Do surgical emergencies stay at home? Observations from the first United States Coronavirus epicenter.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, New York instituted a statewide stay-at-home mandate to lower viral transmission. While public health guidelines advised continued provision of timely care for patients, disruption of safety-net health care and public fear have been proposed to be related to indirect deaths because of delays in presentation. We hypothesized that admissions for emergency general surgery (EGS) diagnoses would decrease during the pandemic and that mortality for these patients would increase. METHODS: A multicenter observational study comparing EGS admissions from January to May 2020 to 2018 and 2019 across 11 NYC hospitals in the largest public health care system in the United States was performed. Emergency general surgery diagnoses were defined using International Classification Diseases, Tenth Revision, codes and grouped into seven common diagnosis categories: appendicitis, cholecystitis, small/large bowel, peptic ulcer disease, groin hernia, ventral hernia, and necrotizing soft tissue infection. Baseline demographics were compared including age, race/ethnicity, and payor status. Outcomes included coronavirus disease (COVID) status and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1,376 patients were admitted for EGS diagnoses from January to May 2020, a decrease compared with both 2018 (1,789) and 2019 (1,668) (p < 0.0001). This drop was most notable after the stay-at-home mandate (March 22, 2020; week 12). From March to May 2020, 3.3%, 19.2%, and 6.0% of EGS admissions were incidentally COVID positive, respectively. Mortality increased in March to May 2020 compared with 2019 (2.2% vs. 0.7%); this difference was statistically significant between April 2020 and April 2019 (4.1% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Supporting our hypothesis, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home mandate resulted in decreased EGS admissions between March and May 2020 compared with prior years. During this time, there was also a statistically significant increase in mortality, which peaked at the height of COVID infection rates in our population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiological, level IV.

Age-Related Risk Factors in Ventral Hernia Repairs: A Review and Call to Action.

BACKGROUND: As the population ages, the incidence of ventral hernias in older adults is increasing. Ventral hernia repairs (VHR) should not be considered low risk operations, particularly in older adults who are disproportionately affected by multiple age-related factors that can complicate surgery and adversely affect outcomes. Although age-related risk factors have been well established in other surgical fields, there is currently little data describing their impact on VHR. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify studies that examine the effects of age-related risk factors on VHR outcomes. This was conducted using Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed (Medline), and Google Scholar databases, all updated through June 2020. We selected relevant studies using the keywords, multimorbidity, comorbidities, polypharmacy, functional dependence, functional status, frailty, cognitive impairment, dementia, sarcopenia, and malnutrition. Primary outcomes include mortality and overall complications following VHR. RESULTS: We summarize the evidence basis for the significance of age-related risk factors in elective surgery and discuss how these factors increase the risk of adverse outcomes following VHR. In particular, we explore the impact of the following risk factors: multimorbidity, polypharmacy, functional dependence, frailty, cognitive impairment, sarcopenia, and malnutrition. As opposed to chronological age itself, age-related risk factors are more clinically relevant in determining VHR outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Given the increasing complexity of VHR, addressing age-related risk factors pre-operatively has the potential to improve surgical outcomes in older adults. Preoperative risk assessment and individualized prehabilitation programs aimed at improving patient-centered outcomes may be particularly useful in this population.

Goni Moreno progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum for giant hernias: a monocentric retrospective study of 162 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Goni Moreno's procedure was described 60 years ago as a solution for giant hernias repair through the creation of a progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum (PPP). The main objective of the present study is to assess its effectiveness in terms of primary fascial closures. The secondary objectives of this study are to explore the morbidity and mortality associated with Moreno's procedure using 40 years of data from a large cohort of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of all patients who underwent PPP procedures between October 1974 and January 2019 at the digestive surgery unit at Grenoble University Hospital, France. Data were reviewed to assess the preoperative demographic characteristics of the patients, procedure, postoperative course, complication following Clavien-Dindo classification and 30-day outcomes. RESULTS: 162 procedures were attempted. The mean age of patients was 57.8 years. 83 patients had a history of chronic respiratory disease (51.2%). The mean BMI was 33.2 kg/m2, and 52 patients were obese (32.1%) Half of the patients were classified as ASA score III. Success rate of fascial closures was 95.7%. The global rate of complication during the insufflation period and after surgical repair of the hernia was 51.8% (n = 84). Among these, only 16.7% (n = 27) were major according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The global mortality rate was 3.1%. CONCLUSION: Goni Moreno PPP is an effective procedure that allows a high rate of fascial closure. The population of patients requiring such procedures presents a high-risk profile for complications regarding demographics and associated diseases.

Prognosis of surgical hernia repair in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal wall hernias are common in patients with ascites. Elective surgical repair is recommended for the treatment of abdominal wall hernias. However, surgical hernia repair in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites is controversial. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of elective surgical hernia repair in patients with liver cirrhosis with and without refractory ascites. METHOD: From January 2005 to June 2018, we retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent a surgical hernia repair. RESULTS: This study included 107 patients; 31 patients (29.0%) had refractory ascites. Preoperatively, cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites had a higher median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (13.0 vs 11.0, P = 0.001) than those without refractory ascites. The 30-day mortality rate (3.2% vs 0%, P = 0.64) and the risk of recurrence (hazard ratio 0.410; 95% CI 0.050-3.220; P = 0.39) did not differ significantly between cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites and cirrhotic patients without refractory ascites. Among cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites, albumin (P = 0.23), bilirubin (P = 0.37), creatinine (P = 0.97), and sodium levels (P = 0.35) did not change significantly after surgery. CONCLUSION: In advanced liver cirrhosis patients with refractory ascites, hernias can be safely treated with elective surgical repair. Mortality rate within 30 days did not differ by the presence or absence of refractory ascites. Elective hernia repair might be beneficial for treatment of abdominal wall hernia in cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites.

Concurrent Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair with Bariatric Surgery: a Propensity-Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ventral hernias are a common finding during bariatric surgery; however, the risks and benefits of repair during surgery remain unclear. Using the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database, we examined the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing bariatric surgery with concurrent ventral hernia repair (VHR) versus bariatric surgery alone. METHODS: Patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) were included. A propensity-matched analysis was performed between laparoscopic bariatric surgery with and without concurrent VHR. The primary outcome was the 30-day major complication rate which includes but is not limited to 30-day reoperation, deep surgical site infection, and sepsis. Secondary outcomes included operative time, length of hospital stay, 30-day readmission, and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 430,225 patients were included, of which 4690 (1.1%) received concomitant VHR. With one-to-one propensity score matching, 4648 pairs were selected. Concurrent VHR was associated with a higher major complication rate (5.8 vs 3.8%, p < 0.001) but no significant difference in mortality (0.3 vs 0.2%, p = 0.531). Both LSG with VHR (3.2 vs 2.4%, p = 0.007) and RYGB with VHR (9.3 vs 5.7%, p < 0.001) were associated with an increase in major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing VHR during bariatric surgery do not experience higher mortality. However, these patients have an elevated risk of major complications with this risk being higher among patients undergoing VHR and LRYGB. Bariatric surgeons should consider these risks when choosing to perform VHR at the time of bariatric surgery.

Outcomes of Ventral Hernia Repair in Solid Organ Transplant Patients: A Regression Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample.

BACKGROUND: Solid organ transplant has been identified as an independent risk factor in ventral hernia repair. Previous studies have generally focused on case studies or small samples. We sought to investigate the impact of liver or kidney transplant on ventral hernia repair outcomes using a nationally representative sample. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample was used to identify ventral hernia repairs from years 2005 to 2014. We then divided them into two groups, patients with prior solid organ transplant and those without, and used logistic regression to analyze the effect of this variable on outcomes. We then investigated the relationship between various comorbidities and 30-d outcomes of surgery in both groups after adjusting for comorbidities. The primary outcome we looked at was mortality, with secondary outcomes such as length of stay and various surgical complications. RESULTS: We compared two groups consisting of patients with prior transplant (n = 3317) and patients without (n = 372,775) and found that patients with prior liver or kidney transplant did not have higher mortality rates and also did not have longer lengths of stay. In addition, in terms of preoperative variables, patients with transplant were more likely to have the following comorbidities: cardiac arrhythmia, chronic blood loss anemia, chronic pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, depression, metastatic cancer, obesity, psychoses, solid tumor without metastasis, and weight loss. Diabetes was associated with higher mortality in transplant patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients without prior liver or kidney transplant did not have higher mortality rates or lengths of stay.

Blurring the boundary between open abdomen treatment and ventral hernia repair.

PURPOSE: Therapeutic approaches for septic open abdomen treatment remain a major challenge with many uncertainties. The most convincing method is vacuum-assisted wound closure with mesh-mediated fascia traction with a protective plastic sheet placed on the viscera. As this plastic sheet and the mesh must be removed before final fascial closure, such a technique only allows temporary abdominal closure. This retrospective study analyzes the results of a modification of this technique allowing final abdominal closure using an anti-adhesive permeable polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mesh. METHODS: The outcome of all consecutive patients with septic open abdomen treatment at one academic surgical department from January 2013 to June 2015 was retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Retrospectively, 57 severely ill consecutive patients with septic open abdomen treatment with a 30-day mortality of 26% and a 2-year mortality of 51% were included in the study. In 26 patients, no mesh was implanted; in 31 patients, mesh implantation was done at median third-look laparotomy, median 5 days postoperative. Re-laparotomies after mesh implantation (median n = 2) revealed anastomotic leakage in 16% but no new bowel fistula. In 40% of those patients who had mesh implantation, fascia closure was not achieved and the mesh was left in place in a bridging position avoiding planned ventral hernia. CONCLUSION: The application of an anti-adhesive PVDF mesh for fascia traction in vacuum-assisted wound closure of septic open abdomen is novel, versatile, and seems to be safe. It offers the highly relevant possibility for provisional and final abdominal closure.

Hernia repair in patients with chronic liver disease - A 15-year single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Elective hernia repairs in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients are often avoided due to the fear of hepatic decompensation and mortality, leaving the patient susceptible to an emergent presentation. METHODS: CLD patients undergoing ventral or inguinal hernia repair in emergent and non-emergent settings at our institution (2001-2015) were analyzed. Predictors of 30-day morbidity and mortality (M&M) were determined using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 186 non-emergent repairs identified acceptable rates of M&M (27%) and 90-day mortality (3.7%, 0/21 for MELD≥15). Meanwhile, 67 emergent repairs had higher rates of M&M (60%) and 90-day mortality (10%; 25% for MELD≥15). M&M was associated with elevated MELD scores in emergent cases (14 ±â€¯6 vs 11 ±â€¯4; p = 0.01) and intraoperative drain placement in non-emergent cases (OR1.31,p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In patients with advanced CLD, non-emergent hernia repairs carry acceptable rates of M&M, while emergent repairs have increased M&M rates associated with higher MELD scores.

Predictors of mortality after elective ventral hernia repair: an analysis of national inpatient sample.

PURPOSE: Deciding between surgery and non-operative management of a non-obstructive ventral hernia (VH) in a high-risk patient often poses a clinical challenge. The aim of this study is to evaluate a national series of open and laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (VHR), and to assess predictors of mortality after elective VHR. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 2008-2014 data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample was performed. All patients with a primary diagnosis of abdominal wall hernia were included. Inguinal, femoral, or diaphragmatic hernias were excluded. Patients were stratified by elective versus emergent repair. Factors associated with mortality after elective VHR were analyzed. RESULTS: 103,635 patients were studied, including 14,787 (14.3%) umbilical, 63,685 (61.5%) incisional, and 25,163 (24.3%) other ventral hernias. Operative procedures included 59,993 (57.9%) elective and 43,642 (42.1%) emergent VHR. 21.3% elective VHRs were laparoscopic versus 13% in emergent cases (P < 0.001). Mesh was used in 52,642 (87.7%) elective versus 27,734 (63.5%) emergent VHR (P < 0.001). Median (interquartile range) length of stay was 2(3) days in laparoscopic and 3(3) days in open group (P < 0.001). Mortality was 0.2% (n = 135) in elective and 0.6% (n = 269) in emergent group (P < 0.001). In elective group, mortality rates were equal among laparoscopic and open VHR (0.2%), while in emergent group, it was lower in laparoscopic VHR (0.4% vs 0.6%, P = 0.028). Multivariate analysis of elective VHR showed that the following factors were associated with mortality during hospitalization: age > 50 years [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.96], male gender (OR = 2.37), congestive heart failure (OR = 2.15), pulmonary circulation disorders (OR = 5.26), coagulopathy (OR = 3.93), liver disease (OR = 1.89), fluid and electrolyte disturbances (OR = 8.66), metastatic cancer (OR = 4.66), neurological disorders (OR = 2.31), and paralysis (OR = 5.29). CONCLUSIONS: VHR has a low mortality, especially when performed laparoscopically. In patients undergoing elective VHR, higher age and some comorbidities are predictors of mortality. These include congestive heart failure, pulmonary circulation disorders, coagulopathy, liver disease, metastatic cancer, neurological disorders, and paralysis. Conservative management should be considered for these high-risk subgroups in context of the overall clinical presentation.

Does active smoking really matter before ventral hernia repair? An AHSQC analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many studies implicate active smoking as a risk factor for postoperative wound complications and all 30-day morbidity, but the definitions of inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as outcome parameters are inconsistent. Critically, the ability of large databases and meta-analyses to generate statistically significant associations of active smoking with morbidity do not address whether those relationships are actually clinically meaningful. We investigated this relationship after open ventral hernia repair. STUDY DESIGN: Patients undergoing elective open ventral hernia repair in clean wounds with 30-day follow-up were extracted from the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative. Current smokers (within 30 days of surgery) were 1:1 propensity matched to patients who had never smoked based on demographics, comorbidities, and operative characteristics. Wound complications and all 30-day morbidity were assessed. RESULTS: After matching 418 current smokers to 418 patients who had never smoked, the groups were similar with the exception of minor differences in body mass index (31.4 vs 33.3, P < .001) and incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (18% vs 6%, P < .001). Rates of surgical site occurrence were greater in active smokers (12.0% vs 7.4%, P = .03) driven by increased rates of wound cellulitis (2.4% vs 1.2%) and seroma (5.5% vs 1.2%); however, rates of surgical site infection (4.1 vs 4.1, P = .98), surgical site occurrences requiring a procedural intervention (6.2% vs 5.0%, P = .43), reoperation (1.9% vs 1.2%, P = .39), and all 30-day morbidity (7.5 vs 6.6, P = .60) were not significantly increased in active smokers. There were no instances of mesh excision. CONCLUSION: Active smoking prior to elective clean OVHR is associated with clinically insignificant differences in wound morbidity. Surgeons allowing perioperative smoking should monitor their outcomes to assure these findings are replicable in their own practice.

Respiratory Failure following Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: An Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction are at increased risk of postoperative respiratory failure. Understanding the epidemiology of this complication may guide preventive efforts. METHODS: The authors performed a population-based retrospective cohort study of adults undergoing elective abdominal wall reconstruction (ventral hernia repair with component separation) in the United States from 2004 through 2011 using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. RESULTS: Of 2283 patients undergoing elective abdominal wall reconstruction, 57 percent were women, with a median age of 57 years, median hospital stay of 5 days, and mean total cost of $23,730. Postoperative respiratory failure occurred in 212 patients (9.3 percent), 164 patients (7.2 percent) were discharged to a skilled nursing facility, and 18 patients (0.8 percent) died. On multivariate analysis, age, male sex, congestive heart failure, lung disease, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea were independently associated with increased risk of respiratory failure. Respiratory failure was associated with significantly increased risk of death and discharge to a skilled nursing facility as well as significantly increased total cost and hospital length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory failure is an uncommon but devastating complication of abdominal wall reconstruction. The authors report clinical risk factors that may facilitate perioperative risk-reduction strategies to improve outcomes of elective abdominal wall reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Immunosuppression is not a risk factor for 30-day wound events or additional 30-day morbidity or mortality after open ventral hernia repair: An analysis of the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative.

BACKGROUND: Some form of immunosuppression is relatively common in patients undergoing ventral hernia repair. Nevertheless, the association of immunosuppression with 30-day wound events and additional outcomes of morbidity and mortality remains unknown. The purpose of our study was to investigate the association of immunosuppression with 30-day wound events and additional morbidity and mortality after ventral hernia repair by evaluating the database of the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative. METHODS: All patients undergoing open, elective, incisional ventral hernia surgery from July 2013 through April 2017 were identified within the database of the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative. Patients on immunosuppression within the 3 months before operative intervention were compared with patients not on immunosuppression with respect to the incidence of 30-day wound events, using a 1:5 propensity matched analysis. RESULTS: A total of 3,537 patients met inclusion criteria; 200 (5.7%) patients were on some form of immunosuppression at the time of ventral hernia repair. After propensity matching, 1,200 patients remained for analysis; 200 (16.7%) patients were in the immunosuppression group. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to the incidence of 30-day surgical site infection, surgical site occurrence requiring procedural intervention, or additional 30-day morbidity or mortality outcomes. Patients in the immunosuppression group had a greater rate of surgical site occurrences, the majority of which were seromas (P = .03). CONCLUSION: Immunosuppression is associated with an increased risk of 30-day surgical site occurrence but not surgical site infection, surgical site occurrence requiring procedural intervention, or additional 30-day morbidity or mortality. Additional studies are needed to determine the clinical importance of these surgical site occurrences with respect to long-term durability of the hernia repair.

Outcomes after Ventral Hernia Repair Using the Rives-Stoppa, Endoscopic, and Open Component Separation Techniques.

Complex ventral hernias remain a challenge for general surgeons despite advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques. This study compares outcomes following Rives-Stoppa (RS) repair, components separation technique with mesh (CST-M) or without mesh (CST), and endoscopic components separation technique (ECST). A retrospective review of patients undergoing open ventral hernia repair between 2006 and 2011 was performed. Analysis included patient demographics, surgical site occurrences, hernia recurrence, hospital readmission, and mortality. The search was limited to open repairs, specifically the RS, CST-M, CST, and ECST with mesh techniques. A total of 362 patients underwent repair with RS (66), CST-M (126), CST (117), or ECST (53). The groups were demographically similar. ECST was more frequently used for patients with a history of two or more recurrences (P < 0.001). The RS method had the lowest rate of recurrence (9.1%) compared with CST and CST-M with 28 and 25 per cent recurrences, respectively (P = 0.011). The RS recurrence rate was not significantly different than ECST (15%). There were no significant differences between groups for surgical site occurrences (P = 0.305), hospital readmission (P = 0.288), or death (P = 0.197). When components separation is necessary for complex ventral hernia repair, ECST is a viable option without added morbidity or mortality.

Concurrent ventral hernia repair in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery: a case-matched study using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding the optimal management of ventral hernias encountered during bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVES: To compare early patient morbidity and mortality between those patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery only and those patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery with concomitant ventral hernia repair. SETTING: American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database (NSQIP). METHODS: All patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy from 2012-2013 were identified within the NSQIP database. Those patients undergoing concomitant ventral hernia repair were compared with patients undergoing bariatric surgery only using a 1:1 matched analysis. Primary outcomes of interest included differences in 30-day composite adverse events, unplanned 30-day reoperation, and unplanned 30-day readmission to the hospital. RESULTS: A total of 27,608 patients underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery during the study period; 988 (3.6%) patients underwent concomitant ventral hernia repair. After 1:1 matching, 1976 patients were evaluated. In terms of 30-day patient morbidity, patients who underwent concomitant ventral hernia were significantly more likely to experience all primary outcomes of interest, including composite adverse events (P = .01), a higher rate of unplanned return to the operating room (P<.001), and a higher 30-day readmission rate (P = .01). CONCLUSION: Although we were unable to assess specific hernia characteristics from the NSQIP database, patients who underwent concomitant ventral hernia repair with laparoscopic bariatric surgery experience increased 30-day morbidity. Optimal management of concurrent ventral hernias and timing of repair in bariatric surgical patients requires further investigation.

Complex abdominal wall defect repair using biologic porcine matrix.

BACKGROUND: The management of patients with complex abdominal wall defect (CAWD) is challenging, and requires appropriate surgical planning, and intensive patient preparation in order to minimize postoperative complications. The aim of this work was to review the management of CAWD using one-stage repair with biologic mesh. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with CAWD having undergone repair with biologic mesh between January 2013 and October 2014. Demographics, preoperative assessment, intraoperative management and postoperative outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients were included. Biologic mesh was used for hernia repair with primary fascial closure (N.=12) or for bridging of the abdominal wall defect (N.=3). Seven patients presented postoperative complications Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3, and among them six required reoperation but no one required the mesh explantation. After a follow-up period of 12 months, four patients presented hernia recurrence and two required a later surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The use of biologic mesh allows single-stage repair of complex abdominal wall defects. The procedure involves significant postoperative morbidity, and requires intensive preoperative multidisciplinary preparation.

National Outcomes for Open Ventral Hernia Repair Techniques in Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.

Modern adjuncts to complex, open ventral hernia repair often include component separation (CS) and/or panniculectomy (PAN). This study examines nationwide data to determine how these techniques impact postoperative complications. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried from 2005 to 2013 for inpatient, elective open ventral hernia repairs (OVHR). Cases were grouped by the need for and type of concomitant advancement flaps: OVHR alone (OVHRA), OVHR with CS, OVHR with panniculectomy (PAN), or both CS and PAN (BOTH). Multivariate regression to control for confounding factors was conducted. There were 58,845 OVHR: 51,494 OVHRA, 5,357 CS, 1,617 PAN, and 377 BOTH. Wound complications (OVHRA 8.2%, CS 12.8%, PAN 14.4%, BOTH 17.5%), general complications (15.2%, 24.9%, 25.2%, 31.6%), and major complications (6.9%, 11.4%, 7.2%, 13.5%) were different between groups (P < 0.0001). There was no difference in mortality. Multivariate regression showed CS had higher odds of wound [odds ratio (OR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-2.0], general (OR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.3-1.8), and major complications (OR 2.1, 95%, CI: 1.8-2.4), and longer length of stay by 2.3 days. PAN had higher odds of wound (OR 1.5, 95%, CI: 1.3-1.8) and general complications (OR 1.7, 95%CI: 1.5-2.0). Both CS and PAN had higher odds of wound (OR 2.2, 95%, CI: 1.5-3.2), general (OR 2.5, 95%, CI: 1.8-3.4), and major complications (OR 2.2, 95%CI: 1.4-3.4), and two days longer length of stay. In conclusion, patients undergoing OVHR that require CS or PAN have a higher independent risk of complications, which increases when the procedures are combined.

Delayed repair of obstructing ventral hernias is associated with higher mortality and morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Patients presenting with ventral hernia-related obstruction are commonly managed with emergent ventral hernia repair (VHR). Selected patients with resolution of obstruction may be managed in a delayed manner. This study sought to assess the effect of delay on VHR outcomes. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2005 to 2011 was queried using diagnosis codes for ventral hernia with obstruction. Those who underwent repair over 24 hours after admission were classified as delayed repair. Preoperative comorbid conditions, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) scores, and 30-day outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: We identified 16,881 patients with a mean age of 58 ± 15 years and body mass index of 36 ± 10. Delayed repair occurred in 27.7% of the patients. After controlling for comorbidities and ASA score, delayed VHR was independently associated with mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41 to 2.48, P < .001), morbidity (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.50, P < .001), surgical site infection (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.35, P = .016), and concurrent bowel resection (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.34, P = .016). CONCLUSIONS: VHR for obstructed patients is frequently performed over 24 hours after admission. After adjusting for comorbid conditions and ASA score, delayed VHR is independently associated with worse outcomes. Prompt repair after appropriate resuscitation should be the management of choice.

Management of the open abdomen using combination therapy with ABRA and ABThera systems.

BACKGROUND: The open abdomen is an increasingly used technique that is applied in a wide variety of clinical situations. The ABThera Open Abdomen Negative Pressure Therapy System is one of the most common and successful temporary closure systems, but it has limited ability to close the fascia in approximately 30% of patients. The abdominal reapproximation anchor system (ABRA) is a dynamic closure system that seems ideal to manage patients who may not achieve primary fascial closure with ABThera alone. We report on the use of the ABRA in conjunction with the ABThera in patients with an open abdomen. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with an open abdomen managed with the ABThera and ABRA between January 2007 and December 2012 at the Halifax Infirmary, QEII Health Science Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia. RESULTS: Sixteen patients had combination therapy using the ABRA and ABThera systems for treatment of the open abdomen. After removing patients who died prior to closure, primary fascial closure was achieved in 12 of 13 patients (92%). CONCLUSION: We observed a high rate of primary fascial closure in patients with an open abdomen managed with the ABThera system in conjuction with the ABRA. Applying mechanical traction in addition to the ABThera should be considered in patients predicted to be at high risk for failure to achieve primary fascial closure.

CONTEXTE: La laparotomie, ou « abdomen ouvert ¼, est une technique de plus en plus employée dans une grande diversité de contextes cliniques. Le système ABThera (thérapie par pression négative pour abdomen ouvert) est l'un des systèmes de fermeture temporaire de l'abdomen les plus fréquemment utilisés et efficaces, mais sa capacité de refermer le fascia apparaît limitée chez environ 30 % des patients. Le système ABRA est un système de fermeture dynamique qui semble idéal pour la prise en charge des patients qui pourraient ne pas obtenir une fermeture primaire du fascia avec le système ABThera seul. Nous faisons rapport de l'utilisation du système ABRA en conjonction avec le système ABThera chez des patients soumis à une laparotomie. MÉTHODES: Nous avons analysé rétrospectivement des patients soumis à une laparotomie et pris en charge au moyen des systèmes ABThera et ABRA entre janvier 2007 et décembre 2012 au Halifax Infirmary du Centre des sciences de la santé QEII d'Halifax, en Nouvelle-Écosse. RÉSULTATS: Seize patients ont subi un traitement concomitant par les systèmes ABRA et ABThera pour leur laparotomie. Après exclusion des patients décédés avant l'obtention de la fermeture primaire du fascia, cette dernière a été réussie chez 12 patients sur 13 (92 %). CONCLUSION: Nous avons observé un taux élevé de fermeture primaire du fascia chez les patients soumis à une laparotomie et traités au moyen du système ABThera en conjonction avec le système ABRA. L'application d'une traction mécanique en plus du système ABThera est à envisager chez les patients présumés à risque élevé d'échec de la fermeture primaire du fascia.

Fluid volume overload negatively influences delayed primary facial closure in open abdomen management.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The open abdomen (OA) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and its management poses a formidable challenge. Inability to achieve primary closure of the abdominal wall is one of the most severe complications of this technique. Factors influencing primary fascial closure, however, are unknown. This study aims to explore the influence of fluid volume overload on the application of vacuum-assisted and mesh-mediated fascial traction (VAWCM) in OA treatment. METHODS: A review of patients undergoing OA management using VAWCM technique from January 2006 to November 2011 was performed. Patients with aged <18 y OA treatment for fewer than 5 d and abdominal wall hernia before OA treatment were excluded. RESULTS: Average age was 45 ± 10.1 y and average OA treatment time was 31 ± 6.8 d. The complete fascial closure rate was 60%. The overall mean bodyweight-based fluid overload was 7.2 kg (range: -8.0 to +21.6 kg), representing a mean percent weight gain of 11.5% (range: -9.5% to +27%). Patients with fluid-related weight gain ≥10% had a lower primary facial closure rate than those with <10% (39% versus 77%). And primary facial closure rate seems to further decrease with fluid-related weight gain ≥20%, suggesting a dose-response effect of progressive fluid accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: The VAWCM method provided a high primary fascial closure rate after long-term treatment of OA. Fluid volume overload negatively influences delayed primary facial closure. Judicious intravenous fluid resuscitation should be advocated in the therapy of critically ill patients.