Do postoperative complications correlate to chronic pain following inguinal hernia repair? A prospective cohort study from the Swedish Hernia Register.

PURPOSE: To analyse if postoperative complications constitute a predictor for the risk of developing long-term groin pain. METHODS: Population-based prospective cohort study of 30,659 patients operated for inguinal hernia 2015-2017 included in the Swedish Hernia Register. Registered post-operative complications were categorised into hematomas, surgical site infections, seromas, urinary tract complications, and acute post-operative pain. A questionnaire enquiring about groin pain was distributed to all patients 1 year after surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to find any association between postoperative complications and reported level of pain 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: The response rate was 64.5%. In total 19,773 eligible participants responded to the questionnaire, whereof 73.4% had undergone open anterior mesh repair and 26.6% had undergone endo-laparoscopic mesh repair. Registered postoperative complications were: 750 hematomas (2.3%), 516 surgical site infections (1.6%), 395 seromas (1.2%), 1216 urinary tract complications (3.7%), and 520 hernia repairs with acute post-operative pain (1.6%). Among patients who had undergone open anterior mesh repair, an association between persistent pain and hematomas (OR 2.03, CI 1.30-3.18), surgical site infections (OR 2.18, CI 1.27-3.73) and acute post-operative pain (OR 7.46, CI 4.02-13.87) was seen. Analysis of patients with endo-laparoscopic repair showed an association between persistent pain and acute post-operative pain (OR 9.35, CI 3.18-27.48). CONCLUSION: Acute postoperative pain was a strong predictor for persistent pain following both open anterior and endo-laparoscopic hernia repair. Surgical site infection and hematoma were predictors for persistent pain following open anterior hernia repair, although the rate of reported postoperative complications was low.

Similar collagen distribution in full-thickness skin grafts in intraperitoneal and onlay positions, an experimental mice-study.

PURPOSE: Autologous full-thickness skin grafting (FTSG) has the potential to become an option in abdominal wall repair. An understanding of tissue remodelling in the extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial as this interplay determines such parameters as tissue strength and flexibility. This cross-sectional preclinical laboratory study in mice provides information on the distribution of collagen types and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the ECM of FTSGs in the intraperitoneal and onlay positions compared with internal controls. The aim was to evaluate morphologic changes after tissue remodelling and repair in FTSGs applied in the two positions and to detect any adverse host response. METHODS: ECM components were evaluated as follows: qualitative examination of collagen bundle thickness using Picrosirius Red staining (collagen types I, III and IV); and evaluation of collagen types IV and V, as well as MMPs 1, 8 and 9 using immunohistochemical staining. Full-thickness grafts transplanted between female twin mice were examined as this best mimics autologous transplantation. RESULTS: At 8 weeks, FTSGs in the intraperitoneal position did not show any noticeable differences in morphologic appearance to those in the onlay position. Both intraperitoneal and onlay FTSGs showed increases in the amount of thick collagen bundles compared to internal controls. No correlation was seen between distribution of MMPs 1, 8 or 9 and distribution of collagen types I, III, IV or V. CONCLUSION: This preclinical study shows that FTSGs in both intraperitoneal and onlay positions are possible application site options and, by extension, promising application site options for abdominal wall reinforcement in hernia surgery. Clinical studies in humans are required to confirm these findings.

Antibiotic treatment for appendicitis in Norway and Sweden: a nationwide survey on treatment practices.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute abdomen. Uncomplicated appendicitis is as an inflamed appendix without perforation, gangrene or abscess formation. Recent trials show that one can safely treat uncomplicated appendicitis with antibiotics, given patient approval and appropriate follow-up. A recent study has also indicated no difference between antibiotic treatment and placebo. Our aim was to investigate if Norwegian and Swedish surgical departments treat uncomplicated appendicitis with antibiotics and to explore their opinions on this treatment practice. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to all heads of department in hospitals that treat appendicitis in Norway and Sweden. Answers were collected using a REDCap survey. Answers were compared between centers and nations and the results were presented anonymously. RESULTS: We sent the questionnaire to 94 eligible recipients and received 61 (65%) answers. In total, 8/61 (13%) departments stated that they have established antibiotic treatment as sole treatment for uncomplicated appendicitis. Almost half of the responders stated that they have used antibiotics sporadically to treat uncomplicated appendicitis. Lack of evidence and guidelines were noted as reasons why antibiotic treatment has not been implemented as sole treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Most Norwegian and Swedish departments have not implemented antibiotic treatment as the sole treatment for uncomplicated appendicitis. Despite several recent large trials on this subject, lack of evidence and guidelines was the most frequently reported reason in our survey.

Long-term follow-up of full-thickness skin grafting in giant incisional hernia repair: a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Conventional repair of a giant incisional hernia often requires implantation of a synthetic mesh (SM). However, this surgical procedure can lead to discomfort, pain, and potentially serious complications. Full-thickness skin grafting (FTSG) could offer an alternative to SM, less prone to complications related to implantation of a foreign body in the abdominal wall. The aim of this study was to compare the use of FTSG to conventional SM in the repair of giant incisional hernia. METHODS: Patients with a giant incisional hernia (> 10 cm width) were randomised to repair with either FTSG or SM. 3-month and 1-year follow-ups have already been reported. A clinical follow-up was performed 3 years after repair, assessing potential complications and recurrence. SF-36, EQ-5D and VHPQ questionnaires were answered at 3 years and an average of 9 years (long-term follow-up) after surgery to assess the impact of the intervention on quality-of-life (QoL). RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were included. Five recurrences in the FTSG group and three in the SM group were noted at the clinical follow-up 3 years after surgery, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.313). No new procedure-related complication had occurred since the one-year follow-up. There were no relevant differences in QoL between the groups. However, there were significant improvemnts in both physical, emotional, and mental domains of the SF-36 questionnaire in both groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this long-term follow-up together with the results from previous follow-ups indicate that autologous FTSG as reinforcement in giant incisional hernia repair is an alternative to conventional repair with SM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered August 10, 2011 at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID NCT01413412), retrospectively registered.

Health economic analysis of total extraperitoneal repair versus Lichtenstein surgery for inguinal hernia: data from a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to compare cost-effectiveness of Lichtenstein under local anaesthesia (LLA) with total extraperitoneal repair (TEP) under general anaesthesia for primary inguinal hernia in men. An endoscopic approach to inguinal hernia repair is often considered costlier. The cost of endoscopic hernia repair, however, has not been compared to open inguinal hernia repair in a cost-effective setting. METHODS: Data from an RCT comparing TEP and Lichtenstein in a cost-effective setting, with health economy as a secondary endpoint, were used. Data on costs were collected prospectively. Data on sick leave were obtained from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency in order to compare lengths of sick leave. RESULTS: In total, 384 patients were included and 374 (97.4 per cent) patients were available for analysis, 189 in the LLA group and 185 in the TEP group. The median operating time for LLA was 70 (i.q.r. 60-80) min compared with 60 (i.q.r. 50-75) min in the TEP group (P < 0.001). The median time in operating theatre was 114 (i.q.r. 95--125) min for LLA and 125 (i.q.r. 110-145) min for TEP (P < 0.001). The median cost including all materials was 2433 (i.q.r. 2084-2734) Euros for LLA and 2395 (i.q.r. 2093-2784) Euro for TEP (P = 0.650). Mean sick leave was 4.2 days in the LLA group and 6.2 days in the TEP group (P = 0.830). CONCLUSION: The overall cost to the hospital or length of sick leave did not differ between LLA and TEP.

Autologous full-thickness skin graft as reinforcement in parastomal hernia repair: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Parastomal hernia is a common complication of stoma formation and the methods of repair available today are unsatisfactory with high recurrence and complication rates. To improve outcome after surgical repair of parastomal hernia, a surgical method using autologous full-thickness skin grafts as intraperitoneal reinforcement has been developed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of this novel surgical technique in the repair of parastomal hernia. METHODS: A pilot study was conducted between January 2018 and June 2019 on four patients with symptomatic parastomal hernia. They had a laparotomy with suture reduction of the hernia and reinforcement of the abdominal wall with autologous full-thickness skin. They were then monitored for at least 1 year postoperatively for technique-related complications and recurrence. RESULTS: No major technique-related complications were noted during the follow-up Two patients developed a recurrent parastomal hernia at the long term follow-up. The other two had no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous full-thickness skin graft as reinforcement in parastomal hernia repair is feasible and should be evaluated in a larger clinical trial.

Parastomal Hernia Repair; Seldom Performed and Seldom Reported: Results From a Nationwide Survey.

BACKGROUND: Parastomal hernia is common, but there are few population-based studies showing the frequency and outcome of parastomal hernia repair in routine surgical practice. The aim of this study was to identify patients undergoing surgery for parastomal hernia in Sweden and to define risk factors for complication and recurrence. METHODS: A broad search of the Swedish National Patient Register 1998-2007 for all possible parastomal hernia repairs using surgical procedure codes. Records of all patients identified were reviewed and those with a definite parastomal hernia procedure were included and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients were identified after review of the records. The most common reason for surgery was cosmetic and the most frequent method was relocation of the stoma. Parastomal hernia recurrence rate was 18% during follow-up of a minimum 2 years. Overall, a surgical complication occurred in 32%. Possible risk factors were analyzed including emergency surgery versus planned, gender, age, indication for surgery, and method of surgery; none of which was significant. CONCLUSION: The frequency of parastomal hernia procedures was much lower than suggested by previous studies. The number of procedures per surgeon was even lower than expected. No specific risk factor could be identified. Parastomal hernia auditing in the form of a nationwide quality register should be mandatory. Centralization should be considered.

Mismatch repair status predicts survival after adjuvant treatment in stage II colon cancer patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stage II colon cancer is primarily a surgical disease. Only a still not well-defined subset of patients may benefit from postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. The relationship between adjuvant chemotherapy and survival after relapse is furthermore still not definitely explored in this group of patients. A number of reports suggest some association between defective mismatch repair (dMMR) and colorectal cancer stage II prognosis, but due to contradictory results from existing studies, the exact predictive role is still not fully understood. METHODS: Retrospective multicenter study including 451 stage II colon cancer patients. The proficiency or deficiency of mismatch repair was tested using immunohistochemistry and analyzed in relationship to two survival outcomes: overall survival (OS) and postrelapse survival. RESULTS: Patients with dMMR (20.4%) derived no OS benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47-2.38; P = .897). Patients with proficient mismatch repair (pMMR) tumors receiving adjuvant chemotherapy had the significantly better OS in comparison to those not receiving chemotherapy (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.35-0.82; P = .004). This relationship remained significant in multivariable analysis (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22-0.78; P = .007). Patients with pMMR relapsing after adjuvant treatment lived significantly longer than those relapsing without previous adjuvant treatment (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.32-0.96; P = .033) and this result remained significant in the multivariable model (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.26-0.93; P = .030). CONCLUSION: In stage II CC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy improves therapeutic outcomes only in patients with pMMR tumors. Survival after relapse in patients having received adjuvant chemotherapy is significantly longer for patients with pMMR. No survival benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy was seen among patients with dMMR tumors.

One-year outcome after repair of giant incisional hernia using synthetic mesh or full-thickness skin graft: a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Repair of giant incisional hernia often requires complex surgery and the results of conventional methods using synthetic mesh as reinforcement are unsatisfactory, with high recurrence and complication rates. Our hypothesis was that full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) provides an alternative reinforcement material for giant incisional hernia repair and that outcome is improved. The aim of this study was to compare FTSG with conventional materials currently used as reinforcement in the repair of giant incisional hernia. METHODS: A prospective randomised controlled trial was conducted, comparing FTSG with synthetic mesh as reinforcement in the repair of giant (> 10 cm minimum width) incisional hernia. One-year follow-up included a blinded clinical examination by a surgeon and objective measurements of abdominal muscle strength using the Biodex-4 system. RESULTS: 52 patients were enrolled in the study: 24 received FTSG and 28 synthetic mesh. Four recurrences (7.7%) were found at 1-year follow-up, two in each group. There were no significant differences regarding pain, patient satisfaction or aesthetic outcome between the groups. Strength in the abdominal wall was not generally improved in the study population and there was no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: The outcome of repair of giant incisional hernia using FTSG as reinforcement is comparable with repair using synthetic mesh. This suggests that FTSG may have a future place in giant incisional hernia repair.

Patient Reported Injuries After Ventral Hernia Repair.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:: The Swedish National Patient Insurance Company (LÖF) can compensate patients who believe they have been exposed to an avoidable injury or malpractice in healthcare. Its register covers 95% of Swedish healthcare providers. MATERIAL AND METHODS:: Data on patients operated for primary or incisional ventral hernia in Sweden between 2010 and 2015 and who had filed a claim, were retrieved from LÖF. A total of 290 cases were identified and included. Files include a copy of records, relevant imaging, and an expert advisor's opinion. RESULTS:: Inadvertent enterotomy occurred during 25 repairs and in these cases, laparoscopic repair was clearly overrepresented ( p < 0.001). Complications related to the surgical site (infection and ugly scar) were predominantly related to open repairs ( p < 0.001). Twenty percentage (57/290) of the claims were directly related to an anesthetic mishap. Univariate ordinal regression showed that the odds of receiving a high reimbursement was significantly increased if laparoscopic repair was performed p < 0.001 (odds ratio: 0.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.21-0.65). Sixty-three percentage of claims were filed by women. CONCLUSION:: Inadvertent enterotomy is overrepresented, and the probability that a claim filed for an avoidable injury leads to high reimbursement is greater if laparoscopic repair is performed rather than open ventral hernia repair. The high amount of injuries related to general anesthesia during umbilical hernia repair may be reduced with an increased proportion executed in local anesthesia.

The Short-Form Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (sf-IPQ): An Instrument for Rating Groin Pain After Inguinal Hernia Surgery in Daily Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND: The Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (IPQ) is a standardised and validated instrument for assessing persisting pain after groin hernia surgery. The IPQ is often perceived as being too extensive for routine use. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a condensed version of the IPQ in order to facilitate its use in daily clinical practice. METHODS: The condensed form, i.e. Short-Form Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (sf-IPQ), comprises two main items taken from the IPQ. Four hundred patients were recruited from the Swedish Hernia Register and were sent the IPQ, sf-IPQ and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) three years after hernia repair. Ratings from the IPQ and the sf-IPQ were converted to a 12-point scale. The reported scores for the two shared items in the IPQ and sf-IPQ were compared using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Cohen's kappa and McNemar's test. RESULTS: After two reminders, the response rate was 69.8% (n = 279/400). The ICC for the IPQ and sf-IPQ scores was 0.78 (95% confidence interval 0.73-0.82, p < 0.001). Cohen's kappa was 0.66 (95% confidence interval 0.55-0.77, p < 0.001). The sf-IPQ systematically indicated a higher pain score than the IPQ (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the systematic difference in level of pain scored, correlation, consistency and agreement were seen between the IPQ and sf-IPQ. The forms appear to be interchangeable, though the sf-IPQ may be a more sensitive instrument. The condensed structure of the sf-IPQ is more user-friendly and shows promise as a useful tool in daily clinical practice.

Prediction of outcome after curative surgery for colorectal cancer: preoperative haemoglobin, C-reactive protein and albumin.

AIM: The aim was to evaluate a scoring system using the values of preoperative haemoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin to predict colorectal cancer recurrence and survival. METHOD: Data on all curative resections for Stages I-III colorectal cancer performed at a tertiary referral hospital in 2007-2010 were recorded in the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry and were matched to local databases for laboratory results and blood transfusion. Patients who died within 30 days or during primary hospital admission were excluded. Preoperative haemoglobin, CRP and albumin levels were recorded for 417 patients. A score (0-3) was derived on the presence of anaemia (Hb < 120 g/l for women and < 130 g/l for men), raised CRP (> 10 mg/ml) and low albumin (< 35 g/dl). The risks for recurrence and impaired overall survival were assessed using Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: Impaired overall survival was found when one, two or three of the criteria anaemia, elevated CRP and low albumin were present prior to surgery [hazard ratio (HR) 3.61, 95% CI 1.66-7.85; HR 3.91, 95% CI 1.75-8.74; HR 4.85, 95% CI 2.15-10.93, respectively]. The risk for recurrence, however, was not related to the presence of these criteria. CONCLUSION: Overall survival after curative surgery for Stages I-III colorectal cancer is impaired when anaemia, elevated CRP or low albumin exist prior to surgery.

Full-thickness skin graft vs. synthetic mesh in the repair of giant incisional hernia: a randomized controlled multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Repair of large incisional hernias includes the implantation of a synthetic mesh, but this may lead to pain, stiffness, infection and enterocutaneous fistulae. Autologous full-thickness skin graft as on-lay reinforcement has been tested in eight high-risk patients in a proof-of-concept study, with satisfactory results. In this multicenter randomized study, the use of skin graft was compared to synthetic mesh in giant ventral hernia repair. METHODS: Non-smoking patients with a ventral hernia > 10 cm wide were randomized to repair using an on-lay autologous full-thickness skin graft or a synthetic mesh. The primary endpoint was surgical site complications during the first 3 months. A secondary endpoint was patient comfort. Fifty-three patients were included. Clinical evaluation was performed at a 3-month follow-up appointment. RESULTS: There were fewer patients in the skin graft group reporting discomfort: 3 (13%) vs. 12 (43%) (p = 0.016). Skin graft patients had less pain and a better general improvement. No difference was seen regarding seroma; 13 (54%) vs. 13 (46%), or subcutaneous wound infection; 5 (20%) vs. 7 (25%). One recurrence appeared in each group. Three patients in the skin graft group and two in the synthetic mesh group were admitted to the intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: No difference was seen for the primary endpoint short-term surgical complication. Full-thickness skin graft appears to be a reliable material for ventral hernia repair producing no more complications than when using synthetic mesh. Patients repaired with a skin graft have less subjective abdominal wall symptoms.

Giant ventral hernia-relationship between abdominal wall muscle strength and hernia area.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms arising from giant ventral hernia have been considered to be related to weakening of the abdominal muscles. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the area of the abdominal wall defect and abdominal wall muscle strength measured by the validated BioDex system together with a back/abdominal unit. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with giant ventral hernia (>10 cm wide) underwent CT scan, clinical measurement of hernia size and BioDex measurement of muscle strength prior to surgery. The areas of the hernia derived from CT scan and from clinical measurement were compared with BioDex forces in the modalities extension, flexion and isometric contraction. The Spearman rank test was used to calculate correlations between area, BMI, gender, age, and muscle strength. RESULT: The hernia area calculated from clinical measurements correlated to abdominal muscle strength measured with the Biodex for all modalities (p-values 0.015-0.036), whereas no correlation was seen with the area calculated by CT scan. No relationship was seen between BMI, gender, age and the area of the hernia. DISCUSSION: The inverse correlation between BioDex abdominal muscle strength and clinically assessed hernia area, seen in all modalities, was so robust that it seems safe to conclude that the area of the hernia is an important determinant of the degree of loss of abdominal muscle strength. Results using hernia area calculated from the CT scan showed no such correlation and this would seem to concur with the results from a previous study by our group on patients with abdominal rectus diastasis. In that study, defect size assessed clinically, but not that measured by CT scan, was in agreement with the size of the diastasis measured intra-operatively. The point at which the area of a hernia begins to correlate with loss of abdominal wall muscle strength remains unknown since this study only included giant ventral hernias.

Surgical outcome of mesh and suture repair in primary umbilical hernia: postoperative complications and recurrence.

PURPOSE: To compare recurrence and surgical complications following two dominating techniques: the use of suture and mesh in umbilical hernia repair. METHODS: 379 consecutive umbilical hernia repair procedures performed between 1 January 2005 and 14 March 2014 in a university setting were included. Gathering was made using International Classification of Diseases codes for both procedure and diagnosis. Each patient record was scrutinized with respect to 45 variables, and the results entered in a database. RESULTS: Exclusion <18 years-of-age (32), non-primary umbilical hernia (25), wrong diagnosis (7), concomitant major abdominal surgery (5), double registration (3) and pregnancy (1) left 306 patients eligible for analysis. Gender distribution was 97 women and 209 men. There was no difference between mesh and suture with regard to the primary outcome variable, cumulative recurrence rate, 8.4 %. Recurrence was both self-reported and found on clinical revisit and defined as recurrence when verified by a clinician and/or radiologist. Results presented as odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) show a significantly higher risk for recurrence in patients with a coexisting hernia OR 2.84, 95 % CI 1.24-6.48. Secondary outcome, postoperative surgical complication (n = 51 occurrences), included an array of postoperative surgical events commencing within 30 days after surgery. Complication rate was significantly higher in patients receiving mesh repair OR 6.63, 95 % CI 2.29-20.38. CONCLUSIONS: Suture repair decreases the risk for surgical complications, especially infection without an increase in recurrence rate. The risk for recurrence is increased in patients with a history of another hernia.

Inappropriate drug use in elderly patients is associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased postoperative mortality after colorectal cancer surgery: a population-based study.

AIM: The study aimed to investigate whether continuing potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) is associated with length of hospital stay (LOS) and postoperative mortality in elderly people undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. METHOD: The Swedish National Colorectal Cancer Register and the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register provided matched data on 7279 patients aged 75 years or more who had undergone bowel resection for colorectal cancer between 2007 and 2010. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether or not they were taking PIM at the time of surgery. The primary efficacy variables were the LOS and 30-day postoperative mortality. RESULTS: Of the 7279 patients, 22.5% (1641) of the patients were exposed to at least one PIM and the total number of drugs taken in this group was six, compared with three in the non-PIM group (P < 0.001). Postoperative mortality was higher in the PIM group (7.1% vs 4.5%, P < 0.001), and LOS was longer (10 days vs 9, P = 0.001). When adjusted for independent predictors, the differences in LOS (odds ratio 1.14; 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.29, P = 0.046) and postoperative mortality (odds ratio 1.43; 95% confidence interval 1.11-1.85, P = 0.006) remained significant. CONCLUSION: The use of PIM prior to surgery is associated with increased postoperative mortality and prolonged hospital stay. Although no causal relationship is proved, the results add a further aspect to preoperative optimization of elderly patients about to have major colorectal surgery.