Parastomal hernia repairs: A nationwide cohort study in the Republic of Ireland.

BACKGROUND: In the context of improving colorectal cancer outcomes, post-survivorship quality of life has become an important outcome measure. Parastomal hernias and their associated morbidity remain largely under-reported and under-appreciated. Despite their burden, conservative management is common. This study aims to provide a national overview on the current trends in parastomal hernia repairs (PHRs). METHODS: All PHRs performed in public hospitals across the country between 1/2017 to 7/2022 were identified retrospectively from the National Quality Assurance and Improvement System (NQAIS) database. Anonymised patient characteristics and quality indices were extracted for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 565 PHRs, 64.1 % elective and the remainder emergent, were identified across 27 hospitals. The 8 national colorectal units performed 67.3 % of all repairs. While 42.3 % of PHRs were standalone procedures, reversal of Hartmann's procedure was the commonest simultaneous procedure in the remainder. The median age, ASA and Charlson Co-Morbidity Index were 64 years (19), 3(1) and 3(10) respectively. Mean length of stay (LOS) was 16.25 days (SD = 29.84). Linear regression analysis associated ASA (95 % CI 0.58-16.08, p < 0.035) and emergency admissions (95 % CI 5.86-25.55, P < 0.002) with a significantly longer LOS, with the latter also associated with more frequent emergency re-admissions (95 % CI 0.18-0.82, p < 0.002). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing emergency PHR were older and significantly more comorbid. Consequently, these patients were subjected to longer hospital stays, more frequent readmissions and overall higher hospital costs. Multidisciplinary perioperative optimisation and standardised referral pathways should underpin the shift towards elective PHRs.

Parastomal Hernia Following Ileal Conduit: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Health-Related Quality of Life.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the incidence of parastomal hernia (PH) after radical cystectomy and ileal conduit. Secondary aims were the identification of risk factors for PH and to compare the health-related quality of life (QOL) between patients with and without PH. DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical records combined with cross-sectional administration of the QOL instrument and telephone follow-up. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The study sample comprised 219 patients who underwent radical cystectomy and ileal conduit for urothelial cancer between February 2014 and December 2018. The study setting was Peking University First Hospital (Beijing, China). METHODS: Demographic and pertinent clinical data, including development of PH, were gathered via the retrospective review of medical records. Participants were also asked to complete the traditional Chinese language version of the City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy Questionnaire (C-COH). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the effect of PH on C-COH scores. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for PH development. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 34 months (IQR = 21-48), 43 of 219 (19.63%) patients had developed a PH. A body mass index (BMI) indicating overweight (OR = 3.548; 95% CI, 1.562-8.061; P = .002), a prior history of hernia (OR = 5.147; 95% CI, 1.195-22.159; P = .028), and chronic high abdominal pressure postdischarge (CHAP-pd) (OR = 3.197; 95% CI, 1.445-7.075; P = .004) were predictors of PH after operation. There was no significant difference between C-COH scores of patients with or without PH. No significant differences were found when participants with PH were compared to those without PH on 4 factors of the C-COH: physical scores (ß= .347, P = .110), psychological scores (ß= .316, P = .070), spiritual scores (ß=-.125, P = .714), and social scores (ß= .054, P = .833). CONCLUSION: Parastomal hernia is prevalent in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion. Overweight, hernia history, and CHAP-pd were predictors of PH development. No significant differences in QOL were found when patients with PH were compared to those without PH.

Prophylactic Mesh Placement During Formation of an End-colostomy: Long-term Randomized Controlled Trial on Effectiveness and Safety.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if prophylactic mesh placement is an effective, safe, and cost-effective procedure to prevent parastomal hernia (PSH) formation in the long term. BACKGROUND: A PSH is the most frequent complication after stoma formation. Prophylactic placement of a mesh has been suggested to prevent PSH, but long-term evidence to support this approach is scarce. METHODS: In this multicentre superiority trial patients undergoing the formation of a permanent colostomy were randomly assigned to either retromuscular polypropylene mesh reinforcement or conventional colostomy formation. Primary endpoint was the incidence of a PSH after 5 years. Secondary endpoints were morbidity, mortality, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were randomly assigned to the mesh group (n = 72) or nonmesh group (n = 78). For the long-term follow-up, 113 patients were analyzed, and 37 patients were lost to follow-up. After a median follow-up of 60 months (interquartile range: 48.6-64.4), 49 patients developed a PSH, 20 (27.8%) in the mesh group and 29 (37.2%) in the nonmesh group ( P = 0.22; RD: -9.4%; 95% CI: -24, 5.5). The cost related to the meshing strategy was € 2.239 lower than the nonmesh strategy (95% CI: 491.18, 3985.49), and quality-adjusted life years did not differ significantly between groups ( P = 0.959; 95% CI: -0.066, 0.070). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic mesh placement during the formation of an end-colostomy is a safe procedure but does not reduce the incidence of PSH after 5 years of follow-up. It does, however, delay the onset of PSH without a significant difference in morbidity, mortality, or quality of life, and seems to be cost-effective.

Trends in Surgical Technique and Outcomes of Ventral Hernia Repair in The United States.

OBJECTIVE: To describe national trends in surgical technique and rates of reoperation for recurrence for patients undergoing ventral hernia repair (VHR) in the United States. BACKGROUND: Surgical options for VHR, including minimally invasive approaches, mesh implantation, and myofascial release, have expanded considerably over the past 2 decades. Their dissemination and impact on population-level outcomes is not well characterized. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries undergoing elective, inpatient umbilical, ventral, or incisional hernia repair between 2007 and 2015. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the adjusted proportion of patients who remained free from reoperation for hernia recurrence up to 5 years after surgery. RESULTS: One hundred fort-one thousand two hundred sixty-one patients underwent VHR during the study period. Between 2007 and 2018, the use of minimally invasive surgery increased from 2.1% to 22.2%, mesh use increased from 63.2% to 72.5%, and myofascial release increased from 1.8% to 16.3%. Overall, the 5-year incidence of reoperation for recurrence was 14.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 14.0%-14.1%]. Over time, patients were more likely to remain free from reoperation for hernia recurrence 5 years after surgery [2007-2009 reoperation-free survival: 84.9% (95% CI 84.8%-84.9%); 2010-2012 reoperation-free survival: 85.7% (95% CI 85.6%-85.7%); 2013-2015 reoperation-free survival: 87.8% (95% CI 87.7%-87.9%)]. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment of ventral and incisional hernias has evolved in recent decades, with more patients undergoing minimally invasive repair, receiving mesh, and undergoing myofascial release. Although our analysis does not address causality, rates of reoperation for hernia recurrence improved slightly contemporaneous with changes in surgical technique.

Impact of race and ethnicity on rates of emergent ventral hernia repair (VHR): has anything changed?

BACKGROUND: Non-white patients have been shown to have higher rates of emergent VHR, though no study to date has characterized these disparities over time. METHODS: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for VHR patients between 2008 and 2019. White, black, and hispanic patients were included for analysis. Older (2008-2011) versus New (2016-2019) time-periods were compared. The primary outcome was emergent VHR proportion. Multivariable analysis identified predictors of emergent VHR, then patients in each time-period were propensity matched (PSM) to control for confounders. RESULTS: The 665,809 VHRs between 2008 and 2019 consisted of 69.2% white, 9.7% black, and 8.1% hispanic patients. Emergent VHR rates were higher (all p < 0.001) for black (6.8%) and hispanic (5.6%) patients compared to White (4.1%). Emergent VHR rates between white vs black and white vs hispanic for both old (4.6% vs 7.4% and 4.6% vs 7.4%) and new (3.6% vs 5.8% and 3.6% vs 5.1%) groups demonstrated lower rates in White patients (all p < 0.001). Ratios of emergent VHR rates over time (old to new) remained similar (black:white 1.61-1.61; hispanic:white 1.43-1.42). Multivariable analysis showed older age, higher BMI, smoking, female sex, and increasing ASA class increased odds for emergent VHR. Comparison of PSM-groups (white-PSM vs black-PSM and white-PSM vs hispanic-PSM) for both old (5.0% vs 7.0% and 3.6% vs 6.3%) and new (3.2% vs 4.8% and 3.8% vs 5.5%) time-periods showed lower emergent VHR rates in white patients (all p < 0.001). Ratios of emergent VHR rates over time increased for black patients and decreased for Hispanic patients (black:white:1.4 to 1.5, and hispanic:white:1.75 to 1.45). CONCLUSION: Black and Hispanic patients have higher rates of emergent VHR compared to White patients, and this has not improved over time. After PSM to control for confounding variables, disparities in emergent VHR rates have increased for Black patients and decreased for Hispanic patients.

Mediumweight polypropylene mesh fractures after open retromuscular ventral hernia repair: incidence and associated risk factors.

PURPOSE: Mediumweight (MW) and heavyweight (HW) polypropylene have demonstrated similar clinical and patient-reported outcomes in the setting of open retromuscular ventral hernia repair (VHR). While MW mesh has an anecdotal risk of central mesh fracture, that phenomenon is not well-characterized. We sought to assess the incidence of and risk factors for MW polypropylene mesh fractures after VHR. METHODS: The ACHQC registry was queried for patients with CT-documented hernia recurrence after open retromuscular VHR with MW polypropylene mesh at our institution with 1-year follow-up between January 2014 and April 2022. Images were reviewed by five blinded surgeons at Cleveland Clinic to reach consensus that hernia recurrence mechanism was central mesh fracture. Patients without clinical recurrence or patient-reported bulge were used as a comparator group. RESULTS: Eighty patients were identified with radiographically documented recurrence; 28 had recurrence from mesh fractures and these were compared to 644 patients without recurrence. Incidence of MW fracture was 4.2%. Bridging of anterior fascia was more common in the group with the central mesh fracture (33.3% vs 3.3%, p < 0.001); the incidence of fracture was 30% (9/30) in patients requiring a bridged closure. Mesh fracture was associated with larger hernias (median width: 20 cm [16-26] vs 15 cm [12-18], p < 0.001,), length (25 cm [23-30] vs 23 cm [19-26], p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: MW polypropylene mechanical failures are surprisingly common, particularly in settings of bridged fascial closure and larger hernias. Use of HW polypropylene should be considered in this setting, and industry should be encouraged to create larger pieces of HW polypropylene mesh.

Variation of ventral and incisional hernia repairs in kidney transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: As survivorship following kidney transplant continues to improve, so does the probability of intervening on common surgical conditions, such as ventral or incisional hernia, in this population. Ventral hernia management is known to vary across institutions and this variation has an impact on patient outcomes. We sought to evaluate hospital level variation of ventral or incisional hernia repair (VIHR) in the kidney transplant population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 100% inpatient Medicare claims to identify patients who underwent kidney transplant between 2007 and 2018. The primary outcome was 1- and 3-year ventral or incisional risk- and reliability-adjusted VIHR rates. Patient and hospital characteristics were evaluated across risk- and reliability-adjusted VIHR rate tertiles. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race, and Elixhauser comorbidities. RESULTS: Overall, 139,741 patients underwent kidney transplant during the study period with a mean age (SD) of 51.6 (13.7) years. 84,717 (60.6%) were male, and 72,657 (52.0%) were white. Median follow up time was 5.4 years. 2098 (1.50%) patients underwent VIHR. the 1 year risk- and reliability-adjusted hernia repair rates were 0.49% (95% Conf idence Interval (CI) 0.48-0.51, range 0.31-0.59) in tertile 1, 0.63% (95% CI 0.62-0.63, range 0.59-0.68) in tertile 2, and 0.98 (95% CI 0.91-1.05, range 0.68-2.94) in tertile 3. Accordingly, compared to hospitals in tertile 1, the odds of post-transplant hernia repair tertile 2 hospitals were 1.78 (95% CI 1.37-2.31) and at tertile 3 hospitals 3.53 (95% CI 2.87-4.33). CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of Medicare patients undergoing kidney transplant, the overall cumulative incidence of hernia repair varied substantially across hospital tertiles. Patient and hospital characteristics varied across tertile, most notably in diabetes and obesity. Future research is needed to understand if program and surgeon level factors are contributing to the observed variation in treatment of this common disease.

The incidence and impact of enterotomy during laparoscopic and robotic ventral hernia repair: a nationwide readmissions analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to define the national incidence of enterotomy (ENT) during minimally invasive ventral hernia repair (MIS-VHR) and evaluate impact on short-term outcomes. METHODS: The 2016-2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried using ICD-10 codes for MIS-VHR and enterotomy. All patients had 3-months follow-up. Patients were stratified by elective status; patients without ENT (No-ENT) were compared against ENT patients. RESULTS: In total, 30,025 patients underwent LVHR and ENT occurred in 388 (1.3%) patients; 19,188 (63.9%) cases were elective including 244 elective-ENT patients. Incidence was similar between elective versus non-elective cohorts (1.27% vs 1.33%; p = 0.674). Compared to laparoscopy, ENT was more common during robotic procedures (1.2% vs 1.7%; p = 0.004). Comparison of elective-No-ENT vs elective-ENT showed that elective-ENT patients had a longer median LOS (2 vs 5 days; p < 0.001), higher mean hospital cost ($51,656 vs $76,466; p < 0.001), increased rates of mortality (0.3% vs 2.9%; p < 0.001), and higher 3-month readmission (10.1% vs 13.9%; p = 0.048). Non-elective cohort comparison demonstrated non-elective-ENT patients had a longer median LOS (4 vs 7 days; p < 0.001), higher mean hospital cost ($58,379 vs $87,850; p < 0.001), increased rates of mortality (0.7% vs 2.1%;p < 0.001), and higher 3-month readmission (13.6% vs 22.2%; p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 95% CI), higher odds of enterotomy were associated with robotic-assisted procedures (1.386, 1.095-1.754; p = 0.007) and older age (1.014, 1.004-1.024; p = 0.006). Lower odds of ENT were associated with BMI > 25 kg/m2 (0.784, 0.624-0.984; p = 0.036) and metropolitan teaching vs metropolitan non-teaching (0.784, 0.622-0.987; p = 0.044). ENT patients (n = 388) were more likely to be readmitted with post-operative infection (1.9% vs 4.1%; p = 0.002) or bowel obstruction (1.0% vs 5.2%;p < 0.001) and more likely to undergo reoperation for intestinal adhesions (0.3% vs 1.0%; p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Inadvertent ENT occurred in 1.3% of MIS-VHRs, had similar rates between elective and urgent cases, but was more common for robotic procedures. ENT patients had a longer LOS, and increased cost and infection, readmission, re-operation and mortality rates.

Obesity Stratification Predicts Short-Term Complications After Parastomal Hernia Repair.

INTRODUCTION: While previous studies have documented adverse outcomes among obese patients undergoing ventral and inguinal hernia repairs, there is a lack of literature regarding the impact of obesity on parastomal hernia (PSH) repair. This retrospective study aims to determine the value of obesity stratification in predicting postoperative complications in patients undergoing PSH repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Outcomes of elective PSH repairs from 2010 to 2020 in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database were analyzed. Patient demographics, preoperative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were compared using bivariate analysis and multivariable regression models. RESULTS: A total of 2972 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariable regression found, compared to nonobese patients, patients of obesity class ≥ II were 1.37 times more likely to develop complications overall (P = 0.006) and 1.55 times more likely to develop wound complications (P < 0.001). This group also yielded a 1.60 times higher risk of developing superficial wound infection (P = 0.007) and a 1.63 times greater risk of developing postoperative sepsis (P = 0.044). Total length of stay was longer for patients of obesity class ≥ II but not for obesity class I when compared to patients with body mass index <30.0 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a body mass index ≥35.0 kg/m2 are more susceptible to an increased rate of complications after PSH repairs. The findings of this study will allow surgeons to stratify obese patients who would benefit from preoperative weight loss interventions prior to PSH repair and discuss associated risks with patients to facilitate informed consent.

Incidence and risk factors for parastomal hernia with a permanent colostomy.

AIM: This study aims to explore the incidence and risk factors for permanent colostomy complicated with a parastomal hernia (PSH) after rectal cancer resection. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of gastrointestinal surgery performed from January 2013 to December 2017 in patients with colorectal cancer treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. The relevant clinical variables of the patient were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier, univariate, and Cox multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the influencing factors and morbidity of PSH. RESULTS: Among the 211 patients, 65 developed PSH. The cumulative incidence reached 33.5% at 62 months. In the multivariate Cox survival analysis, the results showed that being a woman, aged ≥65 years, having a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 , diabetes, and Clavien-Dindo Grade III and IV complications were risk factors for the occurrence of PSH. CONCLUSION: In our study, the incidence of PSH increased annually and reached a maximum of 33.5% after 62 months. Among the patient-related factors, female sex, age ≥65 years, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 , diabetes, and postoperative Clavien-Dindo Grade III and IV complications were significantly associated with the development of PSH. Therefore, intervention measures to prevent patients with this risk factor are advisable.

Incidence and trends of decision regret following elective hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: One approach to evaluate decision-making is using the concept of decision regret, which measures patient remorse after a healthcare decision. This is particularly important for elective, preference-sensitive conditions with multiple treatment options, such as ventral and inguinal hernia repair. In this study, we assessed decision regret among patients who pursued surgical management of ventral and inguinal hernias. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a statewide registry of adult patients who underwent elective ventral and inguinal hernia repair between January 2017 and March 2020 and completed a validated survey measuring decision regret. 30-day outcomes included complications, emergency department (ED) utilization, readmission, and reoperation. Multivariable logistic regression examined the association of regret with age, sex, race, insurance status, ASA, tobacco use, diabetes, admission status, surgical approach (open vs. laparoscopic vs. robotic), year, and outcomes. RESULTS: 8315 patients underwent surgery during the study period with a mean age of 60.5 (14.7) years and 1812 (22%) female patients. Among 2159 patients who underwent ventral hernia repair, 248 (11%) reported regret to undergo surgery, 64 (3%) experienced a complication, 160 (7%) visited an ED, 86 (4%) were readmitted, and 29 (1%) underwent reoperation. Outcomes associated with regret after ventral hernia repair included complications (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.26-4.29) and readmission (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.51-4.71). Among 6,156 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair, 533 (9%) reported regret to undergo surgery, 41 (1%) experienced a complication, 304 (5%) visited an ED, 72 (1%) were readmitted, and 63 (1%) underwent reoperation. Outcomes associated with regret after inguinal hernia repair included ED visits (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.44-2.87) and readmission (OR 4.23, 95% CI 2.35-7.61). CONCLUSION: Roughly 1 in 10 patients undergoing hernia repair report regret with their decision to undergo surgery. Developing a better understanding of the factors associated with decision regret after hernia repair may better inform both patients and surgeon decision-making.

Length of stay and surgical site complications are not increased after elective incisional hernia in patients with a history of solid organ transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of ventral hernia development after solid organ transplantation has been reported to be up to 30%. We aim to determine the impact of previous solid organ transplant on post-operative length of stay (LOS) and surgical site complications in elective ventral hernia repairs. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC) was conducted to include all patients age 18 years or older who underwent elective incisional hernia repair. Those with and without a history of solid organ transplantation were compared. The primary outcome was in-hospital LOS. Secondary outcomes included 30-day surgical site infection (SSI) rate, 30-day surgical site occurrence requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI) rate, 30-day overall post-operative complications and recurrence. The association between transplant and the LOS was tested with a negative binomial regression model adjusted for the demographic characteristics, comorbidities and hernia characteristics in the model. RESULTS: The population analyzed included 13,452 (98.79%) patients without a history of organ transplantation and 165 (1.21%) patients who had a history of organ transplantation. After adjusting for age, hernia width, BMI, gender, race, insurance type, ASA class, hypertension, dyspnea, OR time > 2 h, abdominal wall SSI history, recurrent hernia, operative approach the median LOS was not significantly different between patients with a history of solid organ transplant [2.8 (2.6, 2.9) days] and those without [2.6 days (2.2, 3.1)] (p = 0.5). The proportion of SSI (2.4% vs 4.04%; p = 0.42), SSOPI (4.2% vs 5.8%; p = 0.38) and recurrence (0.6% vs 0.4%, p = 0.51) was similar between both groups. Other remaining 30-day post-operative were negligible in our sample. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in LOS or infection rates between patients with and without a history of solid organ transplantation despite known risks of immunosuppression and chronic steroid use. Therefore, although these patients have many classic risk factors for poor outcomes, the data suggest that their history of solid organ transplantation should not preclude them from surgery.

Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction with Biologic Mesh for Ventral Hernia Repair in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Ventral hernia is a common occurrence in patients undergoing solid organ transplant (SOT) and who require complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR). The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of CAWR in SOT patients in a tertiary center. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study in patients who underwent CAWR with biological mesh at our center from January 2016 to November 2021. As per the study protocol, all patients will be followed for 3 years. RESULTS: During the study period, we performed CAWR in 38 SOT patients. The mean age (Standard Deviation: SD) was 61 (9.5) years and the majority were males (68%). Mean body mass index (SD) was 30.3 (5.5) kg/m2 and hernia repair was performed electively in 33 patients. The majority (82%) of the hernias were less than class 2 with a median mesh size (interquartile range) of 600 (400-800) cm2. Seventy-nine percent of patients were liver transplant recipients and the mesh was placed sub-lay (retro-rectus) (82%); the most common technique was posterior component separation (82%). Five patients (13.2%) had surgical site infection and 4 (10.5%) had unplanned reoperations. None of the patients died postoperatively and the 30-day readmission rate was 21%. Three patients (7.9%) had recurrence during follow-up and all of them underwent reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR) using biologic mesh for solid organ transplant patients with ventral hernia is safe and has low recurrence when performed by a dedicated CAWR team.

Are laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repairs truly comparable?: A propensity-matched study in large ventral hernias.

BACKGROUND: The merits of laparoscopic (LVHR) and open preperitoneal ventral hernia repair (OPPVHR) have been debated for more than 2 decades. Our aim was to determine peri-operative and long-term outcomes in large hernias. METHODS: A prospective, institutional database at a tertiary hernia center was queried for patients undergoing LVHR and OPPVHR. One-to-one propensity score matching was performed for hernia defect size and follow-up. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty-two LVHR and OPPVHR patients were identified with defect sizes closely matched between laparoscopic (182.0 ± 110.0 cm2) and open repairs (178.3 ± 99.8 cm2), p = 0.64. LVHR and OPPVHR patients were comparable: mean age 57.2 ± 12.1 vs 56.6 ± 12.0 years (p = 0.52), BMI: 32.9 ± 6.6 vs 32.0 ± 7.4 kg/m2 (p = 0.16), diabetes 19.0% vs 19.7% (p = 0.87), and smoking history 8.7% vs 23.0% (p < 0.001), respectively. OPPVHR had higher number of recurrent hernias (14.2% vs 44.9%, p < 0.001), longer operative time (168.1 ± 64.3 vs 186.7 ± 67.7 min, p = 0.006), and more components separation (0% vs 20.3%, p < 0.001). Mean mesh size was larger (p < 0.001) in the open group (634.4 ± 243.4 cm2 vs 841.8 ± 277.6 cm2). The hernia recurrence rates were similar (10.8% vs 9.2%, p = 0.62), with average follow-up of 39.3 ± 32.5 vs 40.0 ± 35.0 months (p = 0.89). Length of stay was higher in the OVHR cohort (5.4 ± 3.0 vs 6.3 ± 3.6 days, p < 0.001), but 30-day readmission rates (4.0% vs 6.4%, p = 0.31) were similar. Overall wound infection rate (2.9% vs 8.4%, p = 0.03) was higher in the OPPVHR group, but the mesh infection rate was similar between LVHR (1.7%) and OPPVHR (0.6%) (p = 0.33). Postoperative pain (41.1% vs 41.4%, p = 0.95) and overall QOL based on the Carolinas Comfort Scale at 6 months (p = 0.73) and 5-years (p = 0.36) were similar. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic and open preperitoneal repair for large ventral hernias have equivalent hernia recurrence rates, postoperative pain, and QOL on long-term follow-up. Patients undergoing OPPVHR were more likely to be recurrent, complex, require components separation, and more likely to develop postoperative wound complications.

Abdominal Oblique Internal and External Muscles Gap Colostomy for Lower Incidence of Parastomal Hernia and Higher Quality of Life: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Parastomal hernia and fecal incontinence cause severe distress to the rectal cancer patients with stoma after abdominoperineal resection. We attempted a new colostomy technique through the gap between the abdominal oblique internal and external muscles to prevent parastomal hernia and improve quality of life. METHODS: This cohort study retrospectively examined clinical data from a total of 114 consecutive rectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection in our center from March 2016 to March 2018 after propensity score matching. Group A included 57 patients who underwent colostomy through the gap between the abdominal oblique internal and oblique external muscles, while group B included 57 patients who underwent extraperitoneal colostomy. Patients' quality of life was evaluated using Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) Scale. RESULTS: Group A had a lower incidence of parastomal hernia (0% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.004) and higher quality of life, especially in lifestyle, coping/behavior and embarrassment domains (all p values < 0.05) than group B both during the follow-up period. The incidence of other outcomes did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Colostomy through the gap between the abdominal oblique internal and oblique external muscle is a new technique showing both safety and effectiveness for preventing parastomal hernia and improving quality of life after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection.

Parastomal Hernia: A Retrospective Nationwide Cohort Study Comparing Different Techniques with Long-Term Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Parastomal hernia repair is a complex surgical procedure with high recurrence and complication rates. This retrospective nationwide cohort study presents the results of different parastomal hernia repair techniques in Finland. METHODS: All patients who underwent a primary end ostomy parastomal hernia repair in the nine participating hospitals during 2007-2017 were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes were complications and re-operation rate. RESULTS: In total, 235 primary elective parastomal hernia repairs were performed in five university hospitals and four central hospitals in Finland during 2007-2017. The major techniques used were the Sugarbaker (38.8%), keyhole (16.3%), and sandwich techniques (15.4%). In addition, a specific intra-abdominal keyhole technique with a funnel-shaped mesh was utilized in 8.3% of the techniques; other parastomal hernia repair techniques were used in 21.3% of the cases. The median follow-up time was 39.0 months (0-146, SD 35.3). The recurrence rates after the keyhole, Sugarbaker, sandwich, specific funnel-shaped mesh, and other techniques were 35.9%, 21.5%, 13.5%, 15%, and 35.3%, respectively. The overall re-operation rate was 20.4%, while complications occurred in 26.3% of patients. CONCLUSION: The recurrence rate after parastomal hernia repair is unacceptable in this nationwide cohort study. As PSH repair volumes are low, further multinational, randomized controlled trials and hernia registry data are needed to improve the results.

The role of radiological classification of parastomal hernia as a predictor of the need for surgical hernia repair: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Parastomal hernia (PSH) is a frequent complication of stoma creation during colorectal surgery. Radiological classification systems have been proposed for PSH but are primarily used for research. Our objective was to determine if PSH radiological classification at diagnosis could predict the need for surgical repair during follow-up. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed 705 postoperative CT scans from 154 patients with permanent stoma creation from 2015 to 2018. Patients were included for analysis if a primary PSH was diagnosed on any exam. PSH were classified according to the European Hernia Society (EHS) and Moreno-Matias (MM) classification systems. RESULTS: The incidence of radiological PSH was 41% (63/154) after a median radiological follow-up of 19.2 months (interquartile range, 10.9-32.9). Surgical repair was required in 17 of 62 patients with a primary PSH. There was no significant correlation between PSH classification and surgical hernia repair for either the EHS (p = 0.56) or MM classification systems (p = 0.35) in a univariate analysis. However, in a multivariate analysis, the type of PSH according to the EHS classification was significantly correlated with PSH repair during follow-up (p = 0.02). Type III PSH were associated with a lower incidence of surgical hernia repair as compared with type I, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.01 (95% CI, <0.00-0.20). A similar correlation was not seen using the MM classification (p = 0.10). CONCLUSION: EHS classification of PSH was significant correlated with the need for surgical repair during short-term follow-up. Prospective studies are required to establish a potential role in patient care.

Incisional hernia repair by synthetic mesh prosthesis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a comparative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high-life time risk undergoing abdominal surgery and are prone to develop incisional hernias (IH) in the postoperative course. Therefore, we investigated the role of IBD as perioperative risk factor in open ventral hernia repair (OVHR) as well as the impact of IBD on hernia recurrence during postoperative follow-up. METHODS: The postoperative course of 223 patients (Non-IBD (n = 199) and IBD (n = 34)) who underwent OVHR were compared by means of extensive group comparisons and binary logistic regressions. Hernia recurrence was investigated in the IBD group according to the Kaplan-Meier method and risk factors for recurrence determined by Cox regressions. RESULTS: General complications (≥ Clavien-Dindo I) occurred in 30.9% (72/233) and major complications (≥ Clavien-Dindo IIIb) in 7.7% (18/233) of the overall cohort with IBD being the single independent risk-factor for major complications (OR = 4.2, p = 0.007). Further, IBD patients displayed a recurrence rate of 26.5% (9/34) after a median follow-up of 36 months. Multivariable analysis revealed higher rates of recurrence in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC, 8/15, HR = 11.7) compared to patients with Crohn's disease (CD, 1/19, HR = 1.0, p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: IBD is a significant risk factor for major postoperative morbidity after OVHR. In addition, individuals with IBD show high rates of hernia recurrence over time with UC patients being more prone to recurrence than patients with CD.

Epidemiology of abdominal wall and groin hernia repairs in children.

PURPOSE: We sought to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and timing of surgery for elective and non-elective hernia repairs. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study, abstracting data on children < 18 years from the 2005-2014 DoD Military Health System Data Repository, which includes > 3 million dependents of U.S. Armed Services members. Our primary outcome was initial hernia repair (inguinal, umbilical, ventral, or femoral), stratified by elective versus non-elective repair and by age. We calculated prevalence, incidence rate, and time from diagnosis to repair. RESULTS: 19,398 children underwent hernia repair (12,220 inguinal, 5761 umbilical, 1373 ventral, 44 femoral). Prevalence of non-elective repairs ranged from 6% (umbilical) to 22% (ventral). Incidence rates of elective repairs ranged from 0.03 [95% CI: 0.02-0.04] (femoral) to 8.92 [95% CI: 8.76-9.09] (inguinal) per 10,000 person-years, while incidence rates of non-elective repairs ranged from 0.005 [95% CI: 0.002-0.01] (femoral) to 0.68 [95% CI: 0.64-0.73] (inguinal) per 10,000 person-years. Inguinal (median = 20, interquartile range [IQR] = 0-46 days), ventral (median = 23, IQR = 5-62 days), and femoral hernias (median = 0, IQR = 0-12 days) were repaired more promptly and with less variation than umbilical hernias (median = 66, IQR = 23-422 days). CONCLUSIONS: These data describe the burden of hernia repair in the U.S. The large variation in time between diagnosis and repair by hernia type identifies an important area of research to understand mechanisms underlying such heterogeneity and determine the ideal timing for repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognosis study II.

Risk Factors for Mortality in Patients with Ventral Hernia Admitted Emergently: An Analysis of 48,539 Adult Patients.

BACKGROUND: More than 400,000 cases of ventral hernia (VH) are repaired each year in the U.S. This condition is a major problem with significant morbidly and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate independent predictors of in-hospital mortality for patients with a primary diagnosis of VH who were admitted emergently. METHODS: Non-elderly adults (age 18-64 years) with ventral hernias that required emergency admission were analyzed using the National Inpatient Sample database, 2005-2014. Demographics, clinical data, and outcomes were collected. The relationships between mortality and predictors were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: Overall, 48,539 patients were identified. The mean (SD) age for both males and females was 50 (9.6). Overall mortality was low (316 or 0.7%). Males accounted for 35% of the total sample and 45% of all mortalities (p <0.001). The mean (SD) hospital length of stay (HLOS) was 4.9 (6.3) and 12.3 (20.6) days in surviving and deceased patients (p <0.001), respectively. Approximately 1.1% of surviving and 6% of deceased patients had gangrene (p <0.001). Intestinal obstruction was observed in 70% of surviving and 83% of deceased patients (p <0.001). While a vast majority of the patients (40,602) were operated on, 8,023 patients were not; 0.7% and 0.4% died, respectively. The mean (SD) HLOS was 5.30 (6.99) days in patients who underwent an operation and 2.97 (2.96) days in those who did not (P <0.0001). Time to operation was 0.81 (1.92) days in surviving and 1.34 (2.42) days in deceased patients (p <0.001). In the final multivariable regression model for patients who underwent an operation, age, male sex, presence of gangrene or obstruction, and longer time to operation were the main risk factors for mortality. For patients who did not undergo an operation, only HLOS and presence of obstruction were the main risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: Male sex, presence of gangrene or obstruction at the presentation, and delayed operation were shown to be risk factors for mortality in adult patients with ventral hernia admitted emergently.