Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair (umbilical TAPP) versus open ventral patch repair for medium size umbilical hernias in overweight and obese patients.

INTRODUCTION: Despite high prevalence of umbilical hernias an open anterior approach is still frequently performed. Mesh use, although necessary in recurrence prevention, may lead to more frequent surgical site infections, especially in obese patients. Intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) may promote intraperitoneal adhesions. Some of these limitations may be reconciled by transabdominal-preperitoneal repair (TAPP). AIM: To compare the feasibility, safety and efficacy of umbilical TAPP (u-TAPP) with ventral patch repair technique (VPR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis included overweight/obese patients undergoing elective surgery for primary umbilical hernia (22 in VPR, 21 in u-TAPP). RESULTS: There were no differences between groups regarding size of the hernia defect. The mean width of the defect was 26 mm in VPR and 30 mm in u-TAPP (p = 0.185). The operation time was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) in VPR (43.1 ±11.6 min) than in u-TAPP (93.2 ±22.3 min). However, in VPR it was possible to place a much smaller area of synthetic mesh than in u-TAPP (34.3 vs. 164.2 cm2; p < 0.001). After 30 days of follow-up, there was no recurrence in any of the groups. No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding post-operative pain. CONCLUSIONS: TAPP technique in umbilical hernia repair allows for placement of a much larger mesh than an anterior approach surgery, and is closer to current recommendations, especially for patients with additional risk factors, such as obesity or coexistence of diastasis recti. TAPP allows a mesh to be introduced into the preperitoneal space, allowing one to avoid direct contact between the mesh and the intestines. Laparoscopic umbilical TAPP is feasible and safe, but the operation time is longer compared to open methods.

Essential anatomical landmarks in placement of an adequate size mesh for a successful ventral hernia repair.

Safe and effective hernia repair requires a surgeon to have the appropriate knowledge necessary to learn details of the surgical technique. Long-term results of treatment, even with the use of synthetic implants, have shown that recurrences were still a significant clinical problem concerning up to every fourth patient. Therefore, it was pointed out that the mere presence of synthetic material is not a solitary circumstance sufficient for a successful repair. A key finding in recurrence prevention has been to focus surgeons' attention on the relationship between the size of the hernia orifice and the mesh surface. An optimal ratio of these values has not been established yet, however, it is considered that the mesh surface area should be at least sixteen times larger than the area of the abdominal wall defect. In cases of medium and large hernias, in order to place an extensive mesh sheet in the appropriate anatomical space of the abdominal wall, an extensive dissection needs to be performed, including several different compartments. Therefore, a surgeon undertaking a hernia repair needs to know perfectly the anatomy and function of all the myofascial structures involved. Performing an incorrect dissection of a mistaken structure may lead to catastrophic abdominal deformities. Depriving the patient of the natural support of the abdominal wall provided by the muscles may lead to total or partial destabilization of the trunk and lead to disability. In this paper a detailed description of anatomical structures and its practical use has been presented.

Laparoscopic enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal Rives-Stoppa repair (eTEP-RS) for ventral and incisional hernias - early operative outcomes and technical remarks on a novel retromuscular approach.

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernias can complicate up to one in four laparotomy procedures, and successful repair remains a significant clinical challenge for surgeons. Recently, the surgical technique of ventral hernia repair (eTEP-RS) has been introduced. AIM: To present early results in treating patients with ventral hernia using the eTEP-RS technique and to discuss key technical aspects affecting the safety and efficiency of repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study of early outcomes was conducted for all ventral hernia patients (hernia orifice between 4 and 8 cm) who underwent eTEP-RS between March 2019 and July 2020. RESULTS: As of July 2020, we performed a total of 11 eTEP-RS procedures. The mean duration of the surgery was 204 min (158 to 295). The average size of the treated defect in the transverse dimension was 5.8 cm, and the defect area was 38.5 cm2. The average size of the mesh used was 486 cm2 (280 to 590). After an average follow-up of 7 months (1-17) there was no recurrence or major complication. Based on our initial experiences we present a detailed description of the main aspects of the surgical technique itself, as well as the essential nuances, to enable evaluation of the technique and future popularization. CONCLUSIONS: The eTEP-RS technique is a safe alternative to open ventral hernia repair and allows for the placement of a large piece of mesh in accordance with current recommendations. Excellent knowledge of the detailed anatomy of the abdominal wall is essential for safe and effective hernia repair.

Outcomes of bridging versus mesh augmentation in laparoscopic repair of small and medium midline ventral hernias.

BACKGROUND: Bridging of the hernia defect in laparoscopic repair (sIPOM) technique does not fully restore the abdominal wall function. Closure of hernia defect in IPOM-plus technique leads to the restoration of abdominal wall function and improved long-term treatment outcomes. Against the expectations, the studies confirm the formation of intraabdominal adhesions to the mesh. Regardless of the above, the search of the proper technique for mesh implantation and fixation is still ongoing. There have also been attempts to identify groups of patients who may still benefit from IPOM procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with midline abdominal wall hernias up to 10 cm wide were enrolled in the study except for subxiphoid and suprapubic hernias. Between 2011 and 2014 we performed 82 hernia repairs using the laparoscopic technique with Physiomesh. Patients were divided into sIPOM and IPOM-plus groups. The study included 44M and 38F patients aged 27-84 years. After 12-months and again in August 2015 a survey was posted to all patients with questions regarding potential recurrence. RESULTS: After 12 months, eight patients (20 %) in sIPOM group reported subjectively perceived recurrence and none in IPOM-plus group (p = 0.002). Six patients (14.3 %) in sIPOM group reported suspected recurrence, as compared to three patients (7.1 %) in IPOM-plus group (p = 0.13). These patients were invited for a follow-up physical examination and sonography. Eventually, four cases of hernia recurrence were confirmed in sIPOM group (10 %) and none in IPOM-plus group (p = 0.018). Other patients presented with mesh bulging. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is generally safe and is associated with the low recurrence rate. Closure of fascial defects before mesh insertion offers better treatment outcomes. Non-closure of fascial defects with only bridging of the hernia defect (sIPOM) causes more frequent recurrence and bulging. As a result, patient satisfaction with treatment is lower, and they are concerned about hernia recurrence.