Abdominal Wall Hernias: different types of classifications and complications / Hernias de la Pared abdominal: diferentes tipos de clasificaciones y complicaciones

Abdominal hernias are defects due to loss of continuity of the fasciae and/or muscles with the protrusion of abdominal structures. They are the third most prevalent and incident abdominal pathology worldwide and the second pathology of consultation in general surgery in patients of age limits. There are various factors that contribute to their formation, but within the scientific community there are various types of classifications, which differ according to the professional training school and their decision-making. This bibliographic review aims to expose the most used abdominal hernia classification systems such as the European one that has a morphological vision, the Ventral Hernia Working Group that proposes its aspect on recurrence together with the modified one that exposes comorbidity and the staging system of ventral hernia that provides a comprehensive approach to classification and management. In addition to the most common complications of the same.

Las hernias abdominales son defectos por pérdida de continuidad de las fascias y/o músculos con la protrusión de estructuras abdominales. Son la tercera patología abdominal más prevalente e incidente a nivel mundial y la segunda patología de consulta en cirugía general en pacientes en límites de edades. Existen diversos factores que contribuyen a su formación, pero dentro de la comunidad científica existe diversos tipos de clasificaciones, las cuales difieren de acuerdo a la escuela de formación de los profesionales y su toma de decisiones. La presente revisión bibliográfica pretende exponer los sistemas de clasificación de hernias abdominales más utilizados como la Europea que tiene una visión morfológica, el Grupo de Trabajo de Hernia Ventral que propone su aspecto sobre la recurrencia junto con el modificado que expone comorbilidad y el sistema de estadificación de hernia ventral que brinda un enfoque integral para clasificación y manejo. Además de las complicaciones más habituales de las mismas.

Management of lateral abdominal hernias.

PURPOSE: Lateral abdominal wall hernias are rare defects but, due to their location, repair is difficult, and recurrence is common. Few studies exist to support a standard protocol for repair of these lateral hernias. We hypothesized that anchoring our repair to fixed bony structures would reduce recurrence rates. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent lateral hernia repair at our institution was performed. RESULTS: Eight cases (seven flank and one thoracoabdominal) were reviewed. The median defect size was 105 cm2 (range 36-625 cm2). The median operative time was 185 min (range 133-282 min). There were no major complications. One patient who was repaired without mesh attachment to bony landmarks developed a recurrence at ten months and subsequently underwent reoperation. Patients with mesh secured to bony landmarks were recurrence free at a median follow-up of 171 days. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral hernias present a greater challenge due to their anatomic location. An open technique with mesh fixation to bony structures is a promising solution to this complex problem.

Abdominal wall hernia surgery in The Netherlands: a national survey.

PURPOSE: In The Netherlands, the quality of abdominal wall hernia surgery is largely unknown due to the lack of a hernia registry. This study was designed to assess the current state of abdominal wall hernia surgery in The Netherlands, to create a starting point for future evaluation of new quality measures. METHODS: Dutch hernia management indicators and recently proposed European Hernia Society (EHS) requirements for accredited/certified hernia centers were used. The number of Dutch hospitals that meet the four main EHS requirements (on volume, experience, use of a registry and quality control) was assessed by analyzing governmental information and the results of a survey amongst all 1.554 Dutch general surgeons. RESULTS: The survey was representative with 426 respondents (27%) from all 75 hospitals. Fifty-one percent of the hospitals had a median inguinal repair volume of more than 290 (14-1.238) per year. An open or laparo-endoscopic inguinal repair technique was not related to hospital volume. Experienced hernia surgeons, use of a registry and a structured quality control were reported to be present in, respectively, 97%, 39%, and 15% of the hospitals. Consensus in answers between the respondents per hospital was low (< 20%). Two hospitals (3%) met all four requirements for accreditation. CONCLUSION: This descriptive analysis demonstrates that hernia surgery in the Netherlands is performed in every hospital, by all types of surgeons, using many different techniques. If the suggested EHS requirements are used as a measuring rod, only 3% of the Dutch hospitals could be accredited as a hernia center.

Accuracy of co-morbidity data in patients undergoing abdominal wall hernia repair: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the baseline accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of routinely collected co-morbidity data in patients undergoing abdominal wall hernia repair. METHODS: All patients aged > 18 who underwent umbilical, para-umbilical, inguinal or incisional hernia repair between 1 January 2015 and 1 November 2016 were identified. All parts of the clinical notes were searched for co-morbidities by two authors independently. The following co-morbidities were considered: hypertension, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), hypercholesterolemia, obesity and smoking. The co-morbidities data from clinical notes were compared with corresponding data in hospital episode statistics (HES) database to calculate accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of HES codes for co-morbidities. To assess the agreement between clinical notes and HES data, we also calculated Cohen's Kappa index value as a more robust measure of agreement. RESULTS: Overall, 346 patients comprising 3460 co-morbidity codes were included in the study. The overall accuracy of HES codes for all co-morbidities was 77% (Kappa: 0.13). When calculated separately for each co-morbidity, the accuracy was 72% (Kappa: 0.113) for hypertension, 82% (Kappa: 0.232) for IHD, 85% (Kappa: 0.203) for diabetes, 86% (Kappa: 0.287) for asthma, 91% (Kappa: 0.339) for COPD, 92% (Kappa: 0.374) for CVD, 94% (Kappa: 0.424) for CKD, 74% (Kappa: 0.074) for hypercholesterolemia, 71% (Kappa: 0.66) for obesity and 24% (Kappa: 0.005) for smoking. The overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of HES codes were 9, 100, 100, and 77%, respectively. The results were consistent when individual co-morbidities were analyzed separately. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that HES co-morbidity codes in patients undergoing abdominal wall hernia repair are specific with good positive predictive value; however, they have substandard accuracy, sensitivity, and negative predictive value. The presence of a relatively large number of false negative or missed cases in HES database explains our findings. Better documentation of co-morbidities in admission clerking proforma may help to improve the quality of source documents for coders, which in turn may improve the accuracy of coding.

Un recorrido por la pared abdominal: evaluación de las hernias por tomografía computada multidetector / A tour of the abdominal wall: assessment of hernias by multidetector computed tomography

Si bien el diagnóstico de hernias de la pared abdominal es clínico y el estudio más indicado es la ecografía, en una gran cantidad de casos es difícil su evaluación o no se sospecha su presencia debido al biotipo del paciente, la ausencia de síntomas, la aparición de complicaciones o corresponde a algún tipo de hernia poco frecuente. Además, la debilidad de la pared abdominal generada por una cirugía predispone a la eventración de órganos, a veces poco habituales, como el hígado, la vejiga o el apéndice. La utilización de la tomografía computada multidetector (TCMD) brinda grandes ventajas cuando resulta dificultoso establecer el diagnóstico por otros métodos. También puede ser un hallazgo incidental a tener en cuenta por sus posibles complicaciones futuras. En el presente trabajo describimos los principales hallazgos por TCMD de las hernias y eventraciones de la pared abdominal (como la umbilical, epigástrica, hipogástrica, inguinal, de Spiegel, lumbar, obturatriz, intercostal e incisional) y su contenido.

Although the diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias is clinical, and the most appropriate study is ultrasound, in a lot of cases they are difficult to evaluate, or their presence is not suspected because of the biotype of the patient, the absence of symptoms, the presence of complications, or the appearance of rare hernias. Surgery weakness generated in the wall leads to organ hernia, sometimes unusual, as in the liver, bladder, or appendix. The use of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is a great advantage in these situations where the diagnosis can be difficult to determine with other methods. It also can be an incidental finding to consider eventual complications. In this paper, the main MDCT findings in abdominal wall hernias are described, including umbilical, epigastric, hypogastric, inguinal, Spiegel, lumbar, obturator, intercostal, and incisional, as well as their content.

[Incidence of abdominal wall hernias: the results of population study]. / Rasprostranennost' gryzh perednei bryushnoi stenki: rezul'taty populyatsionnogo issledovaniya.

AIM: to define the incidence of abdominal wall hernias among ethnically homogeneous population older than 10 years within single locality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-stage investigation of abdominal wall hernias incidence was performed in June-July 2015 in the Kryukovskoye rural settlement of the Borisovskiy district of the Belgorod region. Citizens were examined in FAPs or at home. Specially designed questionnaire was used for every person. Presence of hernia was confirmed by clinical signs or anamnestic data about previous abdominal wall repair. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: 783 (86.6%) persons were surveyed. There were 298 (38%) men and 485 (62%) women among them aged 10-90 years. Clinical signs or anamnestic data were revealed in 164 (20.9%) persons. Inguinal (n=80, 10.2%) and umbilical (n=65, 8.3%) hernias were predominant. Postoperative ventral hernia was diagnosed in 19 (2.4%) humans. CONCLUSION: Incidence of abdominal wall hernias was 20.9% in our study.

Internal Herniation After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: Pitfalls in Diagnosing and the Introduction of the AMSTERDAM Classification.

INTRODUCTION: Internal herniation (IH) probably is the most elusive complication of laparoscopic Roux- en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) surgery. This study provides a definition for IH, a diagnosing algorithm, and information on several factors influencing IH formation. METHOD: Baseline characteristics, laboratory findings, imaging studies, operative findings, and follow up data of 1583 patients that underwent LRYGB at our bariatric facility between 2007 and 2013 were recorded. Follow up varied between 3 and 76 months, and 85 % of the data was available for analysis at 12 months. Our surgical technique was standardized. Intermesenteric spaces were not closed until July 2012, where after they were closed. To facilitate comparison, IH cases were matched with controls. RESULTS: Forty patients (2.5 %) had an IH during re-laparoscopy. The modal clinical presentation is acute onset epigastric discomfort, often crampy/colicky in nature. Additional examinations included laboratory testing, abdominal X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and abdominal CT scanning. Patients who developed an IH lost a significantly higher percentage of their total body weight than their matched controls at every time point. IH incidence was higher in the non-closure group than the closure group. CONCLUSION: The large variation in reported IH incidence is due to the large variation in IH definition. To gain more uniformity in reporting IH prevalence, we propose the use of the AMSTERDAM classification. Post-LRYGB patients with acute onset crampy/colicky epigastric pain should undergo abdominal ultrasound to rule out gallbladder pathology and offered re-laparoscopy with a low threshold. IH incidence is highest among patients with rapid weight loss and non-closure of intermesenteric defects.

Guía práctica clínico quirúrgica para la atención individualizada al adulto mayor con enfermedad herniaria de la región inguinocrural / Clinical and Surgical Practical Guide for Individualized Care for the Elderly with Hernia Disease in Iguinocrural Region

Las hernias de la pared abdominal son afecciones muy frecuentes a las que debe enfrentarse el cirujano en el ejercicio cotidiano de su profesión y representan alrededor del 15 por ciento de las intervenciones que se realizan en el campo de la cirugía general en el adulto; representan un problema de salud por sus importantes implicaciones sociales y laborales. En Cuba, el aumento en la esperanza de vida de la población, enfrenta al cirujano, cada vez con más frecuencia, a pacientes de edad avanzada con hernias de la región inguinocrural, los que requieren, para su correcto tratamiento, de la evaluación de su estado fisiológico con sus particularidades y el reconocimiento de los cambios asociados al proceso de envejecimiento. La existencia de variabilidad de la práctica médica en el abordaje de esta enfermedad motivó a la revisión exhaustiva de la literatura y a la propuesta de una Guía Práctica que contribuya a unificar criterios y favorecer la actuación clínico - quirúrgica habitual en las acciones de salud de los cirujanos, quienes podrán brindar una atención homogénea y de calidad para este grupo de edad(AU)

The abdominal wall hernias are very common infections that must face the surgeon in the daily exercise of the profession and represent about 15% of the procedures performed in the field of general surgery in elderly, representing a health problem for their important social and labor implications. In Cuba, the increase in life expectancy of the population, so the surgeon often faces the increase of elderly patients with inguinocrural region hernias, requiring, for proper treatment, the evaluation of their physiological state, considering the changes associated with the aging process.The existence of variations in medical practice, dealing with this disease, motivated the authors to carry out a comprehensive review of the literature and proposed a practical guide to help in combining and promoting clinical performance by surgeons, who may provide a homogeneous and quality care for this age group(AU)

European Hernia Society classification of parastomal hernias.

PURPOSE: A classification of parastomal hernias (PH) is needed to compare different populations described in various trials and cohort studies, complete the previous inguinal and ventral hernia classifications of the European Hernia Society (EHS) and will be integrated into the EuraHS database (European Registry of Abdominal Wall Hernias). METHODS: Several members of the EHS board and invited experts gathered for 2 days to discuss the development of an EHS classification of PH. The discussions were based on a literature review and critical appraisal of existing classifications. RESULTS: The classification proposal is based on the PH defect size (small is ≤5 cm) and the presence of a concomitant incisional hernia (cIH). Four types were defined: Type I, small PH without cIH; Type II, small PH with cIH; Type III, large PH without cIH; and Type IV, large PH with cIH. In addition, the classification grid includes details about whether the hernia recurs after a previous PH repair or whether it is a primary PH. Clinical validation is needed in the future to assess if the classification allows us to differentiate the treatment strategy and if the classification impacts outcome in these different subgroups. CONCLUSION: A classification of PH divided into subgroups according to size and cIH was formulated with the aim of improving the ability to compare different studies and their results.

Criteria for definition of a complex abdominal wall hernia.

PURPOSE: A clear definition of "complex (abdominal wall) hernia" is missing, though the term is often used. Practically all "complex hernia" literature is retrospective and lacks proper description of the population. There is need for clarification and classification to improve patient care and allow comparison of different surgical approaches. The aim of this study was to reach consensus on criteria used to define a patient with "complex" hernia. METHODS: Three consensus meetings were convened by surgeons with expertise in complex abdominal wall hernias, aimed at laying down criteria that can be used to define "complex hernia" patients, and to divide patients in severity classes. To aid discussion, literature review was performed to identify hernia classification systems, and to find evidence for patient and hernia variables that influence treatment and/or prognosis. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on 22 patient and hernia variables for "complex" hernia criteria inclusion which were grouped under four categories: "Size and location", "Contamination/soft tissue condition", "Patient history/risk factors", and "Clinical scenario". These variables were further divided in three patient severity classes ('Minor', 'Moderate', and 'Major') to provide guidance for peri-operative planning and measures, the risk of a complicated post-operative course, and the extent of financial costs associated with treatment of these hernia patients. CONCLUSION: Common criteria that can be used in defining and describing "complex" (abdominal wall) hernia patients have been identified and divided under four categories and three severity classes. Next step would be to create and validate treatment algorithms to guide the choice of surgical technique including mesh type for the various complex hernias.

Técnica quirúrgica y resultados a corto plazo de la hernioplastía incisional intraperitoneal abierta / SurgicaI technique and short-term outcomes of open intraperitoneal incisional hernioplasty

Introduction: A review of current literature failed to find any detailed description on the surgical technique of open intraperitoneal mesh hernia repair. The aim of the present study was to describe the open surgical technique used at our institution to repair incisional hernias with intraperitoneal composite prosthesis, and the short-term outcomes including recurrence, complications and patient satisfaction with the procedure. Patients and Methods: A transversal, observational and descriptive report on open intraperitoneal hernioplasty was designed. Short-term outcomes were assessed at a transversal cut out point at a 12-month interview during the follow-up. The interview included a physical exam and a specific questionnaire inquiring over the patient's satisfaction with the procedure. Results: According to the inguinal ring location, most hernias originated between the xiphoid appendix and the umbilicus (64 percent). Mean surgical time was 2.6 hours. One or more complications presented in 11 patients (19 percent). One year after surgery there was not any recurrence. According to the patient' satisfaction questionnaire final score, 17 patients (29 percent) reported an excellent satisfaction with the procedure, 33 patients (57 percent) reported a very good satisfaction and 8 patients (14 percent) a good satisfaction. Conclusions: Intraperitoneal hernioplasty constitutes a secure option to repair incisional hernias. At short-term follow-up there were no recurrences.

Introducción: No se encuentra en la literatura ninguna descripción detallada de Ia técnica para instalación de prótesis intraperitoneales por vía abierta. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir la técnica que utilizamos en nuestra institución y Ios resultados a corto plazo de estas operaciones: recurrencia, complicaciones y satisfacción del usuario con el procedimiento. Pacientes y Método: El presente es un reporte transversal, observacional y descriptivo de la técnica de Ia hernioplastía intraperitoneal abierta y de los resultados iniciales de esta técnica tomando como punto de corte transversal el control de los 12 meses de seguimiento. El control incluyó una entrevista, examen físico y un cuestionario específico sobre satisfacción con el procedimiento. Resultados: De acuerdo a la localización del anillo herniario, la mayoría de las hernias se originaron entre la cicatriz umbilical y el apéndice xifoides (60,4 por ciento). El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue 2,6 horas. Se presentaron una o más complicaciones en 11 pacientes (19 por ciento). Un año después de la cirugía no se encontró ninguna recurrencia. De acuerdo a la puntuación final del cuestionario de satisfacción usuaria, 17 pacientes (29 por ciento) reportaron una satisfacción excelente con el procedimiento, 33 pacientes (57 por ciento) una satisfacción muy buena y 8 pacientes (14 por ciento) una satisfacción buena. Conclusiones: La hernioplastía intraperitoneal constituye una opción segura para la reparación de hernias incisionales. En el seguimiento a corto plazo no presenta recurrencias.

Complex abdominal wall hernias: a new classification system and approach to management based on review of 133 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: Plastic surgeons are increasingly involved in the repair of complex ventral hernias. Although this typically involves recurrent incisional hernias, operative strategies can be applied to most abdominal wall defects, including chronic wounds with or without exposed mesh, enterocutaneous fistulas, or hernias associated with significant pannus formation. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of a single institution/single surgeon experience of complex ventral hernia repair performed over a 5-year period. Patients were classified into different hernia types based on their characteristics and underwent hernia repair according to the presented algorithm. RESULTS: A total of 133 patients underwent a complex ventral hernia repair between January 2005 and September 2009. The separation of components technique was used in the majority of cases. Permanent or biologic mesh was added in select patients. Adjunctive procedures were performed as indicated. The majority of short-term (less than 1 year) recurrences occurred in patients expected to have impaired wound healing due to comorbid conditions. In these patients, the recurrence rate was reduced when autologous repair was reinforced with mesh. CONCLUSION: Autologous tissue is the preferred method for reconstruction of complex ventral hernias. In certain instances, such as contamination, use of an acellular dermal matrix mesh is added as a temporizing measure. A subset of patients who will be prone to recurrence remains. Long-term follow-up is needed to confirm reliable and reproducible results.

Classification of primary and incisional abdominal wall hernias.

PURPOSE: A classification for primary and incisional abdominal wall hernias is needed to allow comparison of publications and future studies on these hernias. It is important to know whether the populations described in different studies are comparable. METHODS: Several members of the EHS board and some invitees gathered for 2 days to discuss the development of an EHS classification for primary and incisional abdominal wall hernias. RESULTS: To distinguish primary and incisional abdominal wall hernias, a separate classification based on localisation and size as the major risk factors was proposed. Further data are needed to define the optimal size variable for classification of incisional hernias in order to distinguish subgroups with differences in outcome. CONCLUSIONS: A classification for primary abdominal wall hernias and a division into subgroups for incisional abdominal wall hernias, concerning the localisation of the hernia, was formulated.