How to Article: Prehabilitation and postoperative treatment at Shouldice Hospital.

Shouldice Hospital has grown beyond its beginnings in the 1940s to become a leading centre of excellence for mesh-free hernia repair. Little is known to the international surgical community about the preoperative and postoperative care at Shouldice Hospital, and colleagues working at Shouldice Hospital have been repeatedly asked to provide more details at international and national congresses. Therefore, this article aims to summarize preoperative and postoperative care at Shouldice Hospital based on previously published literature. The authors believe that the long-standing tradition of prehabilitation and postoperative treatment may play a role in facilitating patient satisfaction and superior postoperative results after hernia surgery.

Placing vacuum sponges in esophageal anastomotic leaks - how we do it.

PURPOSE: Endoluminal vacuum sponge therapy has dramatically improved the treatment of anastomotic leaks in esophageal surgery. However, the blind insertion of vacuum sponge kits like Eso-Sponge® via an overtube and a pusher can be technically difficult. METHODS: We therefore insert our sponges under direct visual control by a nonstandard "piggyback" technique that was initially developed for the self-made sponge systems preceding these commercially available kits. RESULTS: Using this technique, we inserted or changed 56 Eso-Sponges® in seven patients between 2018 and 2023. Apart from one secondary sponge dislocation, no intraprocedural complications were encountered. One patient died due to unrelated reasons. In all others, the defects healed and they were dismissed from the hospital. Long-term follow-up showed three strictures that were successfully treated by dilatation. CONCLUSION: We conclude that sponge placement via piggyback technique is a fast, safe, and successful alternative to the standard method of insertion.

Outcome variation and the role of caseload in certified colorectal cancer centers - a retrospective cohort analysis of 90,000 cases.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that surgical treatment of colorectal carcinomas in certified centers leads to improved outcomes. However, there were considerable fluctuations in outcome parameters. It has not yet been examined whether this variability is due to continuous differences between hospitals or variability within a hospital over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective observational cohort study, administrative quality assurance data of 153 German-certified colorectal cancer centers between 2010 and 2019 were analyzed. Six outcome quality indicators (QI) were studied: 30-day postoperative mortality rate (POM), surgical site infection rate (SSI), anastomotic insufficiency rate (AI), and revision surgery rate (RS). AI and RS were also analyzed for colon (C) and rectal cancer operations (R). Variability was analyzed by funnel plots with 95% and 99% control limits and modified Cleveland dot plots. RESULTS: In the 153 centers 90,082 patients with colon cancer and 47,623 patients with rectal cancer were treated. Average QI scores were 2.7% POM, 6.2% SSI, 4.8% AI-C, 8.5% AI-R, 9.1% RS-C, and 9.8% RS-R. The funnel plots revealed that for every QI about 10.1% of hospitals lay above the upper 99% and about 8.7% below the lower 99% control limit. In POM, SSI, and AI-R, a significant negative correlation with the average annual caseload was observed. CONCLUSION: The analysis showed high variability in outcome quality between and within the certified colorectal cancer centers. Only a small number of hospitals had a high performance on all six quality indicators, suggesting that significant quality variation exists even within the group of certified centers.

Temporal patterns for inguinal hernia recurrence operations after Shouldice Repair.

PURPOSE: Shouldice Repair for inguinal hernias results in a low recurrence rate; however, little is known about the risk factors for these relapses. In the present study, we reviewed all patient's undergoing a reoperation for recurrence after a primary Shouldice Repair. METHODS: Patients undergoing recurrent inguinal hernia repair from 2013 to 2017 were identified. The subgroup of patients with the first recurrence after a Shouldice Repair at this institution was selected and included. Data collection from the index and the reoperation surgery were performed, as well as statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 50.8 ± 13.9 (body mass index: 24.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2), 97% were male. The most common interval for a recurrence reoperation was in the first 5 years following the initial surgery (37.6% of patients; mode: 1 year; median: 7 years; mean: 13.7 ± 13.8 years). A temporal median pattern for recurrence reoperation according to age interval was noted (patients < 41 years old: 20 years; patients aged 41-60 years old: 10 years and patients > 61 years: 2 years)). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing reoperations for recurrent inguinal hernias after a primary Shouldice Repair presented a pattern of temporal recurrence according to age. Older patients present with earlier recurrences than younger ones, an important consideration in the assessment of patients postoperatively.

Incidence of incisional hernias and cosmetic outcome after laparoscopic single-incision cholecystectomy: a long-term follow-up cohort study of 125 patients.

Background: Studies have evaluated long-term occurrence of incisional hernia, cosmesis, and postoperative pain after single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC). However, the follow-up periods were rarely defined longer than 12 months. The authors performed a cohort study to evaluate hernia rate and cosmesis in a prolonged follow-up period. Methods: All patients that underwent SILC at the University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel Hospital between December 2008 and November 2014 were evaluated in terms of postoperative complications, and a follow-up telephone interview including the existence of hernias and chronic pain was performed. Cosmesis and the overall satisfaction of the scar was measured by POSAS (Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale). Results: In total 125 patients underwent SILC. The single-incision approach was completed in 94.4%, an additional trocar was necessary in 3.2% (n=4) and a conversion to 4 trocar cholecystectomy was required in 2.4% (n=3). Intraoperative complications occurred in 0.8% and postoperative complication in 12.8% of all patients. Follow-up telephone interview was performed in 49.6% of 125 patients. The mean follow-up period was 138.9 months (11.6 years). Overall, in 3.6%, an incisional hernia was diagnosed. A total of 3.6% reported pain in the region of the umbilicus with a mean VAS (visual analog scale) of 2/10. The mean POSAS score was 7.8. Overall, 82.3% of this cohort rate their satisfaction of the scar with a 1/7, resembling the best possible result of the scar. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that SILC is a safe alternative in terms of incisional hernia rate and complications with a high satisfaction of the scar even after one decade after surgery. In comparison to shorter follow-up period and multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy, our result is comparable.

Technological advancements in surgical laparoscopy considering artificial intelligence: a survey among surgeons in Germany.

PURPOSE: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into surgical laparoscopy has shown promising results in recent years. This survey aims to investigate the inconveniences of current conventional laparoscopy and to evaluate the attitudes and desires of surgeons in Germany towards new AI-based laparoscopic systems. METHODS: A 12-item web-based questionnaire was distributed to 38 German university hospitals as well as to a Germany-wide voluntary hospital association (CLINOTEL) consisting of 66 hospitals between July and November 2022. RESULTS: A total of 202 questionnaires were completed. The majority of respondents (88.1%) stated that they needed one assistant during laparoscopy and rated the assistants' skillfulness as "very important" (39.6%) or "important" (49.5%). The most uncomfortable aspects of conventional laparoscopy were inappropriate camera movement (73.8%) and lens condensation (73.3%). Selected features that should be included in a new laparoscopic system were simple and intuitive maneuverability (81.2%), automatic de-fogging (80.7%), and self-cleaning of camera (77.2%). Furthermore, AI-based features were improvement of camera positioning (71.3%), visualization of anatomical landmarks (67.3%), image stabilization (66.8%), and tissue damage protection (59.4%). The reason for purchasing an AI-based system was to improve patient safety (86.1%); the reasonable price was €50.000-100.000 (34.2%), and it was expected to replace the existing assistants' workflow up to 25% (41.6%). CONCLUSION: Simple and intuitive maneuverability with improved and image-stabilized camera guidance in combination with a lens cleaning system as well as AI-based augmentation of anatomical landmarks and tissue damage protection seem to be significant requirements for the further development of laparoscopic systems.

The effect of biofeedback pelvic floor training with ACTICORE1 on urinary incontinence: a multicenter randomized clinical pilot trial.

Background: Pelvic floor training with biofeedback has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of urinary incontinence. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pelvic floor training with the ACTICORE1 biofeedback device, which uses a noninsertable pelvic floor sensor with a digital interface. Materials and methods: A multicenter randomized controlled clinical pilot study in Germany was conducted between October 2021 and January 2022. The intervention group was instructed to use ACTICORE1 for 6 min daily to train the pelvic floor for 12 weeks. The control group was instructed not to do any pelvic floor training. Over 18-year-old men and women with urinary incontinence and an International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire score (ICIQ) of ≥5 were included in the study. The primary endpoint was the ICIQ score 12 weeks after enrollment. The secondary endpoints were the ICIQ score and quality of life using the EG-5D-3L questionnaire 4, 8, and 12 weeks after patients' enrollment. Results: A total of 40 individuals with urinary incontinence were recruited for the present study (35 females, 5 males; 40% lost to follow-up). In terms of biometric data, both groups did not differ. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks, the ICIQ scores of those in the ACTICORE1 group decreased from 12.9 to 7.5. The ICIQ score in the control group decreased from 11.0 to 10.5. The intraindividual improvement of patients in the ACTICORE group was statistically significant. Conclusion: Biofeedback training with ACTICORE1 significantly reduces symptoms of urinary incontinence after 12 weeks.

A contemporary assessment of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) protocols for locally advanced rectal cancer: adoption and expert perspectives at German Cancer Society (DKG)-certified colorectal cancer centers.

PURPOSE: The treatment paradigm for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is shifting toward the total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) concept, which administered systemic chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting, either before or after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or short-course radiotherapy (SCRT). First results have shown higher pathologic complete response (pCR) rates and a favorable impact on disease-free survival (DFS). Our study aimed to evaluate the current clinical practice and expert opinion regarding TNT for locally advanced rectal cancer across DKG (German Cancer Society)-certified colorectal cancer centers. METHODS: A comprehensive online questionnaire, constituted of 14 TNT-focused queries targeting patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, was conducted among DKG-certified colorectal cancer centers registered within the database of the Addz (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Darmzentren) between December 2022 and January 2023. RESULTS: A significant majority (68%) indicated that they treated between 0 and 10 patients using a TNT protocol. Only a third (36%) of these centers participated in patient enrollment for a TNT study. Despite this, 84% of centers reported treating patients in a manner analogous to a TNT study, with the RAPIDO regimen being the most prevalent approach, employed by 60% of the respondents. The decision to adopt a TNT approach was primarily influenced by factors, such as the lower third of the rectum (93% of centers), cT4 stage (86% of centers), and a positive circumferential resection margin (80% of centers). Regarding concerns, 65% of the survey respondents expressed no reservations about the TNT concept, while 35% had concerns. In particular, there appears to be disagreement and uncertainty in regard to a clinical complete response and the "Watch and Wait" approach. While some centers adopt the watch-and-wait approach (42%), others only utilize it when extirpation is otherwise necessary (39%), and a portion still proceeds with surgery as initially planned (19%). The survey also addressed unmet needs, which were elaborated in the free-text responses. Overall, there was high interest in participating in planned observational studies. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents an overview of current clinical practice and unmet needs within DKG-certified German colorectal cancer centers. It is noteworthy that total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) is predominantly performed outside of clinical trials. Moreover, across the centers, there is significant heterogeneity in handling clinical complete response and adopting the "watch and wait" approach. Further research is needed to establish standardization in the care of locally advanced rectal cancer.

Optimal timing for antimicrobial prophylaxis to reduce surgical site infections: a retrospective analysis of 531 patients.

It has been revealed that the administration of an antimicrobial prophylaxis (AP) reduces the rate of surgical site (SSI) following colorectal cancer surgery. Nevertheless, the optimal timing of this medication remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine more precisely the optimal time for administering antibiotics and to see if this could reduce the number of possible surgical site infections. The files of individuals who underwent colorectal cancer surgery at the University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel (Germany) between 2009 and 2017 were analyzed. Piperacillin/tazobactam, cefuroxime/metronidazole and mezlocillin/sulbactam were administered as AP regimens. Timing of AP was obtained. The primary objective was the rate of SSIs based on CDC criteria. Multivariate analysis took place to identify risk factors for SSIs. A total of 326 patients (61.4%) received an AP within 30 min, 166 (31.3%) between 30 and 60 min, 22 (4.1%) more than 1 h before surgery, and 15 (2.8%) after surgery. In 19 cases (3.6%) a SSI occurred during hospital stay. A multivariate analysis did not identify AP timing as a risk factor for the occurrence of SSIs. With significance, more surgical site occurrences (SSO) were diagnosed when cefuroxime/metronidazole was given. Our results suggest that AP with cefuroxime/metronidazole is less effective in reducing SSO compared with mezlocillin/sulbactam and tazobactam/piperacillin. We assume that the timing of this AP regimen of < 30 min or 30-60 min prior to colorectal surgery does not impact the SSI rate.

Feasibility of laparoscopic resection for perforated diverticulitis: a retrospective observational study of 77 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: Perforated colonic diverticulitis with purulent or fecal contamination (PCD) is a surgical emergency with high morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, open surgery as a Hartmann procedure (HP) has been performed. Feasibility of the laparoscopic approach (LA) either with primary anastomosis (PA) or as an HP has been shown, but evidence and implementation into daily routine remain low. We analysed all patients with PCD and emergency surgery at our institution to compare post-operative outcomes between LA and open surgery. Our results should add more evidence about the potential benefit of LA in treating PCD. METHODS: This retrospective analysis conducted at a tertiary care centre in Germany included all patients with PCD undergoing emergency surgery between June 2007 and February 2019. Mortality and postoperative morbidity according to Clavien-Dindo-Classification are the primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints were stoma-free survival and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were identified (41 female/36 male; median age 67.9 years). Sixty patients underwent a LA (conversion in 9 of 60, 15%). PA has been performed in 25 of 77 patients (22 LA, 3 with open surgery). Severe complications and death (Clavien-Dindo-Classification grade IIIb-V) were lower in patients with LA (17/60, 28%) compared to open surgery (9/17, 53%; p = 0.082) as well as the length of hospital stay (LOS; LA 9 days vs. open surgery 17 days; p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: The LA is feasible in the majority of patients with PCD and may be warranted as a routine in emergency surgery. Although limited by a selection bias of this retrospective study, the LA seems to reduce morbidity and LOS.

Diagnostic, Therapy and Complications in Acute Appendicitis of 19,749 Cases Based on Routine Data: A Retrospective Multicenter Observational Study.

Background: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common emergencies in general surgery. The gold standard treatment is surgery. Complications may occur during or after an appendectomy. In addition to age, clinically important factors for the outcome after appendicitis seems to be the comorbidities and the stage of the appendicitis at the time of the operation. Large observational data describing these facts are missing. Methods: In this retrospective multicenter observational study, all inpatients over the age of 17 years with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis in 47 hospitals of the Clinotel Hospital Group between 2010 and 2017 were included. Results: A total of 19,749 patients with acute appendicitis were operated on. The number of patients with more than five secondary diagnoses has increased from 8.4% (2010) to 14.5% (2017). The number of secondary diagnoses correlates with the ages of the patients and leads to a significantly longer hospital stay. Computer tomography (CT) has gained in importance in recent years in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. A total of 19.9% of patients received a CT in 2017. Laparoscopic appendectomy increased from 88% in 2010 to 95% in 2017 (p < 0.001). The conversion rate did not change relevant in the study period (i.e., 2.3% in 2017). Appendicitis with perforation, abscess, or generalized peritonitis was observed in 24.8% of patients. Mortality was 0.6% during the observation period and was associated with age and the number of secondary diagnoses. The analysis is based on administrative data collected primarily for billing purposes, subject to the usual limitations of such data. This includes partially incomplete clinical data. Conclusions: Multimorbidity is increasingly present in patients with acute appendicitis. Mortality is still in an acceptably low range with no increase. A CT scan is necessary for a precise diagnosis in unclear clinical situations to avoid unnecessary operations and was performed more often at the end of the study than at the beginning.

Bladed and bladeless conical trocars do not differ in terms of caused fascial defect size in a Porcine Model.

INTRODUCTION: Trocar insertion during laparoscopy may lead to complications such as bleeding, bowel puncture and fascial defects with subsequent trocar site hernias. It is under discussion whether there is a difference in the extent of the trauma and thus in the size of the fascia defect between blunt and sharp trocars. But the level of evidence is low. Hence, we performed a Porcine Model. METHODS: A total of five euthanized female pigs were operated on. The average weight of the animals was 37.85 (Standard deviation SD 1.68) kg. All pigs were aged 90 ± 5 days. In alternating order five different conical 12-mm trocars (3 × bladeless, 2 × bladed) on each side 4 cm lateral of the mammary ridge were placed. One surgeon performed the insertions after conducting a pneumoperitoneum with 12 mmHg using a Verres' needle. The trocars were removed after 60 min. Subsequently, photo imaging took place. Using the GSA Image Analyser (v3.9.6) the respective abdominal wall defect size was measured. RESULTS: The mean fascial defect size was 58.3 (SD 20.2) mm2. Bladed and bladeless trocars did not significant differ in terms of caused fascial defect size [bladed, 56.6 (SD 20) mm2 vs. bladeless, 59.5 (SD 20.6) mm2, p = 0.7]. Without significance the insertion of bladeless trocars led to the largest (Kii Fios™ First entry, APPLIEDMEDICAL©, 69.3 mm2) and smallest defect size (VersaOne™ (COVIDIEN©, 54.1 mm2). CONCLUSION: Bladed and bladeless conical 12-mm trocars do not differ in terms of caused fascial defect size in the Porcine Model at hand. The occurrence of a trocar site hernia might be largely independent from trocar design.

A 30 mm sized gastrojejunostomy may lead to a lower rate of therapy failure in comparison to a 45 mm sized gastrojejunostomy following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Background: In bariatric surgery the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has been proven to be a safe and effective approach. Currently the optimal size of the linear-stapled gastrojejunostomy (GJ) and its impact on weight loss are not known due to a lack of clinical trials on that topic. We aimed to provide evidence on the impact of the GJ size in terms of gastric bypass weight loss. Methods: Patients who underwent LRYGB due to morbid obesity were retrospectively analyzed from January 2013 to January 2016. While the procedure was completely standardized, one surgeon continued using the 45 mm sized linear stapler to perform GJ while the other switched to using a 30 mm cartridge. Results: 277 patients were female (78%) and 77 males. The average age was 41.7 ± 12.3 years. In 118 cases a 30 mm sized GJ was conducted. 236 individuals received a 45 mm sized GJ. In terms of gender, age, length of biliary and alimentary limb both groups were homogenous. Individuals with a 30 mm sized GJ had a statistical significant lower rate of therapy failure (Excess weight loss <25%, 25-49%, ≥50% after 3 years, P value χ2 for trend <0.035).The excess weight loss did not significant differ between both groups. Conclusions: A 30 mm sized GJ may lead to a lower rate of therapy failure in comparison to a 45 mm sized GJ following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Prospective trials are mandatory to confirm our findings.

The Effect of an Abdominal Binder on Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair­A Multicenter, Randomized Pilot Trial (ABIHR-I) of the Intraperitoneal Onlay-Mesh Technique.

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernias with apertures measuring less than 7 cm can generally be treated adequately with the laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay-mesh (IPOM) technique. The wearing of an abdominal binder after surgery is often recommended in order to promote wound healing and prevent recurrent herniation. We carried out a multicenter, randomized pilot trial to evaluate the utility of abdominal binders. METHODS: The trial was conducted from May 2019 to December 2020. Persons with a laparoscopic IPOM procedure for treatment of an incisional hernia were included in the trial and randomized preoperatively (1:1). The patients in the abdominal binder group wore an abdominal binder during the day for 14 days after surgery, while those in the control group wore no binder. The primary endpoint was pain at rest on postoperative days 1, 2, and 14, as measured on a visual analog scale. The secondary endpoints were overall subjective well-being, the rates of wound infection, recurrence, and complications, mobility, and the rate and size of postoperative seromas (on postoperative days 1, 2, and 14). RESULTS: Forty patients were included. Three were excluded because of conversion to an open surgical technique. The biometric and perioperative data of the abdominal binder group (n = 18) and the control group (n = 19) did not differ to any statistically significant extent. The patients in the binder group had significantly less postoperative pain (F [dfn, dfd]) 4.44, 95% confidence interval [1; 35]; p = 0.042).The patients in the binder group also had better overall subjective well-being and a higher rate of postoperative seroma formation, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. There was less limitation of mobility than in the control group; however, this difference also did not attain statistical significance. CONCLUSION: An abdominal binder may reduce pain after incisional hernia repair with the IPOM technique. The postoperative use of analgesic medication was not measured.

[The role of postdoctoral qualification candidates in surgical teaching]. / Die Rolle der HabilitandInnen in der chirurgischen Lehre.

OBJECTIVE: This compact overview outlines the responsibilities and broad field of tasks of a post-doctoral fellow in surgical teaching within the framework of studies in human medicine. METHOD: Narrative short review based on own individual and institutional teaching experiences. RESULTS: Role of the post-doctoral fellow (selection): (i) due to the planned (sub)specialization by the respective habilitation project and because of the accumulated (administrative and scientific as well as teaching) experience within the framework of this scientific graduation, the post-doctoral fellow appears to be a more suitable, motivated and competent doctoral manager and supervisor compared to colleagues who do not intend to get the habilitation. (ii) Dependence of medical disciplines: the role that can be taken in teaching is highly dependent on the subject matter and discipline. Thus, there is the possibility and the duty to always mediate competent practical skills in surgical subjects in addition to theoretical knowledge and to pay strict attention to their ready to use acquisition in preparation for clinical/surgical practice. (iii) In nonuniversity (teaching) hospitals, the surgical post-doctoral fellow can fulfill the tasks of surgical teaching through a complete internship and clerkship care. In university clinics the focus is more on holding lectures in addition to internship and clerkship tutorials. CONCLUSION: The post-doctoral fellow plays a central role in surgical teaching. A wide range of tasks with holding and construction of lectures, seminars and block internships up to direct student support within the framework of the clerkship, the practical year and the support of a dissertation can be sufficiently fulfilled by the post-doctoral fellow in addition to the development of facultative teaching concepts full of ideas.

The transversus abdominis plane block may reduce chronic postoperative pain one year after TAPP ingunial hernia repair.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) is defined as pain impacting daily activities lasting at least 3 months. With an incidence of 0.5-6.0%, chronic pain affects many patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair (IHR). Early severe postoperative pain has been described as a risk factor for CPIP. Thus, we aim to investigate the impact of the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block on CPIP. METHODS: From 2013 to 2019 we collected data from individuals who were operated on electively in TAPP technique and who received a preoperative TAP block. RESULTS: Data from 289 patients were selected. 259 patients were male. The mean age was 59.93 years and the mean BMI was 25.72 kg/m2. 252 patients suffered from a primary inguinal hernia. No mesh fixation was conducted. 21 patients reported pain at rest, 26 pain under physical exertion and 13 patients required treatment of their pain. In 6.25% of cases patients reported CPIP. We compared our findings with data from the German Herniamed Registry (unilateral, primary IH, men, no mesh fixation; n = 8.799), because we assume that the majority of these patients did not receive a TAP block. The rate of pain under physical exertion (9.2% vs. 10.05%) and pain requiring treatment (2.45% vs. 2.95%) one year after surgery slightly differs without a statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: We assume that the TAP block may reduce CPIP, postoperative pain during physical exertion and pain requiring treatment following IHR in TAPP technique. Additional randomized clinical trials are mandatory to evaluate the hypothesis.

Comparison of different durations of physical activity restrictions following incisional hernia repair in sublay technique, the 3N6 trial: A prospective clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernias (IH) occur in 4 to 20% of cases following abdominal surgeries, often after laparotomies. In the US, there are 4 to 5 million laparotomies performed per year, which could lead to 400.000 to 1.000.000 IHs. Therefore, this disease accounts as an important social-economic factor. Furthermore, these hernias can lead to bowel incarcerations, chronic pain, and a decrease in quality of life. To guarantee sufficient wound healing and decrease the recurrence rate, physical activity restrictions (PAR) are recommended. The standard recommendations for PAR seem to vary from 0 to 12 weeks, but the evidence remains low due to a lack of clinical trials. Conducting the study at hand, we aim to provide more evidence on this topic. METHODS: The 3N6 trial will be conducted as a national multicenter prospective trial with two study groups (n = 90), where the goal is to find matched pairs within the two groups. Patients who underwent open incisional hernia repair (IHR) in sublay technique will be enrolled. A patient in the 3-week PAR group will be matched to a patient in the 6-week PAR group based on heavy lifting, male gender, BMI > 30, and large hernia >7 cm. The primary endpoint is the duration of sick leave that patients require to return to work, by comparing PAR of 6 weeks with PAR of 3 weeks. The secondary endpoints are the recurrence rate, seroma formation, and chronic pain one year after surgery and postoperative complications within 30 days using Clavien-Dindo-classification. DISSEMINATION: The findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. We may also present the findings at local and/or national conferences.

Adenocarcinoma of an ileal conduit developing 8 years after cystoprostatectomy for locally advanced prostate carcinoma.

A 70-year-old patient was treated in September 2017 for a malignancy in an ileal conduit (IC) which he received in 2009 for the treatment of prostate cancer. The tumour was found incidentally during a routine sonography. A CT scan revealed a mass near the IC. An endoscopy with biopsies showed an intraepithelial neoplasia of the ileal mucosa in the IC. We performed a segmental ileal resection. Histological findings revealed an ileal adenocarcinoma. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient has remained alive without tumour recurrence up to the most recent negative CT screening in April 2019. Secondary malignancies after urinary diversions are a well-known complication, including procedures using small bowel parts for the urinary diversion. Adenocarcinomas arising in an IC are rarely described in literature. Concerning said tumour entity, surgical removal is often recommended. There is no evidence for the success of chemotherapy or radiation due to insufficient clinical trials. When diagnosing a mass in an IC, a secondary malignancy should be taken under consideration.