Update of the international HerniaSurge guidelines for groin hernia management.

BACKGROUND: Groin hernia repair is one of the most common operations performed globally, with more than 20 million procedures per year. The last guidelines on groin hernia management were published in 2018 by the HerniaSurge Group. The aim of this project was to assess new evidence and update the guidelines. The guideline is intended for general and abdominal wall surgeons treating adult patients with groin hernias. METHOD: A working group of 30 international groin hernia experts and all involved stakeholders was formed and examined all new literature on groin hernia management, available until April 2022. Articles were screened for eligibility and assessed according to GRADE methodologies. New evidence was included, and chapters were rewritten. Statements and recommendations were updated or newly formulated as necessary. RESULTS: Ten chapters of the original HerniaSurge inguinal hernia guidelines were updated. In total, 39 new statements and 32 recommendations were formulated (16 strong recommendations). A modified Delphi method was used to reach consensus on all statements and recommendations among the groin hernia experts and at the European Hernia Society meeting in Manchester on October 21, 2022. CONCLUSION: The HerniaSurge Collaboration has updated the international guidelines for groin hernia management. The updated guidelines provide an overview of the best available evidence on groin hernia management and include evidence-based statements and recommendations for daily practice. Future guideline development will change according to emerging guideline methodology.

Quality of Life after Desarda Technique for Inguinal Hernia Repair-A Comparative Retrospective Multicenter Study of 120 Patients.

Inguinal hernia repair, according to Desarda, is a pure tissue surgical technique using external oblique fascia to reinforce the posterior wall of the inguinal canal. This has provided an impetus for the rethinking of guideline adherence toward minimally invasive and mesh-based surgery of inguinal hernia. In this study, a retrospective analysis of this technique was conducted in two German hospitals. Between 6/2013 and 12/2020, 120 operations were performed. Analysis included patient characteristics, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, and perioperative complications. Data were used to achieve a matched-pair analysis comparing Desarda to laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernia repair. Propensity scores were calculated based on five preoperative variables, including sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiology classification, localization, and width of the inguinal hernia in order to achieve comparability. Additionally, we assessed pain level and quality of life (QoL) 12 months postoperatively. The focus of our study was a comparison of QoL to a reference population and TAPP cohort. The study population consisted of 106 male and 14 female patients, and the median age was 37.5 years. The median operation time was 50 min, and the median length of hospital stay was 2 days. At a follow-up of 17 months, the median recurrence rate was 0.8%, and two cases of chronic postoperative pain were recorded. Postoperative QoL does not significantly differ between Desarda and TAPP. In contrast, Desarda patients had a significantly higher QoL compared with the reference population. In summary, Desarda's procedure is a good option as a pure tissue method for inguinal hernia repair.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Transrectal Pelvic Abscess Drainage (EUS-PAD) - Bridging to Surgery: Report of Two Cases.

Background Currently, the methods for drainage of pelvic abscess primarily use computed tomography- or ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage or surgical drainage. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pelvic abscess drainage (EUS-PAD) is an alternative, minimally invasive tool to drain an abscess, localized close to the rectum or left colon, and therefore not accessible by other means. Methods We report on the success of endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of peridiverticulitic abscess based on the two cases presented here. Using endoscopic ultrasound guidance an aspiration of the abscess from the endoluminal could be realized. After successive balloon dilatation via a guidewire while using X-ray imaging, the placement of pigtail or flap stent was performed. In addition, conservative therapy measures such as antibiotics, diet, and pain management were performed. Results The interventions were successful in both patients, resulting in rapid recourse of discomfort, abscess size, and sepsis. After controlling the consequences of complicated diverticulitis, both patients underwent laparoscopic sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis and without ileostomy during an inflammation-free interval. Conclusion Both cases demonstrate the advantages of EUS-PAD. A laparoscopic operation with primary anastomosis, lower perioperative risk, and without need of a protective ileostomy in early elective setting became possible by bridging the time until surgery by using EUS-PAD.

Alterations in the mechanical, chemical and biocompatibility properties of low-cost polyethylene and polyester meshes after steam sterilization.

INTRODUCTION: In Africa and other Low Resource Settings (LRS), the guideline-based and thus in most cases mesh-based treatment of inguinal hernias is only feasible to a very limited extent. This has led to an increased use of low cost meshes (LCMs, mostly mosquito meshes) for patients in LRS. Most of the LCMs used are made of polyethylene or polyester, which must be sterilized before use. The aim of our investigations was to determine changes in the biocompatibility of fibroblasts as well as mechanical and chemical properties of LCMs after steam sterilization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two large-pored LCMs made of polyester and polyethylene in a size of 11 x 6 cm were cut and steam sterilized at 100, 121 and 134 °C. These probes and non-sterile meshes were then subjected to mechanical tensile tests in vertical and horizontal tension, chemical analyses and biocompatibility tests with human fibroblasts. All meshes were examined by stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), LDH (cytotoxicity) measurement, viability testing, pH, lactate and glycolysis determination. RESULTS: Even macroscopically, polyethylene LCMs showed massive shrinkage after steam sterilization, especially at 121 and 134 °C. While polyester meshes showed no significant changes after sterilization with regard to deformation and damage as well as tensile force and stiffness, only the unsterile polyethylene mesh and the mesh sterilized at 100 °C could be tested mechanically due to the shrinkage of the other specimen. For these meshes the tensile forces were about four times higher than for polyester LCMs. Chemical analysis showed that the typical melting point of polyester LCMs was between 254 and 269 °C. Contrary to the specifications, the polyethylene LCM did not consist of low-density polyethylene, but rather high-density polyethylene and therefore had a melting point of 137 °C, so that the marked shrinkage described above occurred. Stereomicroscopy confirmed the shrinkage of polyethylene LCMs already after sterilization at 100 °C in contrast to polyester LCMs. Surprisingly, cytotoxicity (LDH measurement) was lowest for both non-sterile LCMs, while polyethylene LCMs sterilized at 100 and 121 °C in particular showed a significant increase in cytotoxicity 48 hours after incubation with fibroblasts. Glucose metabolism showed no significant changes between sterile and non-sterile polyethylene and polyester LCMs. CONCLUSION: The process of steam sterilization significantly alters mechanical and structural properties of synthetic hernia mesh implants. Our findings do not support a use of low-cost meshes because of their unpredictable properties after steam sterilization.

Laparoscopic repair for parastomal hernia with ongoing barbed suture followed by sandwich-technique: 'Sandwich-plus-technique'.

The incidence of parastomal hernias after a permanent stoma is between 50% and 80% depending on the type of stoma, the definition of the hernia (clinical or radiological), and the length of the follow-up. Surgical therapy is complex and involves several techniques with different recurrence rates. We present three cases where we have closed the hernia gap with continuous, non-resorbable, self-retaining sutures with subsequent use of the sandwich technique ('Sandwich-plus-technique'). There were pronounced parastomal hernias in three female patients (mean age was 72 years and the range was 63-78 years) with permanent colostomata. After laparoscopic adhesiolysis, the closure of the hernia defect was completed with ongoing, barbed non-resorbable 1-0 sutures (polybutester) followed by the sandwich technique. There were no intraoperative complications and currently no clinical or radiological evidence for recurrences of the parastomal hernia. Closure of the hernia gap leads to the additional reconstruction of the lateral abdominal wall, resulting in a larger contact surface for integration of the keyhole mesh and thus prior to implantation of the Sugarbaker mesh. The laparoscopic augmentation of large parastomal hernias using the 'Sandwich-plus-technique' is technically complex but achieves very good results in our case series. Further studies and long-term results should prove that the low recurrence rate of the sandwich technique can be further reduced.

[Fluorescence Cholangiography in Comparison to Radiographic Cholangiography During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy]. / ICG-Fluoreszenzcholangiografie im Vergleich zur konventionellen Röntgencholangiografie im Rahmen einer laparoskopischen Cholezystektomie.

BACKGROUND: The reported incidence rate of bile duct injury (BDI) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is 0.3%. However, routine use of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) is a controversial, due to the additional cost and radiation exposure. The aim of this study was to assess the application of fluorescence cholangiography (FC) in comparison to IOC and to LC without any intraoperative imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 230 patients undergoing LC in our institution. The subjects were divided into two groups. In the first group, with 170 patients, both FC and IOC were performed following a standardised protocol. In second group, with 60 patients, FC was compared to LC without any intraoperative imaging. The data were then analysed with respect to procedure time and identification of predefined anatomical structures. RESULTS: The mean age and body mass index in the first group were 54.4 ± 15.7 years and 27.9 ± 5.7 kg/m², respectively. The mean operative time was 67.6 ± 23.3 min. FC was performed more rapidly than IOC (1.5 ± 0.9 vs.7.3 ± 5.0 min) and visualised the cystic duct (DC) in 67.5% of patients and the common bile duct (DHC) in 66.2% of patients before dissection of Calot's triangle. During dissection, DC and DHC were detected in 95.9% and 71.2% of patients, respectively. BMI > 25 kg/m² and male gender significantly reduced the identification rate of DC before dissection of Calot's triangle. Bile leakage from the liver bed after cholecystectomy was found in 3 cases (1.8%) by FC. In 2 patients (1.2%), IOC visualised the DC joining directly to the right hepatic duct. In 1 of these 2 cases (0.6%), the anatomical variation was identified first by FC. Intraductal filling defects were detected in 9 patients (5.3%) using IOC, compared to 1 patient (0.6%) using FC. In the second group, the visualisation rates of DC and DHC were 80.0 and 53.3%, respectively, with FC and 60.0 and 43.3%, respectively, during LC without any imaging. Surgeons confirmed an increase in safety in 70.0% of patients using FC. CONCLUSION: FC is a simple procedure for non-invasive real-time visualisation of bile duct anatomy during LC. Earlier identification of biliary anomalies and bile leakage increases the operative safety and enables immediate care. In obese patients, FC has limited validity.

Continuous Laparoscopic Closure of the Linea Alba with Barbed Sutures Combined with Laparoscopic Mesh Implantation (IPOM Plus Repair) As a New Technique for Treatment of Abdominal Hernias.

Despite extensive experience and significant reduction of complications in recent years, laparoscopic treatment of complex abdominal hernias is a challenge even for the experienced endoscopic surgeon. Patients with severe incisional hernias or symptomatic rectus diastasis benefit from the closure of the linea alba as a morphological and physiological reconstruction of the abdominal wall followed by mesh implantation. Occasionally, an additional component separation is necessary. In open surgery, this is associated with very large wound areas, postoperative seromas, poor wound healing and, in the worst case, mesh infections. To avoid these complications, we operate these complex reconstructions completely endoscopically. Our concept is based on a laparoscopic closure of the linea alba through an ongoing, barbed non-resorbable 1-0 suture (polybutester) and final reinforcement by an intraperitoneal-onlay mesh (IPOM-Plus). For the treatment of complex abdominal hernias with a width of more than 10 cm, we performed an endoscopic anterior bilateral component separation. This allows the surgeon to combine the advantages of the open abdominal wall reconstruction with those of laparoscopic hernia repair. Between May 2015 and June 2017, we treated 42 patients with abdominal hernias by laparoscopic continuous hernia defect closure and complementary mesh implantation, whereby a complex reconstruction with additional endoscopic anterior component separation was performed in five patients. In this article, we will present this innovative technique of endoscopic/laparoscopic hernia repair in complex abdominal hernias.

[Nutritional recommendations, supplementation, and physical activity program following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity]. / Ernährungsumstellung, Supplementation und Bewegungsprogramm nach Roux-Y-Magenbypass.

The number of gastric bypass operations (RYGB) needed worldwide is increasing annually due to the obesity epidemic.Yet the success of this treatment is only guaranteed if an appropriate exercise therapy, a corresponding change of diet, and an adequate supplementation take hold in the aftercare program.Subject to pre-existing musculoskeletal diseases, exercise therapy should start about 4 weeks after the operation and comprise alternating cardiovascular and connective tissue-restitution training. The required change of diet focuses on small portions of calorie-reduced as well as protein- and vitamin enriched food. The standard daily intake should be between 800 and 1,200 kcal. However, after RYGB, nutritive deficiencies have been registered for proteins in 1-3%, for iron in 45-52%,vitamin B12 in 33-37%, folic acid in about 35%, calcium in 10-12%, and vitamins in 10-45% of the patients. For this reason,laboratory analysis at regular intervals is necessary in the follow-up and an appropriate supplementation of minerals, vitamins,and trace elements must be implemented.

Effective antitumoral immune responses are not induced by cytosine deaminase suicide gene transfer in a syngeneic rat pancreatic carcinoma model.

BACKGROUND: Experimental gene transfer can make tumors more immunogenic, leading to local regression and inducing immunological memory sufficient to permit resistance to a tumor rechallenge. However, this rarely had any significant impact on large established tumors. METHODS: To analyze potential immunological effects, we used weakly immunogenic pancreatic carcinomas in syngeneic, immunocompetent Lewis rats and performed in situ adenoviral mediated cytosine deaminase (CD) gene transfer followed by administration of the prodrug, 5-fluorocytosine (5FC). In order to reflect the clinical situation, such treated tumors were surgically resected and animals were rechallenged with parental DSL6A pancreatic tumor cells. Tumor growth and cytotoxic activity of immune cells were determined. RESULTS: CD/5FC treatment of the DSL6A cells revealed significant induction of apoptosis in vitro and slowed down tumor progression in syngeneic hosts. Furthermore, we observed neither significant change in tumor growth nor protective immunity in the rechallenged animals. Analysis of T lymphocytes showed no specific cytotoxic activity against DSL6A cells. There was only a trend towards a minor NK cell activation. CONCLUSIONS: Albeit the present study failed to induce protective antitumor immunity, the initial finding of reduced tumor growth argues for the development of multimodal therapeutic options to overcome negative impacts of advanced malignant disease or chemotherapy-related anergy and immunosuppression.

Intra-arterial instillation of microencapsulated, Ifosfamide-activating cells in the pig pancreas for chemotherapeutic targeting.

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic efficacy of intratumoral instillation of genetically engineered, CYP2B1-expressing, microencapsulated cells in combination with ifosfamide had been previously demonstrated in xenografted human pancreatic ductal carcinomas [Gene Ther 1998;5:1070-1078]. Prior to a clinical study, the feasibility of an intra-arterial application of microencapsulated cells to the pancreas and its consequences to the organ had to be evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Microencapsulated, CYP2B1-producing cells were instilled both in vivo (transfemoral angiographical access) and in vitro (perfusion model) in the splenic lobe of the pig pancreas. In vivo, animals were monitored clinically for 7 days, then treated with ifosfamide and sacrificed. In vitro, ifosfamide was administered intra-arterially. RESULTS: In all animals, 100 microcapsules could be instilled safely via the femoral route without clinical, biochemical or histological signs of pancreatitis. Histological examination revealed partial obstruction of small arteries by the capsules, without causing any parenchymal damage. In vitro, instillation reduced blood flow by half. Ifosfamide, also in combination with the capsules, did not add any damage to the pancreas. CONCLUSION: Intra-arterial instillation of microencapsulated cells to the pig pancreas is feasible and safe. Neither pancreatitis, foreign body reactions nor circulatory disturbances were observed. Clinical application of this genetically enhanced chemotherapeutic method seems possible.

Microcirculatory events in ischemia/reperfusion of the pancreas defined by continuous tissue oximetry.

In ischemia/reperfusion of the pancreas impairment of microcirculation after reperfusion is believed to be of critical importance. The 'no-reflow' phenomenon is thought to cause persisting tissue ischemia, while the 'reflow-paradox' is defined as secondary impairment of nutritive perfusion. These phenomena have been shown by intravital microscopy but their effect on tissue oxygenation as assessed by continuous tissue oximetry has not been identified. In landrace pigs tissue oxygenation was investigated in warm ischemia/reperfusion of the pancreas by the use of continuous tissue oximetry. After reperfusion rapid reoxygenation occurred which was followed by a period of secondary hypoxia. Thereafter, secondary reoxygenation was found, and finally tertiary hypoxia with a gradual decline of tissue pO(2) was noted. The data show a relevant impairment of tissue oxygenation after reperfusion. However, 'no-reflow' seems not to be a primary failure of capillary reperfusion but the consequence of a short reperfusion period followed by secondary ischemia. The 'reflow-paradox' most likely corresponds to tertiary ischemia.