Predictive factors for complexity in abdominal wall hernias: a literature scope review.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal wall hernias encompass both ventral and incisional hernias, often poorly classified regarding complexity in general. This study aims to conduct a review on the primary topics related to defining the complexity of ventral hernias. METHODS: this is a scope review conducted following the guidelines recommended by the PRISMA-ScR directive. Searches were carried out in electronic databases including PubMed, LILACS, and EMBASE, using the descriptors: Abdominal Hernia, Hernia, Ventral Hernia, Incisional Hernia, Complex, Classification, Classify, Grade, Scale, and Definition. Combinations of these terms were employed when appropriate. Inclusion criteria encompassed articles with definitions and classifications of complex hernias, as well as those utilizing these classifications to guide treatments and patient allocation. Synonyms and related topics were also considered. Articles outside the scope or lacking the themes in their title or abstract were excluded. The database search was conducted up to July 29, 2023. RESULTS: several hernia classifications were identified as useful in predicting complexity. For this study, we considered six main criteria: size and location, loss of domain, use of abdominal wall relaxation techniques, characteristics of imaging exams, status of the subcutaneous cellular tissue, and likelihood of recurrence. CONCLUSION: complex abdominal wall hernias can be defined by characteristics analyzed collectively, relating to the patients previous clinical status, size and location of the hernia defect, status of subcutaneous cellular tissue, myofascial release techniques, and other complicating factors.

Spigelian Hernia: A Case report.

A Spigelian hernia is a hernia through the Spigelian fascia which are difficult to diagnose as they do not present with a subcutaneous swelling and can be dangerous as there is a high risk of incarceration. We report a case of a 51-year-old female who presented to our surgical unit with epigastric pain for 5 days. She was diagnosed with Spigelian hernia with esophagitis and antral gastritis with the help of a computed tomography scan and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The diagnosis was confirmed on diagnostic laparoscopy and transabdominal preperitoneal repair of the defect was performed using prolene mesh. Her post-operative period was uneventful. Spigelian hernias are rare and patients can present with atypical symptoms as in this case. Thus, imaging plays a vital role in diagnosis. Management is surgical and has good outcomes. Keywords: case reports; rectus abdominis; ventral hernia.

Missing the Mark: Evaluating the Validity of the Ventral Hernia Screen in Detecting Recurrence.

PURPOSE: Hernia recurrence is a primary metric in evaluating the success of ventral hernia repair (VHR). Current screening methods for hernia recurrence, including the validated Ventral Hernia Screening (VHS) questionnaire, have not yet been critically evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of the VHS for hernia recurrence. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent primary VHR utilizing poly-4-hydroxybutyrate mesh at a single-institution from January 2016 to December 2021 who completed at least one VHS during their postoperative follow-up. All patients who screened positive underwent follow-up diagnostic computed tomography or physical examination for confirmation of hernia recurrence. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were assessed for each item and the VHS as a whole. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients who completed 119 VHS questionnaires were included. The median time to VHS administration was 3.6 years (range .8-6.3 years). The VHS tool had a sensitivity of 40.0%, specificity of 71.1%, PPV of 5.7%, and NPV of 96.4%. Individual items of the VHS also produced poor screening effects, with sensitivities between 20 and 40%, specificities between 79 and 97%, PPVs between 4 and 25%, and NPVs from 95 to 97%. CONCLUSION: The VHS was a poor positive predictive tool for hernia recurrence, with both a low PPV and sensitivity. Many patients may be unaware of when they truly have hernia recurrence in the long term. More rigorous tools need to be developed to monitor recurrence following VHR.

[Is vTAPP for small ventral hernias a potential «gold standard¼ for less than 24 hours hospitalization?] / Operatsiya vTAPP pri nebol'shikh ventral'nykh gryzhakh ­ potentsial'nyi «zolotoi standart¼ dlya dosutochnoi gospitalizatsii?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of vTAPP for small/M3W1 hernias compared to IPOM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively recruited group of patients. Study objects were patients undergoing ventral laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (vTAPP) for primary Midline/Lateral Small hernias up to 2 cm. The control group comprised patients after IPOM procedure. RESULTS: We analyzed 179 patients: vTAPP (n=132) and IPOM groups (n=47). The vTAPP group was characterized by significantly shorter hospitals-stay (Q1-Q3: 8-70 hours, p<0.001), fewer relapses (n=2, p=0.047) and slightly longer surgery (Q1-Q3: 40-80 min, p=0.037). Cost-effectiveness analysis revealed 3.39 times more profitable vTAPP compared to IPOM. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic preperitoneal hernia repair is a safe and effective method not requiring special tools and consumables. This approach is applicable as an outpatient (or <24h hospital-stay) method.

[Treatment of ventral hernias in patients with morbid obesity]. / Taktika lecheniya ventral'nykh gryzh u patsientov s morbidnym ozhireniem.

The review is devoted to the treatment of ventral hernias in patients with morbid obesity. This issue is important due to significant number of such patients and no unambiguous clinical recommendations. The advantages of simultaneous surgery (with bariatric intervention) are obvious, i.e. lower risk of postoperative hernia incarceration and no need for re-hospitalization with another intervention. High risk of bariatric population makes it necessary to minimize surgery time and surgical trauma. A staged approach with reducing body weight surgically or conservatively before hernia repair is often chosen. Hernia repair should be performed using laparoscopic or robotic techniques with obligatory use of mesh implants. Panniculectomy or abdominoplasty as the main surgery is a valid option. Currently, it is necessary to develop clear criteria for selecting patients with morbid obesity for staged and simultaneous treatment of ventral hernias.

Diagnosis and treatment of a rare case of an incarcerated bilateral Spigelian hernia with the vermiform appendix and caecum.

Spigelian hernia is a rare form of abdominal wall defect. Bilateral Spigelian hernias are even less common. Surgical repair of Spigelian hernias is recommended due to their high risk of incarceration and strangulation of abdominal contents. A variety of surgical approaches to repair these hernias have been described in the literature including the traditional open approach, laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal approach, laparoscopic intraperitoneal repair and laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair. Here, we present the case of an elderly female patient with rare bilateral Spigelian hernias, the right side containing incarcerated appendix and caecal pole. The left hernia was unrecognised on preoperative CT imaging. To our knowledge, very few cases have been reported in the literature. The patient underwent bilateral laparoscopic intraperitoneal mesh repair. All technical aspects of the treatment are discussed here, in the context of the current literature, including the surgical technique and the limitations of the CT diagnosis. We aim to summarise the background of these uncommon hernias, the limitations of preoperative investigations and the differences between the available operative approaches.

Distressed community index as a predictor of presentation and postoperative outcomes in ventral hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the impact of socioeconomic status on presentation, management, and outcomes of ventral hernias. METHODS: The Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative was queried for adult patients undergoing ventral hernia repair. Socioeconomic quintiles were assigned using the Distressed Community Index (DCI): prosperous (0-20), comfortable (21-40), mid-tier (41-60), at-risk (61-80), and distressed (81-100). Outcomes included presenting symptoms, urgency, operative details, 30-day outcomes, and one-year hernia recurrence rates. Multivariable regression evaluated 30-day wound complications. RESULTS: 39,494 subjects were identified; 32,471 had zip codes (82.2%).Urgent presentation (3.6% vs. 2.3%) and contaminated cases (0.83% vs. 2.06%) were more common in the distressed group compared to the prosperous group (p < 0.001). Higher DCI correlated with readmission (distressed: 4.7% vs prosperous: 2.9%,p < 0.001) and reoperation (distressed 1.8% vs prosperous: 0.92%,p < 0.001). Wound complications were independently associated with increasing DCI (p < 0.05). Clinical recurrence rates were similar at one-year (distressed: 10.4% vs prosperous: 8.6%, p = 0.54). CONCLUSIONS: Inequity exists in presentation and perioperative outcomes for ventral hernia repair and efforts should be focused on increasing access to elective surgery and improving postoperative wound care.

Blunt Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernias: An Indicator for Emergent Laparotomy?

BACKGROUND: Traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWH) are relatively uncommon; however, the shearing force that results in fascial disruption could indicate an increased risk of visceral injury. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the presence of a TAWH was associated with intra-abdominal injury requiring emergent laparotomy. METHODS: The trauma registry was queried over an 8-year period (7/2012-7/2020) for adult patients with blunt thoracoabdominal trauma diagnosed with a TAWH. Those patients who were identified with a TAWH and greater than 15 years of age were included in the study. Demographics, mechanism of injury, ISS, BMI, length of stay, TAWH size, type of TAWH repair, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 38,749 trauma patients were admitted over the study period, of which 64 (.17%) had a TAWH. Patients were commonly male (n = 42, 65.6%); the median age was 39 years (range 16-79 years) and a mean ISS of 21. Twenty-eight percent had a clinical seatbelt sign. Twenty-seven (42.2%) went emergently to the operating room, the majority for perforated viscus requiring bowel resection (n = 16, 25.0%), and 6 patients (9.4%) who were initially managed nonoperatively underwent delayed laparotomy. Average ventilator days was 14 days, with a mean ICU LOS of 14 days and mean hospital LOS of 18 days. About half of the hernias were repaired at the index operation, 6 of which were repaired primarily and 10 with mesh. CONCLUSION: The presence of a TAWH alone was an indication for immediate laparotomy to evaluate for intra-abdominal injury. In the absence of other indications for exploration, nonoperative management may be safe.

Posterior Rectus Sheath Hernia Causing Chronic Abdominal Pain.

Posterior rectus sheath hernias are rare hernias that can be difficult to diagnose due to unreliable physical exam characteristics and subtle radiological findings. We present an interesting case of an elderly female found to have a posterior rectus sheath hernia during a diagnostic laparoscopy for chronic abdominal pain. CT evaluation revealed possible appendicitis and laxity of the abdominal wall of the right lower quadrant. Intraoperatively, a 4 cm hernia defect in the right lateral abdominal wall was appreciated. Appendectomy and herniorrhaphy with mesh repair were performed. Postoperative review of CT imaging and intraoperative photographs determined that this hernia defect is a posterior rectus sheath hernia likely caused by trocar placement from previous laparoscopic surgery. This report contributes to the limited body of the literature for this rare type of hernia. Posterior rectus sheath hernias should be considered in differential diagnoses for patients presenting with chronic abdominal pain without clear etiology.

[A preliminary report of laparoscopic extraperitoneal colostomy anterior to posterior sheath of rectus abdominis-transversus abdominis to prevent parastomal hernia].

Objective: To examine the preliminary effect of laparoscopic extraperitoneal colostomy anterior to posterior sheath of rectus abdominis-transversus abdominis for the prevention of parastomal hernia after abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer. Methods: This study is a prospective case series study. From June 2021 to June 2022, patients with low rectal cancer underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection combined with extraperitoneal colostomy anterior to posterior sheath of rectus abdominis-transversus abdominis at the First Department of General Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital were enrolled. The clinical data and postoperative CT images of patients were collected to analyze the incidence of surgical complication and parastomal hernia. Results: Totally 6 cases of patient were enrolled, including 3 males and 3 females, aging 72.5 (19.5) years (M(IQR)) (range: 55 to 79 years). The operation time was 250 (48) minutes (range: 190 to 275 minutes), the stoma operation time was 27.5 (10.7) minutes (range: 21 to 37 minutes), the bleeding volume was 30 (35) ml (range: 15 to 80 ml). All patients were cured and discharged without surgery-related complications. The follow-up time was 136 (105) days (range: 98 to 279 days). After physical examination and abdominal CT follow-up, no parastomal hernia occurred in the 6 patients up to this article. Conclusions: A method of laparoscopic extraperitoneal colostomy anterior to posterior sheath of rectus abdominis-transversus abdominis is established. Permanent stoma can be completed with this method safely. It may have a preventive effect on the occurrence of parastomal hernia, which is worthy of further study.

Parastomal hernia prevention with permanent mesh in end colostomy: failure with late follow-up of cohorts in three randomized trials.

PURPOSE: Short-term results have been reported regarding parastomal hernia (PH) prevention with a permanent mesh. Long-term results are scarce. The objective was to assess the long-term PH occurrence after a prophylactic synthetic non-absorbable mesh. METHODS: Long-term data of three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected. The primary outcome was the detection of PH based exclusively on a radiological diagnosis by computed tomography (CT) performed during the long-term follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for the comparison of time to diagnosis of PH according to the presence of mesh vs. no-mesh and the technique of mesh insertion: open retromuscular, laparoscopic keyhole, and laparoscopic modified Sugarbaker. RESULTS: We studied 121 patients (87 men, median age 70 years), 82 (67.8%) of which developed a PH. The median overall length of follow-up was 48.5 months [interquartile range (IQR) 14.4-104.9], with a median time until PH diagnosis of 17.7 months (IQR 9.3-49.0). The survival analysis did not show significant differences in the time to development of a PH according to the presence or absence of a prophylactic mesh neither in the overall study population (log-rank, P = 0.094) nor in the groups of each technique of mesh insertion, although according to the surgical technique, a higher reduction in the appearance of PH for the open retromuscular technique was found (log-rank, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In the long-term follow-up placement of a non-absorbable synthetic prophylactic mesh in the context of an elective end colostomy does not seem effective for preventing PH.

Incarcerated Gravid Uterus In Ventral Hernia.

Incarcerated gravid uterus for in ventral hernia is an extremely rare obstetrical and surgical problem which contributes to pregnancy related complications. We searched for literature to identify aetiology, presentation, complications, and management options for incarcerated gravid uterus, and are presenting this case with literature review. This extremely rare case report, first ever from Pakistan, of an incisional hernia containing gravid uterus as its contents and is bulging out of abdominal cavity. She presented at 27 weeks with ulceration of ventral hernia skin. She was offered a conservative treatment keeping in view maternal and foetal monitoring until term. A full-term elective lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) followed by open mesh repair was done. A successful outcome was observed. There are limited treatment options for uterine incarceration into ventral hernia, but definitive diagnosis allows procedures to treat and to reduce severe maternal and foetal complications. There is no consensus over the management of this rare condition. A tailor approach should be opted in each case. If uncomplicated, a conservative approach until term followed by delivery or LSCS and hernioplasty is a good option.

[Predictors of postoperative complications in patients with ventral hernia]. / Prediktory posleoperatsionnykh oslozhnenii u patsientov s ventral'nymi gryzhami.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate potential predictors of 1-month postoperative complications after primary ventral hernia repair using database of the 1st Clinic of the Samarkand State Medical University. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort study included 348 patients who underwent ventral hernia surgery in the 1st Clinic of the Samarkand State Medical University between January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2021. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors of postoperative complications. RESULTS: More than one complication within 1-month after surgery developed in 87 (25%) patients. Those factors associated with complications in univariate analysis (p<0.05) and clinically important factors were included in multivariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, age, body mass index, hypertension, hernia size, hospital-stay and surgery time were independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: Age, BMI, hypertension, anamnesis and size of hernia, as well as surgery time correlated with postoperative complications. Therefore, these factors should be used in preoperative risk assessment.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernias in the pediatric population: a 13-year institutional review.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric traumatic abdominal wall hernias are rare but potentially devastating injuries. Although classically considered to be caused by handlebar injuries from bicycle accidents, our anecdotal experience suggests pediatric traumatic abdominal wall hernias are far more likely to occur following road traffic accidents and have a high association with other significant intra-abdominal injuries. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency, mechanisms of injury, and associated injuries of traumatic abdominal wall hernias in the pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective observational cohort study from two large urban level 1 trauma centers. Institutional trauma registries were queried from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2020, for patients under 18 years of age diagnosed with traumatic abdominal wall hernias, excluding those without initial abdominopelvic CT imaging. Finalized CT reports and images were reviewed to confirm the presence of a traumatic abdominal wall hernia and document any associated secondary injuries. The medical record was reviewed to extract pertinent physical findings, interventions performed, and outcomes. Injury Severity Score (ISS) for each patient was calculated by the trauma registrar. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients with TAWH met inclusion criteria, with an overall frequency of 0.095% and a mean age of 10.6 years (range 3-17). Eleven patients were male (57.9%) with a mean ISS of 18.6 (range 1-48, including 63.2% with ISS > 15). The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle collision (N = 11, 57.9%) followed by bicycle accident (N = 3, 15.8%). A total of 17 (89.5%) had associated injuries, including 11 (57.9%) with intestinal injuries, 5 (26.3%) with pelvic fractures, 4 (21.1%) with femur fractures, 3 (15.8%) with splenic injuries, 3 (15.8%) with kidney injuries, and 3 (15.8%) with Chance fractures of the lumbar spine. All patients required surgery for the traumatic abdominal wall hernias and associated injuries. CONCLUSION: Pediatric traumatic abdominal wall hernias are more likely to be seen following motor vehicle collisions, with a majority (89.5%) having associated injuries, most frequently to the bowel (57.9%). Handlebar injuries were seen in a minority of patients (15.8%) and were less likely to be associated with additional injuries. CLINICAL IMPACT: Pediatric patients with a traumatic abdominal wall hernia on admission CT should be thoroughly evaluated for bowel injuries, especially in the setting of a motor vehicle collision.

Parastomal Hernia Rates and Exercise After Ostomy Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Parastomal hernias are common and negatively affect patient's lives. We hypothesized that physical activity (or lack thereof) might be associated with the presence of parastomal hernia. If so, this might be an actionable target for prevention. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine rates of and risk factors for parastomal hernias in patients with a permanent ostomy. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort and survey study. Postal survey included questions about parastomal hernia, symptoms, lifestyle, and validated instruments to measure stoma quality of life and physical activity. Medical record abstraction was conducted for clinical comorbidities. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in a single large academic medical center. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent operations that included a permanent urostomy, colostomy, and/or ileostomy between 2014 and 2018 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Parastomal hernia (self-reported) and physical activity, measured in total metabolic equivalent-minutes/week, were our main outcome measures. RESULTS: A total of 443 of 724 patients responded (response rate, 61.2%). Two hundred twelve patients (47.9%) had urostomies, 160 (36.1%) had colostomies, and 99 (22.3%) had ileostomies. One hundred twenty-eight patients (29.7%) had a parastomal hernia, with rates of 27.1% for urostomy, 40.0% for colostomy, and 23.7% for ileostomy. There was a statistically significant association between less exercise and higher incidence of parastomal hernia (median, 579 metabolic equivalent-minutes/week for those with parastomal hernias vs 1689 metabolic equivalent-minutes/week for those without; p = 0.001). LIMITATIONS: The association between physical activity and parastomal hernia may be confounded by obesity or the possibility that patients with parastomal hernia may be limited physically by their hernia. CONCLUSIONS: Parastomal hernia rates remain high in modern surgical practice. This study shows an association between patients' physical activity and the presence of a parastomal hernia, with a higher rate among patients who exercise less. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B910 . TASAS DE HERNIA PARAESTOMAL Y EJERCICIO DESPUS DE LA CIRUGA DE OSTOMA: ANTECEDENTES:Las hernias paraostomales son complicaciones comunes después de la cirugía de ostomía y afectan la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Nuestra hipótesis es que la actividad física de los pacientes (o la falta de ella) podría estar asociada con la presencia de hernia paraostomal. Si es así, este podría ser un objetivo utilizable para la prevención.OBJETIVO:Determinar las tasas y los factores de riesgo de las hernias paraostomales en pacientes que se sometieron a una cirugía que resultó en una ostomía permanente.DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo de cohorte y encuesta. La encuesta postal incluyó preguntas sobre hernia paraostomal, síntomas, estilo de vida e instrumentos validados para medir la calidad de vida del paciente ostomizado y la actividad física. Se realizó la confección de gráficos para las comorbilidades clínicas.ESCENARIO:Centro médico académico de gran tamañoPACIENTES:Pacientes que se sometieron a operaciones que incluyeron una urostomía permanente, colostomía y/o ileostomía entre 2014 y 2018.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:La hernia paraostomal (autoinformada) y la actividad física, medidas en equivalente metabólico de actividad total-minutos/semana, fueron nuestras principales medidas de resultado. También se evaluó la calidad de vida.RESULTADOS:Un total de 443 de 724 pacientes respondieron a la encuesta (tasa de respuesta 61,2%). 212 pacientes (47,9%) tenían urostomías, 160 (36,1%) colostomías y 99 (22,3%) ileostomías. 128 pacientes (29,7%) tenían hernia paraostomal, con tasas de 27,1% para urostomía, 40,0% para colostomía y 23,7% para ileostomía. Hubo una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre menos ejercicio y una mayor incidencia de hernia paraostomal (mediana: 579 equivalentes metabólicos - minutos/semana para aquellos con hernias paraostomales versus 1689 para aquellos sin hernias; p = 0,001).LIMITACIONES:La asociación entre la actividad física y la hernia paraostomal puede confundirse con la obesidad o con el hecho de que los pacientes con hernia paraostomal pueden tener menos actividad física debido a su hernia.CONCLUSIONES:Las tasas de hernia paraostomal siguen siendo altas en la práctica quirúrgica moderna y las hernias se asocian con una peor calidad de vida. Este estudio muestra una asociación entre la actividad física de los pacientes y la presencia de una hernia paraostomal, con una tasa más alta entre los pacientes que hacen menos ejercicio. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B910 . (Traducción-Dr. Felipe Bellolio ).

[Surgical treatment of complex incisional hernia]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie patsientov so slozhnoi posleoperatsionnoi ventral'noi gryzhei.

There is no generally accepted incisional hernia classification. To categorize incisional hernias, the European Hernia Society (EHS) proposed their classification based on the measurement of three parameters - location, dimension of hernia gate and recurrence. Unfortunately, this classification does not consider the «loss of the domain¼ of 20% or more, local complications including trophic ulcer or fistula of anterior abdominal wall. Moreover, implantation of mesh after previous hernia repair, obesity and other clinical factors are also not considered. Thus, surgeons have recently allocated patients with complex incisional hernia in a separate group. There is no clear definition of this term. There are no clinical guidelines on the management of patients with these hernias, and the choice of optimal surgical treatment remains individual. The authors present a patient with complex incisional hernia. Surgical strategy is described.

[Surgical treatment of enterocutaneous fistulas in patients with ventral incisional hernia]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie naruzhnykh kishechnykh svishchei v posleoperatsionnykh gryzhakh.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal surgical treatment in patients with enterocutaneous fistulas combined with ventral incisional hernia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 24 patients with enterocutaneous fistulas combined with ventral incisional hernia. Enterocutaneous fistula was noted in 19 cases, enteroatmospheric fistula - in 5 patients. RESULTS: Simultaneous fistula closure and abdominal wall repair were performed in 14 patients (mesh repair in 5 cases and local approximation of tissues in 9 cases). Postoperative complications occurred in 8 patients, hernia recurrence in long-term period developed in 7 people. Two-stage closure of abdominal wall defect was carried out in 10 patients. Fistula closure was followed by edge-to-edge anterior abdominal wall repair in 5 cases, skin edges were approximated by interrupted sutures or open wound management was performed. There were no postoperative complications and hernia recurrence in this group. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of patients with enterocutaneous fistulas combined with hernia should be performed in two stages, i.e. enterocutaneous fistula closure with subsequent hernia repair.