Use of botulinum toxin type A in the prehabilitation of abdominal wall musculature for hernia repair: a consensus proposal.

The prehabilitation of the abdominal wall through the infiltration of botulinum toxin type A, which induces temporary chemical denervation ("chemical component separation") in the lateral abdominal musculature, is a common practice in units specialized in abdominal wall surgery. However, its use for this indication is currently off-label. The main objective of this article is to describe a consensus proposal regarding indications, contraindications, dosages employed, potential side effects, administration method, and measurement of possible outcomes. Additionally, a proposal for an informed consent document endorsed by the Abdominal Wall Section of the Spanish Association of Surgeons is attached.

Mesh Infection After Hernia Repair and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Surgical mesh infection (SMI) after abdominal wall hernia repair (AWHR) is a challenging and highly debated clinical problem with no current consensus. The purpose of this review was to analyze the literature about the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the management of the conservative treatment of SMI and report results about infected mesh salvage. METHODS: A systematic review of EMBASE and PUBMED was performed describing the use of NPWT in patients with SMI following AWHR. Reviewed articles evaluating data about the association between clinical, demographic, analytic and surgical characteristics about SMI after AWHR were analyzed. The high heterogeneity of these studies did not allow a meta-analysis of outcomes. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 33 studies from PubMed, and 16 studies from EMBASE. NPWT was performed in 230 patients across 9 studies being achieved the mesh salvage in 196 (85.2%). Of these 230 cases, 46% were polypropylene (PPL), 9.9% polyester (PE), 16.8% polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), 4% biologic and 10.2% composite mesh (PPL and PTFE). Infected mesh location was onlay (43%), retromuscular (22%), preperitoneal (19%), intraperitoneal (10%) and between the oblique muscles (5%). The better option on salvageability with the use of NPWT was the combination of macroporous PPL mesh in an extraperitoneal position (19.2% onlay, 23.3% preperitoneal, 48.8% retromuscular). CONCLUSION: NPWT is a sufficient approach to treat SMI following AWHR. In most cases, infected prostheses can be salvaged with this management. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm our analysis results.

Negative pressure therapy in abdominal wall surgery.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is widely known in surgical practice. The initial indications for NPWT were chronic wounds, especially diabetic foot, vascular and decubitus ulcers, and infected traumatic wounds. Nowadays, the use has been widely increased. Although in the field of abdominal wall surgery, it has mainly been used in the treatment of surgical wound complications after hernia repair, other indications have been added after years of experience in the management of NPWT. Therefore, the aim of this article is to analyze and review the main indications of NPWT in abdominal wall surgery, as well as the advantages obtained with its application.

Análisis comparativo de 2 técnicas quirúrgicas en el tratamiento de la hernia incisional subxifoidea. Estudio observacional / Comparative analysis of 2 surgical techniques in the treatment of subxiphoid incisional hernia. Observational study

Introducción: La hernia incisional subxifoidea presenta complejidad en su solución quirúrgica por las características de la región anatómica donde aparece. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue el análisis de los resultados obtenidos con las diferentes técnicas realizadas en nuestro centro durante 9 años, incidiendo en las complicaciones postoperatorias y la tasa de recidiva. Métodos: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo desde enero de 2011 hasta enero de 2019 de los pacientes intervenidos de hernia incisional subxifoidea en nuestra Unidad. Se analizaron las comorbilidades, técnicas quirúrgicas empleadas (eventroplastia preperitoneal o TP, y técnica de doble malla ajustada) y variables postoperatorias, incidiendo en la recidiva herniaria. Las complicaciones se recogieron según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. Resultados: Se intervinieron un total de 42 pacientes: 22 (52,4%) mediante una TP, y 20 (47,6%) mediante técnica de doble malla ajustada. Todas las complicaciones registradas fueron leves (grado i) y aparecieron mayoritariamente en el grupo de la TP (p=0,053). El seguimiento medio postoperatorio fue 25,8±15,1 meses; no existieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a recidiva comparando los 2 grupos de tratamiento (p=0,288). Conclusiones: Según nuestros resultados, la TP fue la técnica ideal para reparar una hernia incisional subxifoidea. La técnica de doble malla ajustada puede representar un abordaje eficaz con un bajo índice de complicaciones, aunque analizando globalmente la tasa de recidiva, el cierre fascial por encima de la prótesis preperitoneal conlleva un menor impacto en la misma. (AU)

Introduction: The surgical procedure to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia is a complex technique due to the anatomical area that it appears. The objective of our study is the analysis of the results obtained with the different surgical techniques performed in our center for 9 years, especially postoperative complications and the recurrence rate. Methods: It is an observational, retrospective study from January 2011 to January 2019 of patients operated of subxiphoid incisional hernia in our Unit. We analysed the comorbidities, surgical techniques (preperitoneal hernia repair or TP, and adjusted double mesh technique) and postoperative variable, especially the hernia recurrence. The postoperative complications were summarized flowing the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: 42 patients were operated: 22 (52,4%) TP and 20 (47,6%) adjusted double mesh technique. All the complications registered were minor (grade I) and it appeared mostly in TP group (P=.053). The average follow up was 25.8±15.1 months; there were no statistically significant differences in hernia recurrence comparing two treatment groups (P=.288). Conclusions: According to our results, TP is the ideal technique to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia. Adjusted double mesh technique may represent an effective approach with a low complication rate, although globally analyzing the recurrence rate, aponeurosis closure over the preperitoneal mesh entails less impact on it. (AU)

Comparative analysis of 2 surgical techniques in the treatment of subxiphoid incisional hernia. Observational study.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical procedure to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia is a complex technique due to the anatomical area that it appears. The objective of our study is the analysis of the results obtained with the different surgical techniques performed in our center for 9 years, especially postoperative complications and the recurrence rate. METHODS: It is an observational, retrospective study from January 2011 to January 2019 of patients operated of subxiphoid incisional hernia in our Unit. We analysed the comorbidities, surgical techniques (preperitoneal hernia repair or TP, and adjusted double mesh technique) and postoperative variable, especially the hernia recurrence. The postoperative complications were summarized flowing the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: 42 patients were operated: 22 (52,4%) TP and 20 (47,6%) adjusted double mesh technique. All the complications registered were minor (grade I) and it appeared mostly in TP group (P = .053). The average follow up was 25.8 ± 15.1 months; there were no statistically significant differences in hernia recurrence comparing two treatment groups (P = .288). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, TP is the ideal technique to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia. Adjusted double mesh technique may represent an effective approach with a low complication rate, although globally analyzing the recurrence rate, aponeurosis closure over the preperitoneal mesh entails less impact on it.

The inguinal hernia management in Costa Rica according to a survey between surgeons: result comparison with 2018 International Groin Hernia Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia surgery is a frequent procedure among general surgeons in Costa Rica, but the management and technique are not uniform. The International Guideline for Groin Hernia management was published in 2018 to standardize the inguinal hernia surgery, but the diffusion of the guidelines and its adherence have been extremely varied. PURPOSE: Collect and analyze the current reality regarding groin hernia management in Costa Rica. Secondly evaluate the diffusion and development comparing it to the guideline's recommendations. METHOD: Questionnaire of 42 single and multiple answer questions according to the topics of the International Guideline directed to general surgeons. Diffusion of the inquiry through surgical and hernia association chats and email. Timeframe June-December 2019. RESULTS: 64 surveys were collected, which is a representative number of the general surgeons national college. The most frequent procedure between these was the abdominal wall surgery. Every surgeon did more than 52 groin hernia surgeries in one year, most of them outpatients. The epidural anesthesia was used the most and Lichtenstein's technique was the most frequently used (64%). 68% of the surgeons know how to perform a minimally invasive inguinal hernia surgery but with variable volumes. 38% of participants considered themselves experts in groin hernia management and 52% did not know the 2018 International Guideline. The recommendations of such guideline are followed only partially. CONCLUSIONS: The 2018 Hernia Surge International Guidelines have low diffusion among Costa Rican surgeons. The laparoscopic approach is widely accepted but there are no studies to assess the results and the quality. There should be protocols and studies adapted to Costa Rica's national situation.

Biosynthetic Resorbable Prosthesis is Useful in Single-Stage Management of Chronic Mesh Infection After Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this article was to report the results about the efficacy of treatment of chronic mesh infection (CMI) after abdominal wall hernia repair (AWHR) in one-stage management, with complete mesh explantation of infected prosthesis and simultaneous reinforcement with a biosynthetic poly-4-hydroxybutyrate absorbable (P4HB) mesh. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of all patients that needed mesh removal for CMI between September 2016 and January 2019 at a tertiary center. Epidemiological data, hernia characteristics, surgical, and postoperative variables (Clavien-Dindo classification) of these patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients who required mesh explantation, 30 received one-stage management of CMI. In 60% of the patients, abdominal wall reconstruction was necessary after the infected mesh removal: 8 cases (26.6%) were treated with Rives-Stoppa repair, 4 (13.3%) with a fascial plication, 1 (3.3%) with anterior component separation, and 1 (3.3%) with transversus abdominis release to repair hernia defects. Three Lichtenstein (10%) and 1 Nyhus repairs (3.3%) were performed in patients with groin hernias. The most frequent postoperative complications were surgical site occurrences: seroma in 5 (20%) patients, hematoma in 2 (6.6%) patients, and wound infection in 1 (3.3%) patient. During the mean follow-up of 34.5 months (range 23-46 months), the overall recurrence rate was 3.3%. Persistent, recurrent, or new CMIs were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, single-stage management of CMI with complete removal of infected prosthesis and replacement with a P4HB mesh is feasible with acceptable results in terms of mesh reinfection and hernia recurrence.

Comparative analysis of 2 surgical techniques in the treatment of subxiphoid incisional hernia. Observational study. / Análisis comparativo de 2 técnicas quirúrgicas en el tratamiento de la hernia incisional subxifoidea. Estudio observacional.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical procedure to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia is a complex technique due to the anatomical area that it appears. The objective of our study is the analysis of the results obtained with the different surgical techniques performed in our center for 9 years, especially postoperative complications and the recurrence rate. METHODS: It is an observational, retrospective study from January 2011 to January 2019 of patients operated of subxiphoid incisional hernia in our Unit. We analysed the comorbidities, surgical techniques (preperitoneal hernia repair or TP, and adjusted double mesh technique) and postoperative variable, especially the hernia recurrence. The postoperative complications were summarized flowing the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: 42 patients were operated: 22 (52,4%) TP and 20 (47,6%) adjusted double mesh technique. All the complications registered were minor (grade I) and it appeared mostly in TP group (P=.053). The average follow up was 25.8±15.1 months; there were no statistically significant differences in hernia recurrence comparing two treatment groups (P=.288). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, TP is the ideal technique to repair a subxiphoid incisional hernia. Adjusted double mesh technique may represent an effective approach with a low complication rate, although globally analyzing the recurrence rate, aponeurosis closure over the preperitoneal mesh entails less impact on it.

Resultados de la reparación de la hernia incisional asociada al trasplante renal en un centro especializado. Análisis de nuestra experiencia de 7 años / Incisional hernia repair outcome after renal transplantation in a reference center. Our experience of 7 years

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las hernias incisionales secundarias al trasplante renal (HITR) se consideran hernias complejas debido a su localización lateral a la vaina del músculo recto abdominal. También influyen la presencia del injerto en la fosa iliaca y la proximidad del área inguinal, el margen costal y los huesos iliacos como rebordes de difícil fijación de la prótesis. Además, estos pacientes presentan connotaciones específicas, como el tratamiento con inmunosupresores, que podrían alterar la evolución postoperatoria. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar los resultados obtenidos en la reparación de las HITR en un hospital terciario, comparando estos datos con la literatura internacional. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo, desde el 1 de enero de 2011 al 31 de enero de 2018, de los pacientes operados de HITR en nuestra unidad. Análisis de factores preoperatorios, intraoperatorios y de complicaciones postoperatorias observados durante el seguimiento. RESULTADOS: Se operaron 25 pacientes, encontrando un índice de recidiva herniaria del 4% tras un seguimiento mediano de 27,5 meses (20-39). La técnica más utilizada fue la separación posterior de componentes con liberación del transverso en un 42%, seguida de la reparación preperitoneal en un 27% y la reparación interoblicuos en un 12%. La morbilidad postoperatoria global fue del 23%, siendo las más frecuentes las relacionadas con el sitio quirúrgico (12%). CONCLUSIONES: La reparación de las HITR es un procedimiento seguro en nuestro centro, con un índice de recidiva herniaria aceptable, aunque no exento de complicaciones

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernias secondary to renal transplantation (IHRT) are considered complex hernias because they are lateral to the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle. The presence of the graft in the iliac fossa and the proximity to the inguinal area, costal margin and iliac bones, as zones with difficult fixation for prostheses, increases repair complexity. In addition, these patients have specific characteristics, such as treatment with immunosuppressive medication, that could alter postoperative evolution. The objective of this study was to analyze the results obtained in IHRT repair at a tertiary hospital, and to compare these data with the international literature. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of patients treated surgically for IHRT in our unit from January 1, 2011 to January 31, 2018. Preoperative conditions, intraoperative factors and postoperative complications during follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients underwent hernia repair, finding a 4% hernia recurrence rate during a median follow-up of 27.5 months (20-39). The most frequently used technique was the posterior transversus abdominis release component separation technique in 42%, followed by preperitoneal repair in 27% and interoblique repair in 12%. The overall postoperative morbidity was 23%, which was frequently related to the surgical site (12%). CONCLUSIONS: IHRT repair is a safe procedure at our medical center, with an acceptable rate of hernia recurrence, but it is not without complications

Botulinum toxin to avoid component separation in midline large hernias.

BACKGROUND: The goal of our study was to compare results in patients with large midline incisional hernia using modified anterior component separation versus preoperative botulinum toxin and following Rives repair, with a focus on surgical site occurrences, possibility of fascial closure, duration of hospital stay, and hernia recurrence rate. METHODS: From to March 2016 to June 2019, a prospective comparative study was performed in 80 consecutive patients with large midline incisional hernias and hernia transverse diameters between 11 and 17 cm under elective hernia repair at our tertiary center. Two groups were analyzed prospectively: 40 patients with preoperative botulinum toxin administration and following open Rives repair (botulinum toxin group) were compared with 40 patients who underwent open component separation during that period (component separation group). RESULTS: All large midline incisional hernias were classified W3, with mean transverse and longitudinal defect diameters of 14.9 cm (11.8-16.5) and 24 cm (11-28), respectively. Complete fascial closure was possible in all patients in the preoperative botulinum toxin group. No complications occurred during the administration of preoperative botulinum toxin, but surgical site complications were most frequent in the component separation group, especially skin necrosis (12.5%, P = .020). At a median of 19.6 months (range, 11-35) of postoperative follow-up, 2 cases of hernia recurrence (8.9%) were reported, all of them in the component separation group. CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin allows getting a successful downstaging from surgical repair to Rives technique in patients with large midline incisional hernia, especially with hernia transverse diameters between 11 and 17 cm. These results contribute to minimize disadvantages associated to the anterior component separation.

Incisional hernia repair outcome after renal transplantation in a reference center. Our experience of 7 years. / Resultados de la reparación de la hernia incisional asociada al trasplante renal en un centro especializado. Análisis de nuestra experiencia de 7 años.

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernias secondary to renal transplantation (IHRT) are considered complex hernias because they are lateral to the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle. The presence of the graft in the iliac fossa and the proximity to the inguinal area, costal margin and iliac bones, as zones with difficult fixation for prostheses, increases repair complexity. In addition, these patients have specific characteristics, such as treatment with immunosuppressive medication, that could alter postoperative evolution. The objective of this study was to analyze the results obtained in IHRT repair at a tertiary hospital, and to compare these data with the international literature. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of patients treated surgically for IHRT in our unit from January 1, 2011 to January 31, 2018. Preoperative conditions, intraoperative factors and postoperative complications during follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients underwent hernia repair, finding a 4% hernia recurrence rate during a median follow-up of 27.5 months (20-39). The most frequently used technique was the posterior transversus abdominis release component separation technique in 42%, followed by preperitoneal repair in 27% and interoblique repair in 12%. The overall postoperative morbidity was 23%, which was frequently related to the surgical site (12%). CONCLUSIONS: IHRT repair is a safe procedure at our medical center, with an acceptable rate of hernia recurrence, but it is not without complications.

Morbimortalidad de necrosectomía pancreática abierta / (Open pancreatic necrosectomy morbility and mortality)

ResumenJustificación y objetivo:la necrosectomía pancreática abierta es un procedimiento quirúrgico usado en la pancreatitis aguda necrotizante infectada, con una mortalidad variable entre el 6% y el 80%, y una morbilidad que supera el 50% de los casos. En Costa Rica no existen estudios acerca de esta cirugía, por lo cual se hizo uno retrospectivo, observacional, de casos controles, con el objetivo de conocer los resultados quirúrgicos en nuestro centro hospitalario y compararlos con la estadística mundial, para intentar identificar patrones que modifiquen la mortalidad.Métodos:estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo de casos y controles. Se analizaron todos los pacientes sometidos a necrosectomía pancreática abierta en el hospital "Dr. R. A. Calderón Guardia", desde el 1 de enero de 2006 al 30 junio de 2014. Se definió como caso todo paciente que falleció posterior a una necrosectomía pancreática por pancreatitis necrotizante, y como control, todo paciente que sobrevivió posterior al diagnóstico y cirugía.Resultados:en el período 2006 - 2014 se analizaron 28 casos. La edad promedio de población fue de 47,7 años; 17 hombres y 11 mujeres; pancreatitis agudas severas en el 89,3% de casos, teniendo como principales causas: colelitiasis e ingesta etílica. Indicaciones quirúrgicas utilizadas: colección pancreática o peripancreática infectada y necrosis pancreática; momento quirúrgico promedio de 17,3 días; abordaje por línea media con necrosectomía y empaque más abdomen abierto mayormente usado. En promedio: 6,3 intervenciones quirúrgicas por paciente, con estancias medias en UCI y hospitalaria, de 26,6 y 47,5 días. Complicaciones frecuentes: fístula pancreática enel 53,6% de los casos, abscesos postoperatorios en el 53,6% también, y mortalidad del 35,7%. En cuanto a la mortalidad, se encontró que la perforación intestinal fue la principal condición de riesgo para fallecimiento, y la fístula pancreática, un factor protector.Conclusión:en el hospital del estudio, la necrosectomía pancreática abierta es un procedimiento de alta morbimortalidad.

AbstractBackground and aim:Open pancreatic necrosectomy is a surgical procedure used in infected acute necrotizing pancreatitis with a mortality that varies between studies from 6% to 80% and a morbidity that exceeds 50% of the cases. In Costa Rica there are no studies related to this surgery so a retrospective, observational and control study was done with the objective of knowing the surgical results in our center and comparing it with the world statistics and to identify patterns that modify mortality.Methods:Observational, descriptive and retrospective case-control study. All patients undergoing open pancreatic necrosectomy at the "Dr. R. A. Calderón Guardia" from January 1, 2006 to June 30, 2014 were reviewed. All patients who died after a pancreatic necrosectomy for necrotizing pancreatitis were defined as cases, and as a controls, all patients who survived after diagnosis and surgery.Results:In the period 2006 to 2014 in our tertiary center Hospital Calderón Guardia 28 cases were obtained, with the following results: average age of 47.7 years, 17 men and 11 women, severe acute pancreatitis was found in 89.3% of cases with cholelithiasis and alcohol ingestion as the main causes. Surgical indications were pancreatic and/or peripancreatic infected collection and pancreatic necrosis, surgical time average of 17.3 days, midline approach with necrosectomy and packing, plus open abdomen mostly used. On average, 6.3 surgeries per patient were made, with mean days in ICU and hospital stay of 26.6 and 47.5 days each. Most frequent pancreatic complications were pancreatic fistula in 53.6% of cases, postoperative abscesses in 53.6%, and mortality of 35.7%. Regarding mortality it was found that intestinal perforation was a risk factor fordeath and pancreatic fistula a protective factor.Conclusion:at the study hospital open pancreatic necrosectomy is a high morbidity and mortality procedure.