Abdominal Closure With Reinforcing Suture Decreases Incisional Hernia Incidence After CRS/HIPEC.

Background: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) entails several risk factors for incisional hernia (IH). A few reports available showing incidences between 7% and 17%. At our institution fascia closure has been performed in a 4:1 suture to wound length manner, with a continuous 2-0 polydiaxanone suture (PDS-group) or with a 2-0 polypropylene suture preceded by a reinforced tension line (RTL) suture (RTL-group). Our hypothesis was that these patients might benefit from reinforcing the suture line with a lower IH incidence in this group. The aim was to evaluate the 1-year IH-incidence of the two different closures. Methods: Patients eligible for inclusion were treated with CRS/HIPEC between 2004 and 2019. IH was diagnosed by scrutinizing CT-scans 1 year ±3 months after surgery. Additional data was retrieved from clinical records and a prospective CRS/HIPEC-database. Results: Of 193 patients, 129 were included, 82 in the PDS- and 47 in the RTL-group. RTL-patients were 5 years younger, had less blood loss and more frequent postoperative neutropenia. No difference regarding sex, BMI, recent midline incisions, excision of midline scars, peritoneal cancer index score, complications (≥Clavien-Dindo 3b), or chemotherapy. Ten IH (7.8%) were found, 9 (11%) in the PDS- and 1 (2.1%) in the RTL-group (p = 0.071). Conclusion: An IH incidence of 7.8% in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC is not higher than after laparotomies in general. The IH incidence in the PDS-group was 11% compared to 2% in the RTL-group. Even though significance was not reached, the difference is clinically relevant, suggesting an advantage with RTL suture.

Pain with sexual activity at 1 and 3 years: Comparing total extraperitoneal with Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair in a randomized setting (TEPLICH trial).

BACKGROUND: Pain at sexual activity induced by an inguinal hernia or as a cause of its repair is not thoroughly studied. Reported frequencies are between 25% and 30% preoperatively and 10% and 15% postoperatively. The primary aim was to analyze pain at sexual activity at 1 year comparing total extraperitoneal with Lichtenstein repair in a randomized setting. METHODS: Men, 30 to 60 years old, with a primary inguinal hernia were randomized to total extraperitoneal without mesh fixation or Lichtenstein repair. A questionnaire on pain prevalence, frequency, intensity, and impairment of sexual functions caused by pain at sexual activity was introduced. Clinical examination, a questionnaire on sexual function, and the 36-Item Short Form Survey were performed preoperatively and at 1 and 3 years postoperatively. A risk factor analysis for pain at sexual activity as performed. RESULTS: A total of 243 patients (111 total extraperitoneal and 132 Lichtenstein) were included between 2008 and 2014; 97% remained for 1-year and 90% for 3-year analysis. Preoperative pain at sexual activity was reported in 35%, with a reduction to 5.9% in total extraperitoneal and 12.5% in Lichtenstein (P = .098) at 1 year and 7.0% in total extraperitoneal and 9.3% in Lichtenstein (P = .566) at 3 years. Quality of life preoperatively was markedly reduced in patients with pain at sexual activity but restored almost to norm levels at 1 and 3 years. New pain at sexual activity (harm) was seen in 8 patients (3.6%) at 1 year. Risk factors for having postoperative pain at sexual activity were preoperative pain and Lichtenstein technique. CONCLUSION: Pain at sexual activity in inguinal hernia patients is more common than suspected and reduces quality of life. Repair will markedly reduce pain at sexual activity and restore quality of life in most patients without difference between techniques. Patients should be informed on a potential relation between having an inguinal hernia and sexual impairment.

[Swedish gallstone surgery during the covid-19 pandemic]. / Fler akuta gallstensoperationer och färre elektiva under pandemin.

The covid-19 pandemic has necessitated reallocation of health care resources. This has raised concerns about the risks associated with postponing surgery for benign conditions that are given low priority. Data from the population-based Swedish National Register for Gallstone Surgery (GallRiks) show that the total number of procedures carried out during the initial months of each wave of the pandemic decreased. This was followed by a moderate increase in the number of procedures performed for acute cholecystitis, biliary pancreatitis, and obstructive jaundice. The consequences of the delayed surgery in the community at large and how this has affected health-related quality of life for patients having their procedure postponed remain to be evaluated, but so far it does not seem to have caused a major impact on public health.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of gallstone surgery: A Swedish population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare delivery. As resources are reallocated, surgery for benign conditions such as gallstone disease is often given low priority. We do not know how this has affected the risk of patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease to develop acute cholecystitis, biliary pancreatitis, or obstructive jaundice. METHODS: The study was based on the population-based Swedish Register of Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography. The period prior to the first cases of COVID-19 in Sweden, that is, April 2015-March 2020, was compared to the period April 2020-March 2021 during the pandemic. Stratification was made for factors potentially related to priority decisions. RESULTS: Altogether, 78,211 procedures were performed during the period of the study. The ratio of procedures performed during April 2020-March 2021 in the previous 5 years was 0.960 (p = 0.113). The ratio of procedures on patients aged <65 years was 0.945 (p = 0.008), on patients aged 65-80 years was 0.964 (p = 0.423), on patients aged >80 years was 1.336 (p = 0.025), on men was 1.001 (p = 0.841), on women was 0.934 (p = 0.006), on procedures completed laparoscopically was 0.964 (p = 0.190), on procedures completed with open approach was 0.659 (p = 0.044), on acute procedures was 1.218 (p = 0.016), on planned procedures was 0.791 (p < 0.001), on procedures performed for biliary colic was 0.808 (p < 0.001), on procedures performed for acute cholecystitis was 1.274 (p = 0.012), for biliary pancreatitis was 1.192 (p = 0.037), and for obstructive jaundice was 1.366 (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 has had a great impact on how gallstone surgery has been organized over the last 2 years. The decreased number of planned procedures probably reflects the reallocation of resources during the pandemic. However, whether the increasing number of acute procedures is the result of postponed planned surgery or a continuation of a long-term trend toward more acute surgery remains unanswered. Further studies are needed to assess and evaluate how this has affected public health and health economics.

The Relevance of Sexual Dysfunction Related to Groin Pain After Inguinal Hernia Repair - The SexIHQ Short Form Questionnaire Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Chronic postoperative pain after inguinal hernia surgery can affect sexual function. A new short form questionnaire for inguinal hernia pain related sexual dysfunction (SexIHQ) was introduced and applied to a register based cohort of total extra-peritoneal hernioplasty (TEP) operated patients. METHODS: Sexually active men, 30-60 years old, recorded in the Swedish Hernia Register for a primary inguinal hernia TEP operation were included. Two initial questions of the SexIHQ identify patients with pain at sexual activity. Only these patients proceeded to answer the specific questions on pain-induced impairment of sexual activity, pain frequency and intensity, physical functions (erection and ejaculation), and symptoms of depression. SexIHQ, the Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (IPQ) were mailed to participants for long term follow up. RESULTS: In 538 included patients, 44 (8.2%) reported pain during sexual activity at mean 33 months after surgery. Sexual dysfunction was seen in 33 of these patients. A postoperative complication was a risk factor for pain during sexual activity; OR 4.89 (95% CI 1.92-12.43; p < 0.001). Quality-of-life was reduced in almost all SF-36 domains in patients with pain during sexual activity. CONCLUSIONS: A short form questionnaire, suitable for large cohorts, was developed to assess sexual dysfunction due to groin pain after inguinal hernia repair in male patients. Sexual dysfunction due to groin pain after hernia surgery by TEP is surprisingly common. Patients should preoperatively be informed of the risk of having pain during sexual activity following groin hernia surgery.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Retromuscular Incisional Hernia Repairs: Recurrence and Quality of Life.

PURPOSE: Incisional hernia repair (IHR) with a mesh is necessary to achieve low recurrence rates and pain relief. In the short term, quality of life (QoL) is restored by IHR. Two centers pioneered the IHR in Sweden with the highly standardized Rives-Stoppa technique using a retromuscular mesh. We assessed long-term follow-up of recurrence rate and QoL. METHODS: Medical records were searched for IHRs performed from 1998 to 2006 and included living patients with midline repairs. Questionnaires about physical status, complaints, and QoL (SF-36) were mailed, offering a clinical examination. Assessment of medical records of later surgery was performed in 2015. RESULTS: Three hundred and one patients with midline incisional repairs were identified, and 217 accepted participation. Of these, 103 attended a clinical examination. Follow-up was 7 years until examination and 11 years to reassessment of medical records. In 26%, recurrent hernias were repaired. Postoperative complications were 26% Clavien-Dindo grade I-II and 1% grade III-IV. Mesh infections occurred in 1.4% without mesh removals, and 4% were reoperated because of complications. Overall recurrence rate was 8.1% and two-third of which were diagnosed at clinical examination. Recurrence after primary and recurrent hernia repair was 7.1 and 10.9%, respectively. Of all patients, 80% were satisfied; dissatisfaction was primarily caused by recurrence and chronic pain. SF-36 scores were 0.2 SD lower than the norm in all subscales, similar to those with 1-2 chronic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Midline retromuscular mesh IHR has a low long-term recurrence rate even after recurrent repair. Patient satisfaction was high although QoL was reduced.

Quality of Life and Surgical Outcome 1 Year After Open and Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair: PROLOVE: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Patients suffering from an incisional hernia after abdominal surgery have an impaired quality of life (QoL). Surgery aims to improve QoL with a minimum risk of further complications. The aim was to analyze QoL, predictors for outcome, including recurrence and reoperation rates during the first postoperative year. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial comparing laparoscopic and open mesh repair, 133 patients were assessed preoperatively and after 1 year with regard to QoL using the Short Form-36 (SF-36), visual analog scale (pain, movement limitation, and fatigue), and questions addressing abdominal wall complaints. Factors concerning recurrence, reoperations, satisfaction, and improved QoL were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients remained for analysis. All SF-36 scores except mental composite score increased, reaching and maintaining levels of the Swedish norm already after 8 weeks with no difference between groups. Event-free recovery was seen in 85% in the laparoscopic group and in 65% of the open cases (P < 0.010). Five recurrences occurred after laparoscopic surgery and 1 in the open group (P < 0.112). Overall, abdominal wall complaints decreased from 82% to 13% of the patients; and 92% were satisfied with the result after 1 year.In univariable logistic regression analyses laparoscopic surgery and male sex predicted an event-free recovery. Obesity (BMI > 30) predicted better outcome with regard to QoL. No predictors for recurrence or satisfaction were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with incisional hernia benefit substantially from surgery concerning QoL, independent of surgical technique. An event-free recovery occurred frequently after laparoscopic surgery. SF-36 seems well suited for assessing surgical outcome in patients after incisional hernia repair.

Impact of Mesh Fixation on Chronic Pain in Total Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair (TEP): A Nationwide Register-based Study.

BACKGROUND: Mesh fixation is used to prevent recurrence at the potential risk for chronic pain in TEP. The aim was to compare the impact of permanent fixation (PF) with no fixation (NF)/nonpermanent fixation (NPF) of mesh on chronic pain after TEP repair for primary inguinal hernia. METHODS: Men, 30 to 75 years old, consecutively registered in the Swedish Hernia Register for a TEP primary repair in 2005 to 2009, were included in a mail survey using SF-36 and the Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (IPQ). Primary endpoint was IPQ question "Did you have pain during past week that could not be ignored." Risk factors for chronic pain and recurrent operations were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1110 patients were included (325 PF, 785 NF/NPF) with 7.7% reporting pain at median 33 months follow-up. No difference regarding primary endpoint pain (P < 0.462), IPQ and SF-36 subscales were seen. Recurrent operation was carried out in 1.4% during 7.5 years follow-up with no difference between PF- and NF-groups including subgroups of medial hernias. All SF-36 subscale-scores were equal to or better than the Swedish norm. A postoperative complication was a risk factor for chronic pain (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.23-5.25, P < 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The TEP procedure for primary inguinal hernia repair in men is associated with a low frequency of chronic pain and recurrent operations, with no difference between permanent fixation and no/nonpermanent fixation of mesh in a nationwide population-based study. TEP without fixation reduces costs and is safe for all patients.

Short-term outcomes for open and laparoscopic midline incisional hernia repair: a randomized multicenter controlled trial: the ProLOVE (prospective randomized trial on open versus laparoscopic operation of ventral eventrations) trial.

OBJECTIVE: : The aim of the trial was to compare laparoscopic technique with open technique regarding short-term pain, quality of life (QoL), recovery, and complications. BACKGROUND: : Laparoscopic and open techniques for incisional hernia repair are recognized treatment options with pros and cons. METHODS: : Patients from 7 centers with a midline incisional hernia of a maximum width of 10 cm were randomized to either laparoscopic (LR) or open sublay (OR) mesh repair. Primary end point was pain at 3 weeks, measured as the bodily pain subscale of Short Form-36 (SF-36). Secondary end points were complications registered by type and severity (the Clavien-Dindo classification), movement restrictions, fatigue, time to full recovery, and QoL up to 8 weeks. RESULTS: : Patients were recruited between October 2005 and November 2009. Of 157 randomized patients, 133 received intervention: 64 LR and 69 OR. Measurements of pain did not differ, nor did movement restriction and postoperative fatigue. SF-36 subscales favored the LR group: physical function (P < 0.001), role physical (P < 0.012), mental health (P < 0.022), and physical composite score (P < 0.009). Surgical site infections were 17 in the OR group compared with 1 in the LR group (P < 0.001). The severity of complications did not differ between the groups (P < 0.213). CONCLUSIONS: : Postoperative pain or recovery at 3 weeks after repair of midline incisional hernias does not differ between LR and OR, but the LR results in better physical function and less surgical site infections than the OR does. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00472537).