Assessment of myofascial medialization following intraoperative fascial traction (IFT) in a cadaveric model.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative fascial traction (IFT) for the treatment of large ventral hernias and loss of domain (LOD) hernias is a promising tool in abdominal wall surgery. However, little is known about the extent of gain in myofascial advancement especially for the anterior rectus sheath. We, therefore, used a cadaveric model to determine the medialization during IFT. METHODS: 4 fresh frozen specimens were used. Retromuscular preparation was carried out followed by IFT with diagonal vertical traction for 30 min. Medial advancement of the anterior rectus sheath was measured after 15 and 30 min as well as traction forces. RESULTS: Total medialization for anterior rectus sheath after 30 min of IFT was 10.5 cm (mean). The mean traction force was 16.28 kg. Total medialization was significantly higher during the first 15 min of vertical fascial traction (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IFT provides significant medialization for the anterior rectus sheath in the cadaveric model. The findings align with results from a retrospective case study. Therefore, we see IFT as a beneficial tool in abdominal wall surgery.

Long-term evaluation of the Hernia Compact course of the German Hernia School.

INTRODUCTION: Since 2011, the German Hernia Society has developed the German Hernia School (GHS) as a standardized hernia surgery training program for younger surgeons, consisting of the Hernia Compact basic module. It is a standardized three day training program (cadaver workshop, ultrasound simulation training, and hands-on training). After 12 years of experience, a survey was conducted to evaluate the long term effect of this training. METHOD: Using an anonymous online-questionnaire, we contacted from September 2023 to October 2023 the Hernia Compact course participants via the congress organizer "Weitmeer" and the German Hernia Society. This online questionnaire contains 18 multiple choice questions regarding participants' age, gender, professional experience, participation in other modules of the German Hernia School, the effect of the course on their daily practice and their specific interest in hernia and abdominal wall surgery. RESULTS: A total of 146 participants responded to the anonymous online questionnaire. A majority of 132 of 146 participants (90.42%) responded that this course improved the quality of surgical and hernia training (n = 146, no missing data). 141 of 146 individuals (96.58%) recommended the course to surgical colleagues (n = 146, no missing data). There were 89.73% of participants, (n = 146, no missing data) that developed a specific interest in hernia and abdominal wall surgery after the course. For 78.08% (n = 146, no missing data) of participants hernia and abdominal wall surgery was one of the most important activities in their daily surgical practice. CONCLUSION: The standardized Hernia Compact basic course of the German Hernia School appears to have a huge impact on the quality of hernia surgery training in Germany and Austria. It might also help generate a specific interest in hernia surgery among participants.

[Inguinal hernia operations-Always outpatient?] / Leistenhernienoperationen ­ immer ambulant?

Inguinal hernia operations represent the most frequent operations overall with 300,000 interventions annually in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH region). Despite the announced political willingness and the increasing pressure from the legislator to avoid costly inpatient treatment by carrying out as many outpatient operations as possible, outpatient treatment has so far played a subordinate role in the DACH region. The Boards of the specialist societies the German Hernia Society (DHG), the Surgical Working Group Hernia (CAH of the DHG), the Austrian Hernia Society (ÖHG) and the Swiss Working Group Hernia Surgery (SAHC) make inroads into this problem, describe the initial position and assess the current situation.

Comparison of outcomes in rectus abdominis diastasis repair-which data do we need in a hernia registry?

INTRODUCTION: Rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD) ± concomitant hernia is a complex hernia entity of growing significance in everyday clinical practice. Due to a multitude of described surgical techniques, a so far missing universally accepted classification and hardly existing comparative studies, there are no clear recommendations in guidelines. Therefore, "RAD ± concomitant hernia" will be documented as a separate hernia entity in the Herniamed Registry in the future. For this purpose, an appropriate case report form will be developed on the basis of the existing literature. METHODS: A systematic search of the available literature was performed in March 2021 using Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Embase, Springer Link, and the Cochrane Library. 93 publications were identified as relevant for this topic. RESULTS: In total 45 different surgical techniques for the repair of RAD ± concomitant hernia were identified in the surgical literature. RAD ± concomitant hernia is predominantly repaired by plastic but also by general surgeons. Classification of RAD ± concomitant hernia is based on a proposal of the German Hernia Society and the International Endohernia Society. Surgical techniques are summarized as groups subject to certain aspects: Techniques with abdominoplasty, open techniques, mini-less-open and endoscopic sublay techniques, mini-less-open and endoscopic subcutaneous/preaponeurotic techniques and laparoscopic techniques. Additional data impacting the outcome are also recorded as is the case for other hernia entities. Despite the complexity of this topic, documentation of RAD ± concomitant hernia has not proved to be any more cumbersome than for any of the other hernia entities when using this classification. CONCLUSION: Using the case report form described here, the complex hernia entity RAD ± concomitant hernia can be recorded in a registry for proper analysis of comparative treatment options.

Treatment of small (< 2 cm) umbilical hernias: guidelines and current trends from the Herniamed Registry.

INTRODUCTION: Based on meta-analyses and registry data, the European Hernia Society and the Americas Hernia Society have published guidelines for the treatment of umbilical hernias. These recommend that umbilical hernia should generally be treated by placing a non-absorbable (permanent) flat mesh into the preperitoneal space with an overlap of the hernia defect of 3 cm. Suture repair should only be considered for small hernia defects of less than 1 cm. Hence, the use of a mesh in general is subject to controversial debate particularly for small (< 2 cm) umbilical hernias. This analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry now presents data on the treatment of small (< 2 cm) umbilical hernias over the past 10 years. METHODS: Herniamed is an Internet-based hernia registry in which hospitals and surgical centers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland can voluntarily enter data on their routine hernia operations. Between 2010 and 2019, data were entered into the Herniamed Registry by 737 hospitals/surgery centers on a total of 111,765 patients with primary elective umbilical hernia repair. The prospective data were analyzed retrospectively for each year and statistically compared. Due to a higher number of cases, the years 2013 and 2019 were compared for the perioperative outcome and the years 2013 and 2018 for 1-year follow-up. Fisher's exact test was applied for unadjusted analyses between the years, using a significance level of alpha = 5%. For post hoc tests of single categories, a Bonferroni adjustment for multiple testing was implemented. RESULTS: A mesh technique was used to treat 45.4% of all umbilical hernias. The proportion of small (< 2 cm) umbilical hernias in the total collective of umbilical hernias was 55.6%. Suture repair was used consistently over the 10-year period to treat around 75% of all small (< 2 cm) umbilical hernias. Preperitoneal mesh placement as recommended in the guidelines was used only in 1.8% of cases. Between 2013 and 2019, stable values of 2 and 0.7% were observed for the postoperative complications and complication-related reoperations, respectively, with no relevant effect identified for the surgical technique. At 1-year follow-up, significantly higher rates of pain at rest (2.6 vs. 3.3), pain on exertion (5.7 vs. 6.6), and recurrences (1.3 vs. 1.8) (all p < 0.05) were identified for 2018 compared with 2013. CONCLUSIONS: A suture technique is still used to treat 75% of patients with small (< 2 cm) umbilical hernias. The pain and recurrence rates are significantly less favorable for 2018 compared with 2013.

Assessment of potential influencing factors on the outcome in small (< 2 cm) umbilical hernia repair: a registry-based multivariable analysis of 31,965 patients.

INTRODUCTION: How best to treat a small (< 2 cm) umbilical hernia continues to be the subject of controversial debate. The recently published guidelines for treatment of umbilical hernias from the European Hernia Society and Americas Hernia Society recommend open mesh repair for defects ≥ 1 cm. Since the quality of evidence is limited for hernias with defect sizes smaller than 1 cm, suture repair can be considered. To date, little is known about the potential influencing factors on the outcome in small (< 2 cm) umbilical hernia repair. This multivariable analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry now aims to assess these factors. METHODS: The data of patients with primary elective umbilical hernia repair and defect size < 2 cm entered into the Herniamed Registry from September 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018 were analyzed to assess through multivariable analysis all confirmatory pre-defined potential influencing factors on the primary outcome criteria intraoperative and postoperative complications, general complications, complication-related reoperations, recurrence rate and rates of pain at rest, pain on exertion and chronic pain requiring treatment at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: 31,965 patients (60%) met the inclusion criteria. The proportion of suture repairs was 78.6% (n = 25,119), of open mesh repairs 15.2% (n = 4853), and of laparoscopic mesh repairs 6.2% (n = 1993). Compared with open mesh repair, suture repair had a highly significantly unfavorable association with the recurrence rate (OR = 1.956 [1.463; 2.614]; p < 0.001). Female gender also had an unfavorable relation to the recurrence rate (OR = 1.644 [1.385; 1.952]; p < 0.001). Compared with open mesh repair, open suture repair had a highly significantly favorable association with the rate of postoperative complications (OR = 0.583 [0.484; 0.702]; p < 0.001) and complication-related reoperations (OR = 0.567 [0.397; 0.810]; p = 0.002).While laparoscopic IPOM showed a favorable relationship with the postoperative complications and complication-related reoperations, it demonstrated an unfavorable association with the intraoperative complications, general complications, recurrence rate and pain rates. CONCLUSION: Suture repair continues to be used for 78% of umbilical hernias with a defect < 2 cm. While suture repair has a favorable influence on the rates of postoperative complications and complication-related reoperations, it has a higher risk of recurrence. Female gender also has an unfavorable influence on the recurrence rate. Laparoscopic IPOM appears to be indicated only in settings of obesity (BMI ≥ 30).

Differences in the outcomes of scrotal vs. lateral vs. medial inguinal hernias: a multivariable analysis of registry data.

INTRODUCTION: There are hardly any studies on the outcome of scrotal compared with medial and lateral inguinal hernias. Therefore, this present multivariable analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry compared the outcome of scrotal vs. lateral vs. medial inguinal hernias and explored the relationship between hernia localization and outcomes. METHODS: Included in the analysis were all primary elective unilateral inguinal hernias in men with scrotal, lateral or medial defect localization whose details had been entered into the Herniamed Registry by 712 participating institutions (status February 1, 2019). The relation of the hernia localization with the outcome parameters adjusted for pre-defined confounding patient- and procedure-related variables was analyzed via multivariable binary logistic models. RESULTS: Details of 98,321 patients were thus available for multivariable analysis. These related to 65,932 (67.1%) lateral, 29,697 (30.2%) medial and 2,710 (2.7%) scrotal inguinal hernias. Scrotal hernias were associated with higher patient age, higher BMI, higher ASA score, larger defect, more risk factors and more frequent use of Lichtenstein repair. On the other hand, scrotal hernias were associated less commonly with preoperative pain. Multivariable analysis revealed that scrotal hernias had a highly significantly unfavorable association with postoperative complications, complication-related reoperations and general complications. But scrotal hernias had a highly significantly favorable relation with the pain rates at 1-year follow-up. Medial hernias were the hernia type most often related with recurrence and also had an unfavorable association with the pain rates at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Scrotal inguinal hernias demonstrated a very unfavorable relation with the postoperative complication rate, the rate of complication-related reoperations and the rate of general complications. But a very favorable association with chronic pain rates was identified at 1-year follow-up. Medial inguinal hernia had an unfavorable relation with the recurrence and pain rates.

Do drains have an impact on the outcome after primary elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair in men?

INTRODUCTION: The use of drains continues to be a controversial topic in surgery. In a review of that topic for incisional hernia it was not possible to find sufficient evidence of the need for a drain. Likewise, for inguinal hernia surgery the data available are insufficient. METHODS: In a multivariable analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry for 98,321 patients with primary elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair in men, the role of a drain was investigated. RESULTS: A drain was used in 24.7% (n = 24,287/98,321) of patients. These patients were on average older, had higher BMI, longer operating time and received a smaller mesh. Drains were also used more often for patients with higher ASA score, risk factors, larger defects and scrotal hernia localization as well as for Lichtenstein, TEP and suture repair. The use of drains was highly significantly associated with intra- and postoperative complications as well as with complication-related reoperations. Hence, drains are used selectively in inguinal hernia repair for patients at higher risk of perioperative complications. Despite the use of drains, the outcome in this risk group is less favorable. It remains unclear if drains prevent further complications in high-risk patients. CONCLUSION: Drains are used selectively in high-risk men with primary elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair. Drains are associated with intra- and postoperative complications rates and complication-related reoperation rate. Drains can serve as an indicator for early detection of complications.

What is the outcome of re-recurrent vs recurrent inguinal hernia repairs? An analysis of 16,206 patients from the Herniamed Registry.

INTRODUCTION: The proportion of recurrent repairs in the total collective of inguinal hernia repairs among men is 11.3-14.3% and among women 7.0-7.4%. The rate of re-recurrences is reported to be 2.9-9.2%. To date, no case series has been published on second and ≥ third recurrences and their treatment outcomes. Only case reports are available. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an analysis of data from the Herniamed Registry the perioperative and 1-year follow-up outcomes of 16,206 distinct patients who had undergone first recurrent (n = 14,172; 87.4%), second recurrent (n = 1,583; 9.8%) or ≥ third recurrent (n = 451; 2.8%) inguinal hernia repair between September 1, 2009 and July 1, 2017 were compared. RESULTS: The intraoperative complication rate for all recurrent repairs was between 1-2%. In the postoperative complications a continuous increase was observed (first recurrence: 3.97% vs second recurrence: 5.75% vs ≥ third recurrence 8.65%; p < 0.001). That applied equally to the complication-related reoperation rates (first recurrence: 1.50% vs second recurrence: 2.21% vs ≥ third recurrence 2.66; p = 0.020). Likewise, the re-recurrence rate rose significantly (first recurrence: 1.95% vs second recurrence: 2.72% vs ≥ third recurrence 3.77; p = 0.005). Similarly, the rate of pain requiring treatment rose highly significantly with an increasing number of recurrences (first recurrence: 5.21% vs second recurrence: 6.70% vs ≥ third recurrence 10.86; p = < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The repair of re-recurrences in inguinal hernia is associated with increasingly more unfavorable outcomes. For the first recurrence the guidelines should definitely be noted. For a second and ≥ third recurrence diagnostic laparoscopy may help to select the best possible surgical technique.

Update of Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias (International Endohernia Society (IEHS)): Part B.

In 2014 the International Endohernia Society (IEHS) published the first international "Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias". Guidelines reflect the currently best available evidence in diagnostics and therapy and give recommendations to help surgeons to standardize their techniques and to improve their results. However, science is a dynamic field which is continuously developing. Therefore, guidelines require regular updates to keep pace with the evolving literature. METHODS: For the development of the original guidelines all relevant literature published up to year 2012 was analyzed using the ranking of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based-Medicine. For the present update all of the previous authors were asked to evaluate the literature published during the recent years from 2012 to 2017 and revise their statements and recommendations given in the initial guidelines accordingly. In two Consensus Conferences (October 2017 Beijing, March 2018 Cologne) the updates were presented, discussed, and confirmed. To avoid redundancy, only new statements or recommendations are included in this paper. Therefore, for full understanding both of the guidelines, the original and the current, must be read. In addition, the new developments in repair of abdominal wall hernias like surgical techniques within the abdominal wall, release operations (transversus muscle release, component separation), Botox application, and robot-assisted repair methods were included. RESULTS: Due to an increase of the number of patients and further development of surgical techniques, repair of primary and secondary abdominal wall hernias attracts increasing interests of many surgeons. Whereas up to three decades ago hernia-related publications did not exceed 20 per year, currently this number is about 10-fold higher. Recent years are characterized by the advent of new techniques-minimal invasive techniques using robotics and laparoscopy, totally extraperitoneal repairs, novel myofascial release techniques for optimal closure of large defects, and Botox for relaxing the abdominal wall. Furthermore, a concomitant rectus diastasis was recognized as a significant risk factor for recurrence. Despite still insufficient evidence with respect to these new techniques it seemed to us necessary to include them in the update to stimulate surgeons to do research in these fields. CONCLUSION: Guidelines are recommendations based on best available evidence intended to help the surgeon to improve the quality of his daily work. However, science is a continuously evolving process, and as such guidelines should be updated about every 3 years. For a comprehensive reference, however, it is suggested to read both the initially guidelines published in 2014 together with the update. Moreover, the presented update includes also techniques which were not known 3 years before.

Correction to: Update of Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias (International Endohernia Society (IEHS))-Part A.

This article was updated to include the middle initial of author L. N. Jorgensen's name.

Update of Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias (International Endohernia Society (IEHS))-Part A.

In 2014, the International Endohernia Society (IEHS) published the first international "Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias." Guidelines reflect the currently best available evidence in diagnostics and therapy and give recommendations to help surgeons to standardize their techniques and to improve their results. However, science is a dynamic field which is continuously developing. Therefore, guidelines require regular updates to keep pace with the evolving literature. METHODS: For the development of the original guidelines, all relevant literature published up to year 2012 was analyzed using the ranking of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. For the present update, all of the previous authors were asked to evaluate the literature published during the recent years from 2012 to 2017 and revise their statements and recommendations given in the initial guidelines accordingly. In two Consensus Conferences (October 2017 Beijing, March 2018 Cologne), the updates were presented, discussed, and confirmed. To avoid redundancy, only new statements or recommendations are included in this paper. Therefore, for full understanding both of the guidelines, the original and the current, must be read. In addition, the new developments in repair of abdominal wall hernias like surgical techniques within the abdominal wall, release operations (transversus muscle release, component separation), Botox application, and robot-assisted repair methods were included. RESULTS: Due to an increase of the number of patients and further development of surgical techniques, repair of primary and secondary abdominal wall hernias attracts increasing interests of many surgeons. Whereas up to three decades ago hernia-related publications did not exceed 20 per year, currently this number is about 10-fold higher. Recent years are characterized by the advent of new techniques-minimal invasive techniques using robotics and laparoscopy, totally extraperitoneal repairs, novel myofascial release techniques for optimal closure of large defects, and Botox for relaxing the abdominal wall. Furthermore, a concomitant rectus diastasis was recognized as a significant risk factor for recurrence. Despite insufficient evidence with respect to these new techniques, it seemed to us necessary to include them in the update to stimulate surgeons to do research in these fields. CONCLUSION: Guidelines are recommendations based on best available evidence intended to help the surgeon to improve the quality of his daily work. However, science is a continuously evolving process, and as such guidelines should be updated about every 3 years. For a comprehensive reference, however, it is suggested to read both the initial guidelines published in 2014 together with the update. Moreover, the presented update includes also techniques which were not known 3 years before.

[HerniaSurge: international guidelines on treatment of inguinal hernia in adults : Comments of the Surgical Working Group Hernia (CAH/DGAV) and the German Hernia Society (DHG) on the most important recommendations]. / HerniaSurge: internationale Leitlinie zur Therapie der Leistenhernie des Erwachsenen : Kommentar der Chirurgischen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Hernie (CAH/DGAV) und der Deutschen Herniengesellschaft (DHG) zu den wichtigsten Empfehlungen.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUES: The HerniaSurge guidelines have the highest evidence with respect to a strong recommendation for mesh-based surgical techniques. This evidence is equally valid for the Lichtenstein procedure as for the minimally invasive procedures TEP/TAPP. In the case of discrete symptomatic or asymptomatic inguinal hernias, watchful waiting can be an option, taking into account health status and social circumstances. Femoral hernias, on the other hand, should be treated promptly with mesh insertion. Also favored are laparoendoscopic techniques. The Shouldice repair achieves the least recurrences from the suturing procedures and may be an acceptable alternative when indicated or when the patient does not desire mesh reinforcement. In this case, a detailed patient education is necessary. MESH CHOICE: The complication potential of plastic meshes should be explained. The weight is no longer considered a suitable parameter for the classification of meshes and is no longer recommended for mesh selection. Large pore (>1-1.5 mm) monofilament implants have the best integration potential and should have a tear strength of approximately 16 Nm2. Traumatic mesh fixation is only recommended for large medial hernias (M3-EHS). Primarily not recommended are Plug & Patch, double-layered plastic implants (such as the PHS system) or other three-dimensional devices, as this could affect both the anterior and posterior planar layers and complicate the complementary surgical technique in the event of recurrence. In addition, the higher costs have to be considered. PERIOPERATIVE AND POSTOPERATIVE ASPECTS: Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in open repair procedures is recommended only in patients with an increased risk of infections. In laparoendoscopic procedures, antibiotic prophylaxis should not be performed or used with the utmost restraint. Careful preparation reduces chronic inguinal and testicular pain. In the case of interference of mesh and nerve, the nerve can be resected. A return to daily activity is recommended within 3-5 days. QUALITY ASSURANCE: The documentation of patient data should be done by establishing hernia registers for quality assurance and for the development of further treatment options. The implementation of the guidelines is supported by HerniaSurge.

What are the influencing factors for chronic pain following TAPP inguinal hernia repair: an analysis of 20,004 patients from the Herniamed Registry.

BACKGROUND: In inguinal hernia repair, chronic pain must be expected in 10-12% of cases. Around one-quarter of patients (2-4%) experience severe pain requiring treatment. The risk factors for chronic pain reported in the literature include young age, female gender, perioperative pain, postoperative pain, recurrent hernia, open hernia repair, perioperative complications, and penetrating mesh fixation. This present analysis of data from the Herniamed Hernia Registry now investigates the influencing factors for chronic pain in male patients after primary, unilateral inguinal hernia repair in TAPP technique. METHODS: In total, 20,004 patients from the Herniamed Hernia Registry were included in uni- and multivariable analyses. For all patients, 1-year follow-up data were available. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis revealed that onset of pain at rest, on exertion, and requiring treatment was highly significantly influenced, in each case, by younger age (p < 0.001), preoperative pain (p < 0.001), smaller hernia defect (p < 0.001), and higher BMI (p < 0.001). Other influencing factors were postoperative complications (pain at rest p = 0.004 and pain on exertion p = 0.023) and penetrating compared with glue mesh fixation techniques (pain on exertion p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: The indication for inguinal hernia surgery should be very carefully considered in a young patient with a small hernia and preoperative pain.

Seroma following transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP): incidence, risk factors, and preventive measures.

BACKGROUND: The reported range of seroma formation in the literature after TEP repair is between 0.5 and 12.2% and for TAPP between 3.0 and 8.0%. Significant clinical factors associated with seroma formation include old age, a large hernia defect, an extension of the hernia sac into the scrotum, as well as the presence of a residual indirect sac. Seroma formation is a frequent complication of laparoendoscopic mesh repair of moderate to large-size direct (medial) inguinal hernia defects. This present analysis of data from the Herniamed Hernia Registry now explores the influencing factors for seroma formation in male patients after TAPP repair of primary unilateral inguinal hernia. METHODS: In total, 20,004 male patients with TAPP repair of primary unilateral inguinal hernia were included in uni- and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Univariable analysis revealed the highly significant impact of the fixation technique on the seroma rate (non-fixation 0.7% vs. tacks 2.1% vs. glue 3.9%; p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that glue compared to tacks (OR 2.077 [1.650; 2.613]; p < 0.001) and non-fixation (OR 5.448 [4.056; 7.317]; p < 0.001) led to an increased seroma rate. A large hernia defect (III vs. I: OR 2.868 [1.815; 4.531]; p < 0.001; II vs. I: OR 2.157 [1.410; 3.300]; p < 0.001) presented a significantly higher risk of seroma formation. Likewise, medial compared to lateral inguinal hernias had a higher seroma rate (OR 1.272 [1.020; 1.585]; p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Mesh fixation with tacks or glue, a larger hernia defect, and medial defect localization present a higher risk for seroma development in TAPP inguinal hernia repair.

[Differentiated application of recommended guideline techniques for treatment of inguinal hernia]. / Differenzierter Einsatz der empfohlenen Guideline-Techniken zur Versorgung einer Leistenhernie.

The new worldwide guidelines of all international hernia societies only recommend the mesh-based methods TEP, TAPP and Lichtenstein. The best mesh-free technique, the Shouldice operation, should only be used if the patient has declined the use of a mesh or no mesh is available. The systematic use of the Shouldice technique for smaller inguinal hernias and younger men should be confined to study settings. A tailored approach should be taken for mesh-based procedures to minimize the risk to patients. Due to lower pain rates the laparoendoscopic techniques TEP and TAPP are the methods of choice for primary male unilateral inguinal hernia. They are also preferred for female patients as they improve the diagnostics of femoral hernias as well as for bilateral inguinal hernias in female and male patients. The Lichtenstein operation tends to be recommended for scrotal hernia, following previous pelvic surgery, vascular surgery, liver cirrhosis, radiotherapy and intolerance of general anesthesia. This also applies for recurrent hernia following a previous laparoendoscopic primary operation. Similarly, recurrent hernia after a primary suture or mesh procedure should be repaired using the TEP or TAPP technique. In emergency procedures for incarceration the diagnostic superiority of laparoscopy and the ability to reposition the incarcerated organs should be utilized. The inguinal hernia can then be repaired at the same time or later depending on whether there is any local infection.

Laparo-endoscopic versus open recurrent inguinal hernia repair: should we follow the guidelines?

INTRODUCTION: On the basis of six meta-analyses, the guidelines of the European Hernia Society (EHS) recommend laparo-endoscopic recurrent repair following previous open inguinal hernia operation and, likewise, open repair following previous laparo-endoscopic operation. So far no data are available on implementation of the guidelines or for comparison of outcomes. Besides, there are no studies for comparison of outcomes for compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 4812 patients with elective unilateral recurrent inguinal hernia repair in men were enrolled between September 1, 2009, and September 17, 2014, in the Herniamed Registry. Only patients with 1-year follow-up were included. RESULTS: Out of the 2482 laparo-endoscopic recurrent repair operations 90.5% of patients, and out of the 2330 open recurrent repair procedures only 38.5% of patients, were operated on in accordance with the guidelines of the EHS. Besides, on compliance with the guidelines multivariable analysis demonstrated for laparo-endoscopic recurrent repair a significantly lower risk of pain at rest (OR 0.643 [0.476; 0.868]; p = 0.004) and pain on exertion (OR 0.679 [0.537; 0.857]; p = 0.001). Comparison of laparo-endoscopic and open recurrent repair in settings of compliance versus non-compliance with the guidelines showed a higher incidence of perioperative complications and re-recurrences for recurrent repairs that did not comply with the guidelines. CONCLUSION: The EHS guidelines for recurrent inguinal hernia repair are not yet being observed to the extent required. Non-compliance with the guidelines is associated with higher perioperative complication rates and higher risk of re-recurrence. Even on compliance with the guidelines, the risk of pain at rest and pain on exertion is higher after open recurrent repair than after laparo-endoscopic repair.

When is mesh fixation in TAPP-repair of primary inguinal hernia repair necessary? The register-based analysis of 11,230 cases.

Whereas for TEP the guidelines do not recommend mesh fixation on the basis of meta-analyses regardless of the defect size, for TAPP mesh fixation can be omitted only up to a defect size of 3 cm because of the paucity of studies on this topic. Hence, this study now seeks to explore this subject on the basis of prospective data from the Herniamed Hernia Registry. In the period September 01, 2009, to January 31, 2014, 11,228 male patients were operated on with the TAPP technique for a primary unilateral inguinal hernia and were followed up for 1 year. Mesh fixation was used for 7422 (66.1 %) of these patients and no mesh fixation for 3806 patients (33.9 %). Unadjusted analysis did not find any significant difference in the recurrence rate (0.88 % with fixation vs. 1.1 % without fixation; p = 0.259). Multivariable analysis of all potential influence factors (age, ASA, BMI, risk factors, defect size, mesh fixation, localization of defect, mesh size) did not identify any factor that impacted recurrence on 1-year follow-up. Only for medial and combined defect localization versus lateral localization was a highly significant effect identified (p < 0.001). With mesh fixation and larger mesh size, it was possible to significantly reduce the recurrence rate for larger medial hernias in this series (p = 0.046). For TAPP repair of an inguinal hernia, mesh fixation is not necessary in a significant number of patients. Patients with a medial and combined hernia are at higher risk of recurrence. In the patient series analyzed, it was possible to significantly reduce the recurrence rate with mesh fixation and larger mesh size for medial defects.