Is mesh pore size in polypropylene meshes associated with the outcome in Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair: a registry-based analysis of 22,141 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Experimental data show that large-pored meshes reduce foreign body reaction, inflammation and scar bridging and thus improve mesh integration. However, clinical data on the effect of mesh porosity on the outcome of hernioplasty are limited. This study investigated the relation of pore size in polypropylene meshes to the outcome of Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty using data from the Herniamed registry. METHODS: This analysis of data from the Herniamed registry evaluated perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcomes in patients undergoing elective, primary, unilateral Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair using polypropylene meshes. Patients operated with a non-polypropylene mesh or a polypropylene mesh with absorbable components were excluded. Polypropylene meshes with a pore size of 1.0 × 1.0 mm or less were defined as small-pored meshes, while a pore size of more than 1.0 × 1.0 mm was considered large-pored. Unadjusted analyses and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate the relation of pore size of polypropylene meshes, patient and surgical characteristics to the outcome parameters. RESULTS: Data from 22,141 patients were analyzed, of which 6853 (31%) were operated on with a small-pore polypropylene mesh and 15,288 (69%) with a large-pore polypropylene mesh. No association of mesh pore size with intraoperative, general or postoperative complications, recurrence rate or pain requiring treatment was found at 1-year follow-up. A lower risk of complication-related reoperation tended to be associated with small-pore size (p = 0.086). Furthermore, small-pore mesh repair was associated with a lower risk of pain at rest and pain on exertion at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: The present study could not demonstrate an advantage of large-pore polypropylene meshes for the outcome of Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty.

Laparoscopic total (Nissen) versus posterior (Toupet) fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a propensity score-matched comparison of the perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcome.

INTRODUCTION: The debate continues as to whether laparoscopic total Nissen (LNF) versus partial posterior Toupet fundoplication (LTF) leads to better outcomes in the surgical treatment of axial hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease. In the most recent meta-analysis including 13 RCTs with 1564 patients, no significant difference was found between the two procedures in terms of perioperative complications and recurrent reflux rates. Further comparative analyses are urgently needed. METHODS: This retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded data from the Herniamed Registry compared the perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcomes after total Nissen versus partial Toupet fundoplication. Propensity score matching was chosen as the statistical method. Matching was performed for n = 2290 pairs. RESULTS: No systematic discrepancy was found between the Nissen and Toupet fundoplication for any of the outcome parameters (intraoperative complications LNF 2.10% vs LTF 1.48%, general complications 2.27% vs 2.88%, postoperative complications 1.44% vs 1.18%, complication-related reoperation 1.00% vs 0.91%, recurrence on 1-year follow-up 6.55% vs 5.33%, pain on exertion on 1-year follow-up 12.49% vs 9.52%, pain at rest on 1-year follow-up 10.44 vs 9.52% and pain requiring treatment on 1-year follow-up 9.61% vs 8.17%). Also the postoperative dysphagia rate showed with 5.34% after LNF and with 4.64% after LTF no significant difference. CONCLUSION: The findings presented here did not show any significant difference up to 1 year after Nissen or Toupet fundoplication. This is in concordance with the findings of the meta-analyses. However, the perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcomes demonstrate that both operation techniques should be carried out by experienced surgeons.

Open transversus abdominis release in incisional hernia repair: technical limits and solutions.

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernias with a defect width of more than10 cm are considered complex. The European Hernia Society guidelines recommend that such hernias should only be repaired by surgeons with experience of component separation. The standard component separation technique now is posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release (PCSTAR). Questions are raised about the limits of this technique. METHODS: A literature search of publications on PCSTAR was performed for any references to the limits of this technique in open incisional hernia repair. We found 26 publications relevant to answer this research questions. RESULTS: The standard PCSTAR can generally be used for a defect width of up to 15-17 cm. For defects greater than 17 cm problems must be expected with procedural tasks involving closure of the posterior layer and anterior fascia. No data are available in the literature on the bridging rate for the posterior layer. However, our own experiences show that gaps (holes) occur in the very thin peritoneum/fascia transversalis during dissection and these must be carefully closed. Furthermore, bridging with an absorbable synthetic mesh is needed not so rarely. Closure of the anterior fascia is successful in 81.0-97.2% of cases. In addition to a further mesh for anterior fascial closure, the hernia sac bound with multiple, accordion-like stitches can also be used. For a defect width greater than 17 cm, the limits of PCSTAR become increasingly evident and can be overcome through special technical solutions for closure of the posterior layer and the anterior fascia.

Incisional hernia repair following pancreatic surgery-open vs laparoscopic approach.

INTRODUCTION: For pancreatic procedures, transverse and midline or combined approaches are used. Having an increased morbidity after pancreatic surgery, these patients have an increased risk of developing an incisional hernia. In the following, we will analyze how the results of incisional hernia surgery after pancreatic surgery are presented in the Herniamed Registry. METHODS: Hospitals and surgeons from Germany, Austria and Switzerland can voluntarily enter all routinely performed hernia operations prospectively into the Herniamed Registry. All patients sign a special informed consent declaration that they agree to the documentation of their treatment in the Herniamed Registry. Perioperative complications (intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, complication-related reoperations and general complications) are recorded up to 30 days after surgery. After 1, 5, and 10 years, patients and primary care physicians are contacted and asked about any pain at rest, pain on exertion, chronic pain requiring treatment or recurrence. This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data compares the outcomes of minimally invasive vs open techniques in incisional hernia repair after pancreatic surgery. RESULTS: Relative to the total number of all incisional hernia patients in the Herniamed Registry, the proportion after pancreatic surgery with 1-year follow-up was 0.64% (n = 461) patients. 95% of previous pancreatic surgeries were open. Minimally invasive incisional hernia repair was performed in 17.1% and open repair in 82.9% of cases. 23.2% of the defects were larger than 10 cm and 32.8% were located laterally or were a combination of lateral and medial defects. Among the few differences between the collectives, a significantly higher rate of defect closure (58.1% vs 25.3%; p < 0.001) and drainage (72.8% vs 13.9%; p < 0.001) was found in the open repairs, and larger meshes were seen in the minimally invasive procedures (340.6 cm2 vs 259.6 cm2; p < 0.001). No difference deemed a risk factor for chronic postoperative pain was seen in the rate of preoperative pain between the open and minimally invasive procedures (Appendix Table 4) No significant differences were found in either the perioperative complications or at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Incisional hernias after complex pancreatic surgery can be repaired safely and with a low recurrence rate in both open and minimally invasive techniques.

Laparoscopic transversus abdominis release for complex ventral hernia repair: technique and initial findings.

PURPOSE: The open Rives-Stoppa retrorectus and transversus abdominis release (TAR) techniques are well established in open ventral and incisional hernia repair. The principles are currently being translated into minimally invasive surgery with different concepts. In this study, we investigate our initial results of transperitoneal laparoscopic TAR for ventral incisional hernia repair (laparoscopic TAR). METHODS: Over a 20-month period, 23 consecutive patients with incisional hernias underwent surgery. Laparoscopic TAR was performed transperitoneally with adhesiolysis from the anterior abdominal wall, development of the retrorectus space and TAR, midline reconstruction and extraperitoneal mesh reinforcement. RESULTS: There were 23 incisional hernias, of which 70% were M2-M4 and 60% were W3. Median patient age was 68 years and the median BMI was 31. Median operating time was 313 min, and hospital stay was 4 days. Morbidity was 26% (Clavien-Dindo 1: n = 4 and 2 + 3b: n = 2). CONCLUSION: With the laparoscopic TAR, it was possible to treat a series of patients with ventral incisional hernias. The operating times were long. However, with a low rate of perioperative complications the hospital stay was short As feasibility is demonstrated, the clinical relevance of the method has to be further evaluated.

Gender differences in epigastric hernia repair: a propensity score matching analysis of 15,925 patients from the Herniamed registry.

INTRODUCTION: In recent surgical literature, gender-specific differences in the outcome of hernia surgery has been analyzed. We already know that female patients are at higher risk to develop chronic postoperative pain after inguinal, incisional, and umbilical hernia surgery. In this study, we evaluated the impact of gender on the outcome after epigastric hernia surgery. METHODS: A covariable-adjusted matched-paired analysis with data derived from the Herniamed registry was performed. In total of 15,925 patients with 1-year follow-up data were included in the study. Propensity score matching was performed for the 7786 female (48.9%) and 8139 male (51.1%) patients, creating 6350 pairs (81.6%). RESULTS: Matched-paired analysis revealed a significant disadvantage for female patients for pain on exertion (12.1% vs. 7.6%; p < 0.001) compared to male patients. The same effect was demonstrated for pain at rest (6.2% in female patients vs. 4.1% in male patients; p < 0.001) and pain requiring treatment (4.6% in female patients vs. 3.1% in male patients; p < 0.001). All other outcome parameters showed no significant differences between female and male patients. CONCLUSIONS: Female patients are at a higher risk for chronic pain after elective epigastric hernia repairs compared to the male patient population. These results complete findings of previous studies showing the same effect in inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernia repair.

What are the influencing factors on the outcome in lateral incisional hernia repair? A registry-based multivariable analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernias following lateral abdominal wall incisions with an incidence of 1-4% are less common than following medial incisions at 14-19%. The proportion of lateral incisional hernias in the total collective of all incisional hernias is around 17%. Compared to midline defects, lateral incisional hernias are more difficult to repair because of the more complex anatomy and localization. A recent systematic review identified only 11 publications with a total of 345 patients reporting on lateral incisional hernia repair. Therefore, further studies are urgently needed. METHODS: Multivariable analysis of the data available for 6,306 patients with primary elective lateral incisional hernia repair was performed to assess the confirmatory pre-defined potential influence factors and their association with the perioperative and one-year follow-up outcomes. RESULTS: In primary elective lateral incisional hernia repair, open onlay, open IPOM and suture procedures were found to have an unfavorable effect on the recurrence rate. This was also true for larger defect sizes and higher BMI. A particularly unfavorable relationship was identified between larger defect sizes and perioperative complications. Laparoscopic-IPOM presented a higher risk of intraoperative, and open sublay of postoperative, complications. The chronic pain rates were especially unfavorably influenced by the postoperative complications, preoperative pain and female gender. CONCLUSION: Open-onlay, open IPOM and suture procedures, larger defect sizes, female gender, higher BMI, preoperative pain and postoperative complications are associated with unfavorable outcomes following primary elective lateral incisional hernia repair.

Outcome of inguinal hernia repair after previous radical prostatectomy: a registry-based analysis with 12,465 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Following radical prostatectomy, the rate of inguinal hernias is fourfold higher compared to controls. Laparo-endoscopic repair after previous radical prostatectomy is considered complex. Therefore, the guidelines recommend open Lichtenstein repair. To date, there are limited data on inguinal hernia repair after prior prostatectomy. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis from the Herniamed Registry, the outcomes of 255,182 primary elective unilateral inguinal hernia repairs were compared with those of 12,465 patients with previous radical prostatectomy in relation to the surgical technique. Furthermore, the outcomes of laparo-endoscopic versus open Lichtenstein repair techniques in the 12,465 patients after previous radical prostatectomy were directly compared. RESULTS: Comparison of the perioperative complication rates for primary elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair with and without previous radical prostatectomy demonstrated for the laparo-endoscopic techniques significantly higher intraoperative complications (2.1% vs 0.9%; p < 0.001), postoperative complications (3.2% vs 1.9%; p < 0.001) and complication-related reoperations (1.1% vs 0.7%; p = 0.0442) to the disadvantage of previous prostatectomy. No significant differences were identified for Lichtenstein repair. Direct comparison of the laparo-endoscopic with the open Lichtenstein technique for inguinal hernia repair after previous radical prostatectomy revealed significantly more intraoperative complications for TEP and TAPP (2.1% vs 0.6%; p < 0.001), but more postoperative complications (4.8% vs 3.2%; p < 0.001) and complication-related reoperations (1.8% vs 1.1%; p = 0.003) for open Lichtenstein repair. CONCLUSION: Since there are no clear advantages for the laparo-endoscopic vs the open Lichtenstein technique in inguinal hernia repair after previous radical prostatectomy, the surgeon can opt for one or the other technique in accordance with their experience.

[DeRAS I-German situation of robotic-assisted surgery-an online survey]. / DeRAS I ­ deutsche Situation der robotisch assistierten Chirurgie ­ eine Online-Survey-Studie.

BACKGROUND: Robotic assistance has become established in surgery but is not yet a standard procedure. The current status of clinical dissemination in Germany remains unclear. Industry independent sources are scarce. AIM OF THE WORK: The aim of this survey was to investigate the current status of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) across specialties in Germany from 2014 to 2018. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An internet search was used to identify hospitals and departments (DP) with access to RAS. The DPs were asked to share their data from 2014-2018. In addition to clinical data, data on utilization, implementation, training, and funding were requested. RESULTS: As of 31 December 2018 RAS was offered at 121 hospitals in Germany, 383 DPs with access to RAS were identified and 26% (n = 98) of DPs responded. On average each DP had two consultant surgeons, 10% of DPs had more than one RAS system and 100% of the RAS systems recorded were from Intuitive Surgical Inc., CA, USA. RAS was implemented in 65% in urology and in 12% in visceral surgery (VS). 21% of programs were interdisciplinary and 4% multidisciplinary (> 3). 83% of systems were purchased and 17% otherwise funded. For additional operating room costs, 74% of hospitals reported paying for them themselves. 14% chose pay as you go. Since 2014, procedures increased by a factor of 4 to approximately 8000. The proportion of VS increased by a factor of 5 since 2016. CONCLUSION: RAS in Germany experienced strong growth through 2018. The range of procedures is similar to that of laparoscopy. With a current lack of reimbursement for the additional technical effort, RAS is predominantly used in the medium and high complexity range. The online survey is a good method to collect independent data without high administrative effort.

What is the outcome of the open IPOM versus sublay technique in the treatment of larger incisional hernias?: A propensity score-matched comparison of 9091 patients from the Herniamed Registry.

INTRODUCTION: In an Expert Consensus guided by systematic review, the panel agreed that for open elective incisional hernia repair, sublay mesh location is preferred, but open intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) may be useful in certain settings. This analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry aimed to compare the outcomes of open IPOM and sublay technique. METHODS: Propensity score matching of 9091 patients with elective incisional hernia repair and with defect width ≥ 4 cm was performed. The following matching variables were selected: age, gender, risk factors, ASA score, preoperative pain, defect size, and defect localization. RESULTS: For the 1977 patients with open IPOM repair and 7114 patients with sublay repair, n = 1938 (98%) pairs were formed. No differences were seen between the two groups with regard to the intraoperative, postoperative and general complications, complication-related reoperations and recurrences. But significant disadvantages were identified for the open IPOM repair in respect of pain on exertion (17.1% vs. 13.7%; p = 0.007), pain at rest (10.4% vs. 8.3%; p = 0.040) and chronic pain requiring treatment (8.8% vs. 5.8%; p < 0.001), in addition to rates of 3.8%, 1.1% and 1.1%, respectively, occurring in both matched patients. No relationship with tacker mesh fixation was identified. There are only very few reports in the literature with comparable findings. CONCLUSION: Compared with sublay repair, open IPOM repair appears to pose a higher risk of chronic pain. This finding concords with the Expert Consensus recommending that incisional hernia should preferably be repaired using the sublay technique.

What is the outcome of re-recurrent vs recurrent inguinal hernia repairs? An analysis of 16,206 patients from the Herniamed Registry.

INTRODUCTION: The proportion of recurrent repairs in the total collective of inguinal hernia repairs among men is 11.3-14.3% and among women 7.0-7.4%. The rate of re-recurrences is reported to be 2.9-9.2%. To date, no case series has been published on second and ≥ third recurrences and their treatment outcomes. Only case reports are available. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry the perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcomes of 16,206 distinct patients who had undergone first recurrent (n = 14,172; 87.4%), second recurrent (n = 1,583; 9.8%) or ≥ third recurrent (n = 451; 2.8%) inguinal hernia repair between September 1, 2009 and July 1, 2017 were compared. RESULTS: The intraoperative complication rate for all recurrent repairs was between 1-2%. In the postoperative complications a continuous increase was observed (first recurrence: 3.97% vs second recurrence: 5.75% vs ≥ third recurrence 8.65%; p < 0.001). That applied equally to the complication-related reoperation rates (first recurrence: 1.50% vs second recurrence: 2.21% vs ≥ third recurrence 2.66; p = 0.020). Likewise, the re-recurrence rate rose significantly (first recurrence: 1.95% vs second recurrence: 2.72% vs ≥ third recurrence 3.77; p = 0.005). Similarly, the rate of pain requiring treatment rose highly significantly with an increasing number of recurrences (first recurrence: 5.21% vs second recurrence: 6.70% vs ≥ third recurrence 10.86; p = < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The repair of re-recurrences in inguinal hernia is associated with increasingly more unfavorable outcomes. For the first recurrence the guidelines should definitely be noted. For a second and ≥ third recurrence diagnostic laparoscopy may help to select the best possible surgical technique.

The rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy is independent of the pancreatic stump closure technique - A retrospective analysis of 284 cases.

BACKGROUND: Many techniques have been developed to prevent postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy, but POPF rates remain high. The aim of our study was to analyze POPF occurrence after closure of the pancreatic remnant by different operative techniques. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2017, 284 patients underwent distal pancreatectomy in our institution. For subgroup analysis the patients were divided into hand-sewn (n = 201) and stapler closure (n = 52) groups. The hand-sewn closure was performed in three different ways (fishmouth-technique, n = 27; interrupted transpancreatic U-suture technique, n = 77; common interrupted suture, n = 97). All other techniques were summarized in a separate group (n = 31). Results were gained by analysis of our prospective pancreatic database. RESULTS: The median age was 63 (range 23-88) years. 74 of 284 patients (26%) were operated with spleen preservation (similar rates in subgroups). ASA-classes, median BMI as well as frequencies of malignant diseases, chronic pancreatitis, alcohol and nicotine abuse were also comparable in the subgroups. Neither the rates of overall POPF (fishmouth-technique 30%, common interrupted suture 40%, stapler closure 33% and interrupted U-suture 38%) nor the rates of POPF grades B and C showed significant differences in the subgroups. However is shown to be associated with pancreatic function and parenchymal texture. CONCLUSION: In our experience the technique of pancreatic stump closure after distal resection did not influence postoperative pancreatic fistula rate. As a consequence patient specific reasons rather than surgical techniques may be responsible for POPF formation after distal pancreatectomy.

[Relevance of MRSA on a Visceral Surgical Intensive Care Unit]. / Relevanz von MRSA auf einer viszeralchirurgischen Intensivstation.

Background: Resistance to antibiotics is a worldwide increasing problem. A well-known example is methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA. What is the relevance of MRSA on a surgical ICU? Patients/Material and Methods: On a 20 bed academic SICU/intermediate care ward 14,976 patients were treated in a seven-year period. We identified only 98 MRSA-positive patients. 56 (57 %) of them were merely colonised, 42 (43 %) suffered from an MRSA infection. A control group comprised 56 similar patients without MRSA detection. Results: Patients with MRSA infection had a higher mortality rate (OR 4.18; p = 0.002), but only 4 out of 20 patients died due to the MRSA infection. APACHE 2 score of more than 20 was predictive for being colonised with MRSA (OR 3.08; p = 0.04), but it was not a risk factor for developing an MRSA infection (OR 1.03; p = 0.95). Patients with MRSA colonisation did not have a higher mortality rate than patients without. Conclusion: Outcome depended on severity of the disease, but not on the MRSA colonisation status. Patients with MRSA infection were more likely to die, but the reason of death rarely was MRSA.

[Symptoms, Diagnostics, Treatment and Classification of 22 Patients with Postpancreatectomy Haemorrhage (PPH) in a Series of 400 Consecutive Pancreatic Head Resections and Pancreatectomies]. / Symptomatik, Diagnostik, Therapie und Klassifikation von 22 Patienten mit Postpankreatektomie-Hämorrhagien (PPH) in einer Serie von 400 konsekutiven Pankreaskopfresektionen und Pankreatektomien.

Introduction: Postpancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH) is a dangerous complication after pancreatic resection. Patients and Methods: From 2006 to 2015, 400 consecutive pancreatic head resections and pancreatectomies were performed and prospectively documented. This study analysed incidence, treatment and outcome of patients with PPH. Results: Incidence of PPH was 5.5 % (n = 22). PPH occurred in a median of eight days after pancreatic surgery with an equal frequency of symptoms being caused by gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 11) and abdominal bleeding (n = 11). Postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) were significantly more frequent in case of PPH (45 % POPF in case of PPH vs. 20 % POPF in case of no PPH, p < 0.01). PPH was more frequent after pancreatogastrostomy (8/70; 11 %) than after pancreatojejunostomy (11/281; 4 %; p = 0.01). The majority of bleedings after pancreatogastrostomy came from the intragastric cut surface of the pancreas. During the first week, relaparotomy was significantly more frequent (n = 5; 56 %) than in late PPH (n = 1; 8 %; p = 0.01). In late PPH, interventions (angiography; n = 7, endoscopy; n = 4) were more frequent. In 16 severe cases, surgical/interventional bleeding control (n = 12) or relevant transfusions of more than 3 units of packed red blood cells (n = 4) were performed. Compared with the whole group, mortality was significantly increased in case of PPH (13.6 % in case of PPH vs. 3.7 % in case of no PPH; p = 0.03). Conclusion: PPH is an episodic and potentially life-threatening complication with an increased mortality rate, which is frequently associated with impaired healing of the pancreatic anastomosis. Diagnostic investigation and treatment of PPH requires an experienced surgical centre with a close cooperation with endoscopy and (interventional) radiology.

[Impact of Age and Comorbidity on Perioperative Mortality after 250 Pancreatic Head Resections]. / Einfluss des Lebensalters und der Begleiterkrankungen auf die perioperative Mortalität nach 250 Pankreaskopfresektionen.

INTRODUCTION: In line with the current demographic development, elderly patients make up an increasing proportion of surgical patients. It is still unclear under which conditions pancreatic surgery can be performed with low mortality in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2009 to 2014, 250 consecutive pancreatoduodenectomies (PDs) were performed in a non-university hospital. Perioperative data were documented prospectively. Based on median patient age (< 70 years vs. ≥ 70 years), a retrospective analysis of perioperative morbidity and mortality was performed. In addition, subgroup analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Older patients had a significantly higher frequency of cardiovascular comorbidities (p = 0.04), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.01), impaired renal function (p = 0.01) and a higher ASA classification (p < 0.01). Also, surgical procedures due to malignancy were significantly more common in this group (p < 0.01). Morbidity was equally high in both groups (< 70 years: 57 % vs. ≥ 70 years: 65 %; p = 0.02). Mortality was significantly higher in patients over 70 years of age (< 70 years: 1.4 % vs. ≥ 70 years: 9.1 %; p < 0.01). In a multivariate analysis, only liver cirrhosis (p < 0.01) and age (≥ 70 years; p = 0.04) were independent risk factors for postoperative mortality. However, it was also demonstrated that, under certain conditions, even much older patients (≥ 80 years; n = 34) may be subjected to surgery with a low mortality (3 %). DISCUSSION: In elderly patients, PD is more frequently indicated in cases of malignancy. All in all, perioperative mortality in patients over 70 years of age is significantly elevated. Under certain conditions, however, even much older patients may safely undergo pancreatic surgery.

[Computed Tomography-Based Planimetry of the Pancreatic Transection Line in Risk Evaluation for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula after Pancreatic Head Resection]. / Orthograde Planimetrie der Pankreasschnittfläche anhand der präoperativen Computertomografie zur Risikoeinschätzung einer postoperativen Pankreasfistel nach Pankreaskopfresektion.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula is a relevant complication after pancreatoduodenectomy. Therefore, preoperative detection of high risk patients may be important. We evaluated preoperative CT-imaging by planimetry at the expected resection plane along the superior mesenteric vein and correlated the results with the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2009 to 2013, 123 patients with pancreatoduodenectomy underwent homogenous preoperative imaging and reconstruction of the pancreatojejunostomy. Planimetry was performed at a multiplanar reconstruction of the pancreatic transection plane (diameter, range, duct width, area) as well as the calculation of ratios (duct width/pancreatic diameter; D/P-ratio). The measured values were correlated with the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula. RESULTS: Planimetry showed a significant difference of the pancreatic transection plane in relation to the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula. A thick parenchyma and a tiny duct are significant risk factors. In 84 % or, respectively, 94 % of the patients with postoperative pancreatic fistula, a duct width of less than 20 % of the pancreatic diameter was observed (D/P ratio < 0.2; p < 0.01). The D/P ratio was the only independent risk factor in multivariate analysis. DISCUSSION: The incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula correlates significantly with the morphology of the pancreatic transection plane. The risk increases significantly with a D/P ratio of < 0.2.

[Pancreatojejunostomy in pancreatic head resection using a resorbable monofilament for internal drainage of the anastomosis - clinical experience and perioperative results]. / Pankreatojejunostomie bei der Pankreaskopfresektion unter Verwendung eines resorbierbaren monofilen Fadens zur inneren Schienung der Anastomose - klinische Erfahrungen und perioperative Ergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic fistulas are relevant in perioperative outcome, morbidity and mortality after pancreatic head resection. We analysed the potential benefit of an internal pancreatic duct draining technique by a resorbable monofilament suture if performing a two-layer duct-to-mucosa pancreatojejunostomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2006 to 2010, 139 pancreatic head resections were performed in our department (124 pylorus-preserving, 15 Whipple). Indications for surgery were malignancies (n = 97), chronic pancreatitis (n = 24) or others (n = 18). In 64 cases, internal drainage of the pancreatic anastomosis was performed as described. Perioperative results were evaluated by the ISGPF classification (International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula, type A-C) and Accordion classification (degree 1-6). RESULTS: Pancreatic anastomosis was performed in 99 cases as pancreatojejunostomy and in 41 cases as pancreatogastrostomy. Morbidity (Accordion 1-6) was 48 %, and mortality was 5.8 %. Pancreatic fistulas (A-C) occurred in 27 (19.4 %) cases. Only one patient died as a direct consequence of a pancreatic fistula (type C fistula after pylorus-preserving pancreatic head resection and pancreatogastrostomy). In the subgroup of patients with a two-layer duct-to-mucosa pancreatojejunostomy with internal pancreatic duct drainage by a resorbable monofilament suture (n = 64), a pancreatic fistula occurred in 20.3 % (n = 13). According to the ISGPF classification, they were type A (n = 10), type B (n = 2) and type C fistulas (n = 1). In this subgroup with pancreatic duct drainage, morbidity (Accordion 1-6) was 55 % (n = 35) and mortality (Accordion 6) was 6.2 % (n = 4). Complications due to the pancreatic duct drainage were not observed. CONCLUSION: Internal drainage of the duct-to-mucosa pancreatojejunostomy using monofilament suture material is a safe and feasible method. Pancreatic fistula occurred in 20 % both in the entire group as well as in subgroups with or without pancreatic duct drainage. A reduction of the rate of pancreatic fistula could not be achieved by internal drainage of the pancreatojejunostomy.

[Repair of bilateral inguinal hernias--sequential or simultaneous?]. / Operation der beidseitigen Leistenhernie--Sequenziell oder simultan?

INTRODUCTION: Surgery of inguinal hernia has changed dramatically with the introduction of tension-free hernia repair. There is still some controversy regarding the treatment of bilateral inguinal hernia, but simultaneous operation has gained popularity. The purpose of the present paper is to evaluate recent publications regarding treatment of bilateral inguinal hernia. METHODS: For this article, the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews", "BMJ Clinical Evidence", "Pubmed" and "Embase" were searched using the search terms "simultaneous", "bilateral", "inguinal" and "hernia". Number of patients, recurrence rate, complications, study type and authors' conclusions were evaluated. Analysis of the literature showed relevant results in two reviews of the "Cochrane Database", 4 items in "BMJ Clinical Evidence" and 17 clinical studies. RESULTS: No study showed a difference between recurrence and complication rate (simultaneous bilateral vs. unilateral repair). Recurrence rates were from 0.3 to 19 % (bilateral) and from 0.7 to 15 % (unilateral). Complications were defined heterogeneously and were in a range from 2.5 to 26.7 % (bilateral) and from 3 to 21 % (unilateral). All operative procedures (open suture: Shouldice; open mesh: Lichtenstein, Stoppa; laparoscopic techniques: TAPP / TEP) are adequate for the repair of bilateral hernia. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous operation of bilateral hernia is safe and effective. Postoperative pain and length of reconvalescence are comparable to those of the unilateral operation. Only symptomatic bilateral groin hernias should be operated. If no difficulties such as obesity and giant hernia are expected, bilateral hernias should be repaired simultaneously. The choice of the operative method should be made in accordance to the centre's standard procedure. A special operation for bilateral hernias is neither necessary nor justified.

[The non-healing wound]. / Diabetischer Fuss, ischämisches Ulkus, Druckgeschwür. So bringen Sie chronische Wunden zum Verschluss.

The most common chronic wounds are pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, arterial occlusive disease and venous ulcers. The therapeutic aim after appropriate diagnostic work-up is causal treatment. Pressure relief, revascularisation or compression head the list of potential measures. Apart from local factors such as infection or necrosis, systemic factors such as patient compliance, renal insufficiency and immunosuppression are of relevance. If there is a chance of healing, wound management comprises repeated debridement and wet dressings. In the presence of an infection, local antiseptic treatment is indicated. In the individual case, wound stimulation can be supported by protease inhibitors, growth factors or tissue engineering. Definitive wound closure is achieved by epithelial migration from the margins of the wound, or by plastic surgery. Regular documentation of the course and success of wound healing is mandatory. In the wound care center, surgical disciplines, diabetology, dermatology and diagnostic work-up are coordinated, and liaison with the family doctor and home care providers practiced. This wound healing concept successfully heals approximately 80% of the cases of chronic wounds in 18.8 months (mean healing duration 4.8 months).

[Prophylactic splenectomy for splenic vein thrombosis in patients undergoing resection for chronic pancreatitis]. / Prophylaktische Splenektomie während Resektion bei chronischer Pankreatitis.

AIM: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is the leading cause of splenic vein thrombosis (SVT). SVT occurs in about 15 % of patients with CP. The risk of variceal bleeding in SVT is approximately 10 %. Splenectomy is indicated in symptomatic SVT but its role in asymptomatic SVT is discussed controversially. Aim of our study was to evaluate the outcome of splenectomy performed during pancreatic resection in patients with CP and asymptomatic SVT. METHODS: 33 of 198 patients undergoing resection for CP underwent concomitant prophylactic splenectomy for asymptomatic SVT. Perioperative data were compared in the groups of patients with or without splenectomy. Follow-up was complete in 84 % (average 31 months). RESULTS: Median operative time, postoperative morbidity, reoperation rate and mortality were not different in patients with or without splenectomy. The median number of blood units transfused was higher in patients with prophylactic splenectomy (6 vs 4 units; p < 0.01). One complication of splenectomy (postoperative bleeding) occurred (3 %). During follow-up no variceal bleeding, no episode of postsplenectomy sepsis or thrombosis due to temporary thrombocytosis occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Complications of prophylactic splenectomy are rare and less frequent than reported episodes of variceal bleeding. In the presence of asymptomatic SVT splenectomy should be considered during pancreatic resection to facilitate surgery and to avoid further variceal bleeding.