Economic analysis of the robotic approach to inguinal hernia versus laparoscopic: is it sustainable for the healthcare system?

INTRODUCTION: There has been a rapid proliferation of the robotic approach to inguinal hernia, mainly in the United States, as it has shown similar outcomes to the laparoscopic approach but with a significant increase in associated costs. Our objective is to conduct a cost analysis in our setting (Spanish National Health System). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center comparative study on inguinal hernia repair using a robotic approach versus laparoscopic approach. RESULTS: A total of 98 patients who underwent either robotic or laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair between October 2021 and July 2023 were analyzed. Out of these 98 patients, 20 (20.4%) were treated with the robotic approach, while 78 (79.6%) underwent the laparoscopic approach. When comparing both approaches, no significant differences were found in terms of complications, recurrences, or readmissions. However, the robotic group exhibited a longer surgical time (86 ± 33.07 min vs. 40 ± 14.46 min, p < 0.001), an extended hospital stays (1.6 ± 0.503 days vs. 1.13 ± 0.727 days, p < 0.007), as well as higher procedural costs (2318.63 ± 205.15 € vs. 356.81 ± 110.14 €, p < 0.001) and total hospitalization costs (3272.48 ± 408.49 € vs. 1048.61 ± 460.06 €, p < 0.001). These results were consistent when performing subgroup analysis for unilateral and bilateral hernias. CONCLUSIONS: The benefits observed in terms of recurrence rates and post-surgical complications do not justify the additional costs incurred by the robotic approach to inguinal hernia within the national public healthcare system. Nevertheless, it represents a simpler way to initiate the robotic learning curve, justifying its use in a training context.

Delphi consensus statement for understanding and managing the subcostal hernia: subcostal hernias collaborative report (scholar study).

INTRODUCTION: Subcostal hernias are categorized as L1 based on the European Hernia Society (EHS) classification and frequently involve M1, M2, and L2 sites. These are common after hepatopancreatic and biliary surgeries. The literature on subcostal hernias mostly comprises of retrospective reviews of small heterogenous cohorts, unsurprisingly leading to no consensus or guidelines. Given the limited literature and lack of consensus or guidelines for dealing with these hernias, we planned for a Delphi consensus to aid in decision making to repair subcostal hernias. METHODS: We adopted a modified Delphi technique to establish consensus regarding the definition, characteristics, and surgical aspects of managing subcostal hernias (SCH). It was a four-phase Delphi study reflecting the widely accepted model, consisting of: 1. Creating a query. 2. Building an expert panel. 3. Executing the Delphi rounds. 4. Analysing, presenting, and reporting the Delphi results. More than 70% of agreement was defined as a consensus statement. RESULTS: The 22 experts who agreed to participate in this Delphi process for Subcostal Hernias (SCH) comprised 7 UK surgeons, 6 mainland European surgeons, 4 Indians, 3 from the USA, and 2 from Southeast Asia. This Delphi study on subcostal hernias achieved consensus on the following areas-use of mesh in elective cases; the retromuscular position with strong discouragement for onlay mesh; use of macroporous medium-weight polypropylene mesh; use of the subcostal incision over midline incision if there is no previous midline incision; TAR over ACST; defect closure where MAS is used; transverse suturing over vertical suturing for closure of circular defects; and use of peritoneal flap when necessary. CONCLUSION: This Delphi consensus defines subcostal hernias and gives insight into the consensus for incision, dissection plane, mesh placement, mesh type, and mesh fixation for these hernias.

Laparoscopic intracorporeal rectus aponeuroplasty (LIRA) technique versus intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM plus) for ventral hernia repair: a comparative analysis.

PURPOSE: Primary aim of this study is to compare the postoperative outcomes of the laparoscopic intracorporeal rectus aponeuroplasty (LIRA) technique to the intraperitoneal onlay mesh closing the defect (IPOM plus), in terms of recurrence and bulging rates at one-year follow-up; secondary aim is to compare the postoperative complications, seroma and pain at 30 days and one-year after surgery. METHODS: Patients with midline ventral hernia of 4-10 cm in width were included. Computed tomography scan was performed before, 1 and 12 months after surgery. Pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Forty-five and forty-seven consecutive patients underwent LIRA and IPOM plus, respectively. Preoperatively, smoke habits and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rates were statistically significantly higher in the LIRA group (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.012, respectively). Two bulgings (4.4%) occurred in the LIRA group, while in the IPOM plus group occurred 10 bulgings (21.3%) and three recurrences (6.4%) (p = 0.017 and p = 0.085, respectively). Postoperatively, seven (15.6%, Clavien-Dindo I) and four complications (8.5%, two Clavien-Dindo I, two Clavien-Dindo III-b) occurred in the LIRA and in the IPOM plus group, respectively (p = 0.298). One month after surgery, clinical seroma, occurred in five (11.1%) and eight patients (17%) in the LIRA and in the IPOM plus group, respectively (p = 0.416). During follow-up, pain reduction occurred, without statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, even if we analysed a small series, LIRA showed lower bulging and recurrence rates in comparison to IPOM plus at one-year follow-up. Further prospective studies, with a large sample of patients and longer follow-up are required to draw definitive conclusions.

European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) consensus on Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence-guided surgery.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the use of Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence-guided surgery during open and laparoscopic procedures has exponentially expanded across various clinical settings. The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) initiated a consensus development conference on this topic with the aim of creating evidence-based statements and recommendations for the surgical community. METHODS: An expert panel of surgeons has been selected and invited to participate to this project. Systematic reviews of the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane libraries were performed to identify evidence on potential benefits of ICG fluorescence-guided surgery on clinical practice and patient outcomes. Statements and recommendations were prepared and unanimously agreed by the panel; they were then submitted to all EAES members through a two-rounds online survey and results presented at the EAES annual congress, Barcelona, November 2021. RESULTS: A total of 18,273 abstracts were screened with 117 articles included. 22 statements and 16 recommendations were generated and approved. In some areas, such as the use of ICG fluorescence-guided surgery during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the perfusion assessment in colorectal surgery and the search for the sentinel lymph nodes in gynaecological malignancies, the large number of evidences in literature has allowed us to strongly recommend the use of ICG for a better anatomical definition and a reduction in post-operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, from the systematic literature review performed by the experts panel and the survey extended to all EAES members, ICG fluorescence-guided surgery could be considered a safe and effective technology. Future robust clinical research is required to specifically validate multiple organ-specific applications and the potential benefits of this technique on clinical outcomes.

Laparoscopic approach in emergency for the treatment of acute incarcerated groin hernia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Minimally invasive approach for acute incarcerated groin hernia repair is still debated. To clarify this debate, a literature review was performed. METHODS: Search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases, founding 28,183 articles. RESULTS: Fifteen articles, and 433 patients were included (16 bilateral hernia, range 3-8). Three hundred and eighty-eight (75.3%) and 103 patients (22.9%) underwent transabdominal preperitoneal and totally extraperitoneal repair, respectively, and in 5 patients, the defect was buttressed with broad ligament (1.1%) (not specified in 3 patients). Herniated structures were resected in 48 cases (range 1-9). Intraoperative complications and conversion occurred in 4 (range 0-1) and 10 (range 0-3) patients, respectively. Mean operative time and hospital stay ranged between 50 and 147 min, and 2 and 7 days, respectively. Postoperative complications ranged between 1 and 19. Five studies compared laparoscopic and open approaches (163 and 235 patients). Herniated structures were resected in 19 (11.7%) and 42 cases (17.9%) for laparoscopic and open approach, respectively (p = 0.1191). Intraoperative complications and conversion occurred in one (0.6%) and 5 (2.1%) patients (p = 0.4077), and in two (1.2%) and 19 (8.1%) patients (p = 0.0023), in case of laparoscopic or open approach, respectively. Mean operative time and hospital stay were 94.4 ± 40.2 and 102.8 ± 43.7 min, and 4.8 ± 2.2 and 11 ± 3.1 days, in laparoscopic or open approach, respectively. Sixteen (9.8%) and 57 (24.3%) postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy seems to be a safe and feasible approach for the treatment of acute incarcerated groin hernia. Further studies are required for definitive conclusions.

Expanding indication of laparoscopic intracorporeal rectus aponeuroplasty (LIRA) to suprapubic area: LIRA & TAPE / Indicación extendida de la aponeuroplastia intracorpórea de rectos laparoscópica (LIRA) al área suprapúbica: LIRA & TAPE

Laparoscopic intracorporeal rectus aponeuroplasty (LIRA) is a minimally invasive technique described to repair M2–M4 primary and incisional hernias. Defects below this area (M5 – Suprapubic area) could be treated using the concept associated to LIRA, expanding the indication of this technique in combination with a transabdominal partially extraperitoneal (TAPE) repair. The aim of this video is to show the surgical steps in the combination of LIRA & TAPE for M2–M5 ventral hernias (AU)

La aponeuroplastia intracorpórea de rectos laparoscópica (LIRA) es una técnica mínimamente invasiva para la reparación de las hernias incisionales de M2 a M4. Los defectos por debajo de esta zona (M5 – área suprapúbica) se pueden reparar mediante una indicación extendida de LIRA combinada con la reparación transabdominal parcialmente extraperitoneal (TAPE). El objetivo de este video es demostrar los pasos quirúrgicos en la combinación de LIRA & TAPE para hernias ventrales de M2 a M5 (AU)

Ventral hernia repair in high-risk patients and contaminated fields using a single mesh: proportional meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The use of mesh is a common practice in ventral hernia repair (VHR). Lack of consensus on which prosthetic material works better in different settings remains. This meta-analysis aims to summarize the available evidence on hernia recurrence and complications after repair with synthetic, biologic, or biosynthetic/bioabsorbable meshes in hernias grade 2-3 of the Ventral Hernia Working Group modified classification. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in January 2021 using Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and MEDLINE (via PubMed) databases. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and observational studies with adult patients undergoing VHR with either synthetic, biologic, or biosynthetic/bioabsorbable mesh were included. Outcomes were hernia recurrence, Surgical Site Occurrence (SSO), Surgical Site Infection (SSI), 30 days re-intervention, and infected mesh removal. Random-effects meta-analyses of pooled proportions were performed. Quality of the studies was assessed, and heterogeneity was explored through sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: 25 articles were eligible for inclusion. Mean age ranged from 47 to 64 years and participants' follow-up ranged from 1 to 36 months. Biosynthetic/bioabsorbable mesh reported a 9% (95% CI 2-19%) rate of hernia recurrence, lower than synthetic and biologic meshes. Biosynthetic/bioabsorbable mesh repair also showed a lower incidence of SSI, with a 14% (95% CI 6-24%) rate, and there was no evidence of infected mesh removal. Rates of seroma were similar for the different materials. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis did not show meaningful differences among materials. However, the best proportions towards lower recurrence and complication rates after grade 2-3 VHR were after using biosynthetic/slowly absorbable mesh reinforcement. These results should be taken with caution, as head-to-head comparative studies between biosynthetic and synthetic/biologic meshes are lacking. Although, biosynthetic/bioabsorbable materials could be considered an alternative to synthetic and biologic mesh reinforcement in these settings.

Guía de uso e indicaciones de la fluorescencia con verde de indocianina (ICG) en cirugía general: recomendaciones basadas en la revisión descriptiva de la literatura y el análisis de la experiencia / Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence guide for the use and indications in general surgery: Recommendations based on the descriptive review of the literature and the analysis of experience

El verde de indocianina es una tinción fluorescente visible con luz cercana al infrarrojo. Es útil para la identificación de las estructuras anatómicas (tracto biliar, uréteres, paratiroides, conducto torácico), la vascularización de tejidos (en anastomosis en cirugía colorrectal, esofágica, gástrica, bariátrica, para plastias y colgajos en cirugía de pared abdominal, hepática, en hernias estranguladas en la isquemia intestinal), para la identificación de tumores (hígado, páncreas, suprarrenal, implantes en la carcinomatosis peritoneal, tumores retroperitoneales y linfomas) y para la identificación del ganglio centinela y del mapeo linfático de tumores malignos (cáncer de estómago, mama, colon, recto, esófago y piel). Las evidencias son muy alentadoras, aunque se necesita la estandarización de su uso y más estudios prospectivos y aleatorizados con mayor número de pacientes para obtener conclusiones definitivas sobre su uso. El objetivo de esta revisión de la literatura es proveer una guía para el uso de la fluorescencia con verde de indocianina en procedimientos de cirugía general (AU)

Indocyanine Green is a fluorescent substance visible in near-infrared light. It is useful for the identification of anatomical structures (biliary tract, ureters, parathyroid, thoracic duct), the tissues vascularization (anastomosis in colorectal, esophageal, gastric, bariatric surgery, for plasties and flaps in abdominal wall surgery, liver resection, in strangulated hernias and in intestinal ischemia), for tumor identification (liver, pancreas, adrenal glands, implants of peritoneal carcinomatosis, retroperitoneal tumors and lymphomas) and sentinel node identification and lymphatic mapping in malignant tumors (stomach, breast, colon, rectum, esophagus and skin cancer). The evidence is very encouraging, although standardization of its use and randomized studies with higher number of patients are required to obtain definitive conclusions on its use in general surgery. The aim of this literature review is to provide a guide for the use of ICG fluorescence in general surgery procedures (AU)

Resultados y evolución histórica de las redes sociales en el American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress y el Congreso Nacional de Cirugía. Análisis del #ACSCC20 y #CNCirugia2020 / Trends of social networks in the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress and the Congreso Nacional de Cirugía. Analysis of the #ACSCC20 and #CNCirugia2020

Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio es analizar el impacto de los congresos del American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress (ACSCC2020) y del Congreso Nacional de Cirugía de la Asociación Española de Cirujanos (CNC2020) en formato virtual por la pandemia SARS-CoV-2 según la huella digital. Material y métodos Se estudiaron los hashtags de Twitter #ACSCC20 y #CNCirugia2020 para determinar tuits, retuits, usuarios e impresiones. Se analizaron los datos sobre las cuentas con mayor influencia y la evolución histórica de los congresos entre 2015 y 2020. Utilizamos el software symplur para la recogida y análisis de los datos. Resultados Entre 2015 y 2017 hubo un incremento consistente en el número de tuits, participantes e impresiones. Entre 2018 y 2020, el ACS mantiene el número de impresiones con menor cantidad de tuits. Sin embargo, el CNC sigue creciendo y logra sus mejores métricas en el presente 2020. Encontramos diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las cuentas más prolíficas del ACSCC frente al CNC (p<0,002), pero no existen diferencias entre las 10 cuentas más influyentes (p=0,19) o las cuentas con mayor número de impresiones (p=0,450). Conclusiones Los congresos virtuales generan un impacto global a través del uso de Twitter para la diseminación de conocimiento. En el presente 2020 el crecimiento del impacto en redes sociales ha sido proporcionalmente mayor en el CNC que en el ACSCC. No obstante, el congreso virtual del ACS generó mayor impacto en las redes sociales medido por el número de usuarios, tuits e impresiones entre 2015 y 2020 (AU)

Aim The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress (ACSCC2020) and the National Surgery Congress of the Spanish Association of Surgeons (CNC2020) in virtual format due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic according to the fingerprint.Material and methods The Twitter hashtags # ACSCC20 and # CNCirugia2020 were studied to determine tweets, retweets, users and impressions. The data on the accounts with the greatest influence and the historical evolution of the congresses between 2015 and 2020 were analyzed. We used the symplur software to collect and analyze the data. Results Between 2015 and 2017 there was a consistent increase in the number of tweets, participants and impressions. Between 2018 and 2020, the ACS maintains the number of impressions with the fewest number of tweets. However, the CNC continues to grow and achieves its best metrics in 2020. We found statistically significant differences between the most prolific accounts of the ACSCC versus the CNC (P<.002) but there are no differences between the 10 most influential accounts (P=.19) or the accounts with the highest number of impressions (P=.450). Conclusions Virtual congresses generate a global impact through the use of Twitter for the dissemination of knowledge. In the present 2020, the growth of the impact on social networks has been proportionally greater in the CNC than in the ACSCC. However, the ACS virtual congress generated the greatest impact on social networks measured by the number of users, tweets and impressions between 2015 and 2020 (AU)

Reporting guideline for interventional trials of primary and incisional ventral hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Primary and incisional ventral hernia trials collect unstandardized inconsistent data, limiting data interpretation and comparison. This study aimed to create two minimum data sets for primary and incisional ventral hernia interventional trials to standardize data collection and improve trial comparison. To support these data sets, standardized patient-reported outcome measures and trial methodology criteria were created. METHODS: To construct these data sets, nominal group technique methodology was employed, involving 15 internationally recognized abdominal wall surgeons and two patient representatives. Initially a maximum data set was created from previous systematic and panellist reviews. Thereafter, three stages of voting took place: stage 1, selection of the number of variables for data set inclusion; stage 2, selection of variables to be included; and stage 3, selection of variable definitions and detection methods. A steering committee interpreted and analysed the data. RESULTS: The maximum data set contained 245 variables. The three stages of voting commenced in October 2019 and had been completed by July 2020. The final primary ventral hernia data set included 32 variables, the incisional ventral hernia data set included 40 variables, the patient-reported outcome measures tool contained 25 questions, and 40 methodological criteria were chosen. The best known variable definitions were selected for accurate variable description. CT was selected as the optimal preoperative descriptor of hernia morphology. Standardized follow-up at 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years was selected. CONCLUSION: These minimum data sets, patient-reported outcome measures, and methodological criteria have allowed creation of a manual for investigators aiming to undertake primary ventral hernia or incisional ventral hernia interventional trials. Adopting these data sets will improve trial methods and comparisons.

Endoscopic retromuscular technique (eTEP) vs conventional laparoscopic ventral or incisional hernia repair with defect closure (IPOM +) for midline hernias. A case-control study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at clinical results in terms of postoperative pain and functional recovery of new technique (eTEP) compared to IPOM + for ventral/incisional midline hernias. Recurrence rate, intra/postoperative complications and aesthetic results are secondary aims. METHODS: Data from consecutive patients requiring minimally invasive hernia repair were collected. From January 2015 to September 2018, patients with midline ventral/incisional hernias underwent IPOM + were compared to patients underwent eTEP procedure from October 2018 to December 2019 in a case/control study. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients in IPOM + group and 40 in eTEP group were included. No significant differences were identified when hernias types, mean defect area, mean mesh area and intraoperative/postoperative complications (except seroma rate in favor of eTEP group) were compared. Operative time and hospital stay were significantly higher in eTEP group and IPOM + group, respectively. eTEP group showed significantly less pain on 1st, 7th and 30th postoperative days than IPOM + group. Restriction of activities was significantly decreased in eTEP group on the 30th and 180th day after surgery. Significant differences were observed in terms of cosmetic results 30th and 180th days after surgery in favor of eTEP group. Average follow-up was 15 months in eTEP group and 28 months in IPOM + group. No recurrences were identified in eTEP group and one recurrence in IPOM + group with no significant differences. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic retromuscular technique shows significant lower postoperative pain, better functional recovery and cosmesis than IPOM + without differences in intra/postoperative complications (except seroma rate) or recurrences during the follow-up. eTEP requires longer operative time.

Programación de cirugía electiva segura en tiempos de COVID-19. La importancia del trabajo colaborativo / Safe elective surgery during COVID-19. The relevance of collaborative work

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META Score: An International Consensus Scoring System on Mesh-Tissue Adhesions.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the lack of consensus on postoperative mesh-tissue adhesion scoring leads to incomparable scientific results. The aim of this study was to develop an adhesion score recognized by experts in the field of hernia surgery. METHODS: Authors of three or more previously published articles on both mesh-tissue adhesion scores and postoperative adhesions were marked as experts. They were queried on seven items using a modified Delphi method. The items concerned the utility of adhesion scoring models, the appropriateness of macroscopic and microscopic variables, the range and use of composite scores or subscores, adhesion-related complications and follow-up length. This study comprised two questionnaire-based rounds and one consensus meeting. RESULTS: The first round was completed by 23 experts (82%), the second round by 18 experts (64%). Of those 18 experts, ten were able to participate in the final consensus meeting and all approved the final proposal. From a total of 158 items, consensus was reached on 90 items. The amount of mesh surface covered with adhesions, tenacity and thickness of adhesions and organ involvement was concluded to be a minimal set of variables to be communicated separately in each future study on mesh adhesions. CONCLUSION: The MEsh Tissue Adhesion scoring system is the first consensus-based scoring system with a wide backing of renowned experts and can be used to assess mesh-related adhesions. By including this minimal set of variables in future research interstudy comparability and objectivity can be increased and eventually linked to clinically relevant outcomes.