large defects, and Botox for relaxing the abdominal wall. Furthermore, a concomitant rectus diastasis was recognized as a significant risk factor for recurrence. Despite insufficient evidence with respect to these new techniques, it seemed to us necessary to include them in the update to stimulate surgeons to do research in these fields. CONCLUSION: Guidelines are recommendations based on best available evidence intended to help the surgeon to improve the quality of his daily work. However, science is a continuously evolving process, and as such guidelines should be updated about every 3 years. For a comprehensive reference, however, it is suggested to read both the initial guidelines published in 2014 together with the update. Moreover, the presented update includes also techniques which were not known 3 years before.

Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias (International Endohernia Society (IEHS)-part 1.

Guidelines are increasingly determining the decision process in day-to-day clinical work. Guidelines describe the current best possible standard in diagnostics and therapy. They should be developed by an international panel of experts, whereby alongside individual experience, above all, the results of comparative studies are decisive. According to the results of high-ranking scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journals, statements and recommendations are formulated, and these are graded strictly according to the criteria of evidence-based medicine. Guidelines can therefore be valuable in helping particularly the young surgeon in his or her day-to-day work to find the best decision for the patient when confronted with a wide and confusing range of options. However, even experienced surgeons benefit because by virtue of a heavy workload and commitment, they often find it difficult to keep up with the ever-increasing published literature. All guidelines require regular updating, usually every 3 years, in line with progress in the field. The current Guidelines focus on technique and perioperative management of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair and constitute the first comprehensive guidelines on this topic. In this issue of Surgical Endoscopy, the first part of the Guidelines is published including sections on basics, indication for surgery, perioperative management, and key points of technique. The next part (Part 2) of the Guidelines will address complications and comparisons between open and laparoscopic techniques. Part 3 will cover mesh technology, hernia prophylaxis, technique-related issues, new technologic developments, lumbar and other unusual hernias, and training/education.

Medial-to-lateral laparoscopic colon resection: a view beyond the learning curve.

BACKGROUND: Since the authors' report on the lateral approach to laparoscopic colon resection (LCR), medial-to-lateral (M-L) segmental resection has continued to evolve. This report analyzes their learning curve experience with a standardized three-trocar M-L technique, which demonstrates the influence of operative volume on proficiency and outcome. METHODS: From January 1999 to December 2004, 100 consecutive patients underwent a standardized three-trocar M-L segmental LCR. Patient demographics, indications for surgery, operative proficiency (time), and outcome (i.e., blood loss, conversion to open surgery, length of hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality) were recorded. A learning curve analysis was performed using a t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: The 100 M-L LCRs included sigmoid (55%), right (34%), left (6%), and transverse (5%) approaches. Overall learning curve proficiency was influenced by increasing operative experience (p = 0.02). However, significant and consistent improvement in the learning curve occurred only after 38 LCRs (p < 0.008). Notably, all conversions to open surgery (3%) occurred during the early learning curve. Similarly, early LCR patients experienced greater morbidity (mean, 21% vs 12%) and mortality (mean, 5% vs 2%) than their later counterparts. CONCLUSION: To obtain optimum proficiency in performing LCR, a minimum of 38 M-L procedures is required. Operative and patient outcomes improve beyond the early learning curve.

The role of endoscopic extraperitoneal herniorrhaphy: where do we stand in 2005?

Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure, but the most effective surgical technique remains controversial. The evolution of laparoscopic techniques has allowed reproduction of open preperitoneal repair via an endoscopic total extraperitoneal (TEP) approach. More recently, the advent of comprehensive training in laparoscopy has allowed TEP to continue evolving as the feasibility of this approach gains recognition as a preferable technique. Once considered very difficult to learn, TEP currently is adequately taught in many surgical training programs. This report reviews the fundamentals and details various modifications that make this procedure more desirable than open procedures and other laparoscopic techniques. A resultant decrease in operative time, cost of the procedure, and morbidity to the patient is routine. In addition, the authors review their institutional experience and examine other current evidence-based data.

Treating recurrence after a totally extraperitoneal approach.

BACKGROUND: One of today's most highly regarded procedures for treating inguinal hernia is the totally extraperitoneal approach (TEP), but it can on occasion lead to recurrence. This is commonly managed with an open repair, a transabdominal preperitoneal procedure (TAPP), or another TEP. We report here on our years of experience with the latter. METHODS: The endeavor to a secondary TEP is much the same as to a primary one, but certain differences are encountered as the operation proceeds. For example, many anatomical landmarks found in a first TEP cannot be seen in a second. There can also be a diminished amount of working space, and this occasionally leads to an open conversion. RESULTS: From September 1991 to September 2005, we repaired 1,526 hernias in 1,156 male patients, using the TEP in every case. Of these, 21 were TEPs after a previous TEP. In 3 cases, the space could not be opened, and they were converted to the open Lichtenstein. One patient had peritoneal tears that led to conversion and another had conversion because of excessive bleeding. There were no complications, no bladder or bowel injuries, no transfusions, no preperitoneal hematomas, and no fatalities. All patients were discharged the same day. CONCLUSIONS: A secondary TEP, open repair, and TAPP are alternative solutions to the problem of recurrence after TEP. However, any TEP involves a very prolonged learning curve for general surgeons, since they must learn the anatomy as well as the procedure, both at the same time. This is doubly true for the TEP after a previous TEP.

Primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the pancreas.

A patient with a large tumor of the head and body of the pancreas had a Whipple procedure performed after the intraoperative diagnosis of "mesenchymal tumor" was made. The final histopathologic diagnosis was malignant fibrous histiocytoma arising in the pancreas. The patient died of postoperative complications, and no metastatic disease was found at autopsy. This is the first detailed description of a primary pancreatic malignant fibrous histiocytoma.

The use of thoracoscopy in the treatment of iatrogenic esophageal perforations.

Treatment options for patients with iatrogenic esophageal perforations are multiple and remain a source of controversy. Therapeutic options range from conservative, non-operative treatment to esophageal exclusion or esophagectomy. We present herein what we believe to be the first described repair of an esophageal perforation using thoracoscopic surgical techniques. We believe this approach offers several advantages over open thoracic surgery and has a role in minimizing postoperative morbidity in an already potentially life-threatening condition.

Initial experience with extraperitoneal endoscopic radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: We report our initial experience using laparoscopic instruments and techniques in the performance of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) through an entirely extraperitoneal endoscopic (EE) approach. METHODS: A 62-year-old man with a Gleason score of 7 and clinical stage T1c adenocarcinoma of the prostate underwent EERRP. The procedure was evaluated for achievement of removal of the prostate and seminal vesicles and for complete vesicourethral anastomosis. Operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, and pathologic findings were also evaluated. RESULTS: Complete endoscopic removal of the prostate and seminal vesicles was achieved. Endoscopic reconstruction of the bladder neck with a watertight anastomosis was successful. Operative time was 5 hours and 45 minutes, with an estimated blood loss of 600 cc. Hospital stay was 2.5 days. Final pathologic evaluation was a Gleason score of 7 and Stage T2 disease with negative margins. CONCLUSIONS: The initial experience for EERRP is encouraging. Further evaluation to refine the technique and determine its efficacy and role in treating prostate cancer is in order.

Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy.

We describe the successful laparoscopic removal of a distal ureteral cystine stone not amenable to ureteroscopic or medical therapy. This approach offers an alternative to open ureterolithotomy in patients when less invasive measures fail.

Prospective randomized study of stapled versus unstapled mesh in a laparoscopic preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: In 1975, researchers introduced the use of a large unsutured polyester mesh prosthesis placed in the preperitoneal space for inguinal hernia repair. Different stapling devices have been used to secure this mesh, and the most common complication of the procedure is nerve damage secondary to the staples. The necessity of stapling has never been demonstrated. We designed a prospective randomized study of the need for stapling in laparoscopic extraperitoneal repair of inguinal hernias with 1-year and 3-year followup. STUDY DESIGN: Inclusion criteria of the study were men older than 18 years and first-time inguinal hernia repair. Patients with recurrence and previous abdominal operations were excluded to avoid confounding variables. Each patient's hernia was assigned a consecutive random number chosen by computer, with each number corresponding to an assigned group. The first group had stapled mesh and the second had unstapled mesh. RESULTS: Data were collected over a 15-month period, with each procedure having a mean followup time of 8 months. A total of 100 procedures was performed in 92 patients. The two groups of patients were well matched for age and the type of hernia repaired. There were no recurrences in either group and no complications or deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The initial 12-month followup showed no significant differences in recurrence or complication rates between the stapled and unstapled groups. Both groups returned to work within an average of 4 days. A net savings of $120 was realized for each hernia repair performed without stapled mesh. In addition, stapling presents an inherent risk of nerve damage.

Advanced breast cancer biopsy instrumentation: a critique.

BACKGROUND: Large-core biopsies or open biopsies with needle localization have been the mainstay of treatment for evaluating nonpalpable mammographic abnormalities. The newly introduced Advanced Breast Biopsy Instrumentation (ABBI) system combines digital stereotactic imaging with a highly developed single-use biopsy device to locate and remove a radiographically discovered breast lesion to an accuracy of 1 mm. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a review of the first 58 cases involving the use of the ABBI system. This article evaluates the accuracy of specimen targeting, the success rate of lesion removal, the operative complications, the mechanical difficulties, and patient satisfaction with the ABBI system. RESULTS: The lesion was removed successfully in 47 of the 58 cases. Nine patients were eliminated in initial screening and the procedure could not be completed in two. Although the success rate was high, 14 of the procedures required conversion to "open" ABBI procedures for completion of the biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: The ABBI system is an alternative to open biopsy with needle localization or large-core biopsy for nonpalpable mammographic abnormalities. This technique allows complete removal of the lesion in a one-step procedure. The ABBI system has certain limitations and mechanical problems, at least currently, and offers an advantage over current diagnostic modalities in a very limited number of cases only.

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for blunt injury to the pancreas. A case report.

Laparoscopic pancreatic resection has not been reported for traumatic injuries to the pancreas. We present the case of a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy performed on a 10-year-old boy after he sustained a distal transection of the pancreas due to blunt abdominal trauma. The spleen and its vessels were preserved. The patient was sent home on postoperative day 3 without any postoperative complications. Performing an advanced laparoscopic pancreatic procedure is feasible, in the trauma setting, particularly in children.

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal approach to acutely incarcerated inguinal hernia.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic treatment of acutely incarcerated inguinal hernia is uncommon and still controversial. Those being performed almost all use the transabdominal (TAPP) approach. The authors here present their experience with totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of acutely incarcerated hernia. METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken to evaluate the authors' experience with this procedure over a 4-year period. There were 16 cases, 5 of which were performed using a conventional anterior repair. These 5 cases were excluded from the review. The surgery for all of the remaining 11 acutely incarcerated hernias was started laparoscopically using the TEP approach. Eight of the cases were completed this way, whereas three were converted to the open procedure. In addition to standard TEP repair techniques, a releasing incision is required for acutely incarcerated direct, indirect, or femoral hernias. With a direct hernia, the opening of the defect is enlarged to allow safe dissection of its contents. A releasing incision is made at the anteromedial aspect of the defect to avoid injury to the epigastric or iliac vessels. With an indirect hernia, several additional steps are required. The epigastric vessels may be divided; an additional trocar may be placed laterally below the linea semicircularis to facilitate dissection of the sac and to assist with suturing of the divided sac; and the deep internal ring is divided anteriorly at the 12 o'clock position toward the external ring, facilitating dissection of the indirect sac. With a femoral hernia, a releasing incision is made by carefully incising the insertion of the iliopubic tract into Cooper's ligament at the medial portion of the femoral ring. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 50 min (range, 20-120 min), and the length of hospital stay was 5.4 days (range, 1-29 days). During a follow-up period of 9 to 69 months, there was no recurrence, and only two complications. One of these complications was an infected mesh that occurred in a case involving cecal injury. It was treated with continuous irrigation and salvaged. The other complication was a midline wound infection after a small bowel resection for a strangulated obturator hernia. CONCLUSIONS: Familiarity with the anatomy involved leads to the conclusion that the laparoscopic approach, specifically the TEP procedure, can be used without hesitation even in cases of acutely incarcerated hernia.