Controversies in Inguinal Hernia.

Inguinal hernias represent one of the most common pathologic conditions presenting to the general surgeon. In surgical practice, several controversies persist: when to operate, the utility of a laparoscopic versus open approach, the applicability of robotic surgery, the approach to bilateral hernias, management of athletic-related groin pain ("sports hernia"), and the role of tissue-based repairs in modern hernia surgery. Ideally, surgeons should approach each patient individually and tailor their approach based on patient factors and preferences. The informed consent process is critical, especially given increasing recognition of the risk of long-term chronic pain following hernia repair.

A Phased Approach: The General Surgery Experience Adopting Entrustable Professional Activities in the United States.

Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) have been increasingly used as an assessment framework to formally capture the myriad ad hoc entrustment decisions that occur on a daily basis in clinical settings with learners present. Following the definition of Core EPAs for Entering Residency by the Association of American Medical Colleges in 2014, the American Board of Surgery (ABS) began to explore the utility of EPAs as a framework to support competency-based resident education within general surgery in 2016. As the complement of EPAs drafted for a specialty serve to define the core tasks of a professional within that discipline, initial efforts to define the entire scope of general surgery were fraught with difficulty as no commonly accepted definition of a general surgeon currently exists. Opting to prioritize a pilot of the EPA conceptual framework within surgical training rather than defining the entirety of the specialty, ABS leaders identified 5 EPAs that represent a core of general surgery with which to begin. This article details the process of choosing the initial set of EPAs and provides a roadmap for other disciplines interested in testing the feasibility of this assessment framework while garnering buy-in among the community of educators. Future steps, including implementation of the existing 5 EPAs beyond the initial pilot sites and drafting and implementation of the additional complement of EPAs, are also described.

Ultrasound-Guided Chemical Component Separation with Botulinum Toxin A prior to Surgical Hernia Repair.

US-guided chemical component separation (CCS) of the abdominal musculature using botulinum toxin A can facilitate the surgical repair of large or complex hernias. Eight patients (2 women and 6 men with median age of 54 years [range, 34-78 years]) underwent preoperative US-guided CCS with hydrodissection before planned surgical repair of large or complex ventral (n = 4), inguinal (n = 2), and flank (n = 2) hernias by 2 interventional radiologists. Technical success rate of US-guided CCS procedures was 100%, and all patients achieved surgical closure a mean 34.1 days (range, 14-48 days) after US-guided CCS.

Abordaje mínimamente invasivo de la hernia inguinal en CMA / Minimally invasive approach to inguinal hernia in outpatient surgery

La cirugía de la hernia inguinal es una de las intervenciones quirúrgicas más realizadas a nivel mundial. La cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA) es un modelo altamente costo-efectivo que se encuentra en constante desarrollo, siendo la cirugía de la hernia inguinal uno de los procedimientos clásicamente más ligados a este modelo por su seguridad y beneficios. De esta forma, prácticamente más del 90 % de las hernia inguinales intervenidas se pueden llevar a cabo en régimen de CMA. (AU)

Inguinal Hernias: Diagnosis and Management.

Groin hernias are caused by a defect of the abdominal wall in the groin area and comprise inguinal and femoral hernias. Inguinal hernias are more common in men. Although groin hernias are easily diagnosed on physical examination in men, ultrasonography is often needed in women. Ultrasonography is also helpful when a recurrent hernia, surgical complication after repair, or other cause of groin pain (e.g., groin mass, hydrocele) is suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging has higher sensitivity and specificity than ultrasonography and is useful for diagnosing occult hernias if clinical suspicion is high despite negative ultrasound findings. Herniography, which involves injecting contrast media into the hernial sac, may be used in selected patients. Becoming familiar with the common types of surgical interventions can help family physicians facilitate postoperative care and assess for complications, including recurrence. Laparoscopic repair is associated with shorter recovery time, earlier resumption of activities of daily living, less pain, and lower recurrence rates than open repair. Watchful waiting is a reasonable and safe option in men with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias. Watchful waiting is not recommended in patients with symptomatic hernias or in nonpregnant women.

A manual reduction of hernia under analgesia/sedation (Taxis) in the acute inguinal hernia: a useful technique in COVID-19 times to reduce the need for emergency surgery-a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Acute IH is a common surgical presentation. Despite new guidelines being published recently, a number of important questions remained unanswered including the role of taxis, as initial non-operative management. This is particularly relevant now due to the possibility of a lack of immediate surgical care as a result of COVID-19. The aim of this review is to assess the role of taxis in the management of emergency inguinal hernias. METHODS: A review of the literature was undertaken. Available literature published until March 2019 was obtained and reviewed. 32,021 papers were identified, only 9 were of sufficient value to be used. RESULTS: There was a large discrepancy in the terminology of incarcerated/strangulated used. Taxis can be safely attempted early after the onset of symptoms and is effective in about 70% of patients. The possibility of reduction en-mass should be kept in mind. Definitive surgery to repair the hernia can be delayed by weeks until such time as surgery can be safely arranged. CONCLUSIONS: The use of taxis in emergency inguinal hernia is a useful first line of treatment in areas or situations where surgical care is not immediately available, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Emergency surgery remains the mainstay of management in the strangulated hernia setting.

Acute Renal Failure Caused by Giant Inguinoscrotal Bladder Hernia.

Inguinal ureteral and concomitant urinary bladder hernia is an exceptionally rare phenomenon. It is reported that diagnosis of urinary bladder involvement in inguinal hernias are extremely difficult to make with about only 7% of such cases being identified preoperatively. We present a case of a 70-year old man with such inguinal hernia presenting with acute scrotal hemorrhage. Our patient presented with signs of sepsis (due to urinary tract infection) and no symptoms of strangulation. Due to the high risk of developing respiratory failure during the post-operative period of a giant hernia such as the one our patient presented with, a conservative approach with creation of nephrostomy was utilized. The patient currently is being followed up and awaiting complete surgical repair.

Autologous bionic tissue for inguinal hernia repair.

The prosthetic mesh, which is widely used in tension-free hernioplasty, often result in avascular stiff fibrotic scar or mesh shrinkage, causing chronic pain and infection. Here, we developed an autologous bionic tissue (ABT), which was composed of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) porous scaffolds, and extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by MSCs for inguinal hernioplasty. In ABT, MSCs produced a variety of ECM composites, such as structural proteins (insoluble collagen, elastin) that provided mechanical properties, macromolecules (hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycan) as water and cytokines reservoir, and cell-engaging proteins (fibronectin, laminin). The above ECM composites reached the highest level in 21 days. ECM degradation related cytokines (MMP-9 and its inhibitor TIMP-1) reached the highest level on the 14th day. ECM increased the mechanical properties, elasticity, and flexibility of PLGA. Compared with the PLGA, ABT greatly inhibited inflammatory factors and promoted anti-inflammatory factors (p < 0.05), and gradually reduced the M1/M2 ratio in vivo (p < 0.05). After implantation, the thickness of tissue regeneration (p < 0.05), the number of capillaries or mature vessels (p < 0.05), the mechanical properties of ABT (p < 0.05) were greater than PLGA. MSCs and ECM could reduce the inflammation caused by PLGA, and prevent PLGA from earlier degradation and facilitate host cellular infiltration, thus ABT could greatly promote tissue regeneration in hernia repairs.

Groin Pain Syndrome Known as Sports Hernia: A Review.

Importance: Groin pain in active individuals and athletes without clinical evidence of hernia or hip pathologic findings is challenging for health care clinicians and aggravating for those experiencing pain. Frequently called sports hernia or athletic pubalgia, many surgeons continue to refute the diagnosis because there is a lack of consensus and clear comprehension of the basic pathophysiologic features of this groin pain syndrome. Observations: Understanding the anatomic and pathophysiologic findings of groin pain syndrome is necessary to appropriately treat this problem. In general, the level of evidence of the literature is of relatively low quality. Exercise-based therapy can be an effective first-line therapy in individuals who develop groin pain syndrome. Surgical therapies are typically reserved for those who experience nonoperative management failure. The common features of the varied surgical procedures include the resultant changes in the vectors of pull on the pubic bone or joint, the defects in the inguinal canal, and the inguinal sensory nerve compression or bowstringing. Conclusions and Relevance: The diagnosis of nonhip, nonhernia, chronic groin pain is common. Understanding the diagnosis and treatment options may facilitate recovery and allow return to an active lifestyle and sport.

Inguinal hernias in children.

BACKGROUND: An inguinal hernia is one of the most common paediatric surgical presentations in a primary care setting. Hernias can present in multiple ways, ranging from an emergency such as a strangulated hernia to a less urgent reducible hernia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to aid in appropriate diagnosis and management of hernias in children. The article also provides useful tips for hernia reduction that are especially beneficial in the primary care setting and assist with the identification of hernias that require urgent referral. DISCUSSION: Recognising the signs of a hernia containing compromised contents is essential to prevent serious complications such as intestinal perforation, testicular atrophy and ovarian damage. Other common conditions such as hydrocoele and undescended testis are sometimes confused with an inguinal hernia. Young patients under the age of three months and patients with concern for compromised contents require urgent referral. Recent evidence regarding controversial issues in inguinal hernia repair such as the role of laparoscopy and the relevance of a contralateral patent internal inguinal ring will be discussed.

A standardized technique of laparoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheter with omentectomy and closure of patent processus vaginalis: A 3-in-1 minimally invasive surgical approach in children.

BACKGROUND: Omental wrapping is a common cause for catheter failure in children on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Previous studies are conflicting in the benefits of omentectomy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study comparing children who underwent PD catheter placement by a standardized laparoscopic three-in-one technique (lap3-in-1) from 2013 to 2018 versus a historical control cohort by open surgery without omentectomy. Lap3-in-1technique combined catheter placement with well-defined indication and extent of omentectomy, and closure of any patent processus vaginalis (PPV). RESULTS: There were 33 and 32 children in the lap3-in-1 and control cohorts respectively. 4/33(12.1%) in lap3-in-1 had reoperations for catheter failures which equated 1 reoperation per 144 catheter months. No reoperations were performed in lap3-in-1 cohort for omental wrapping or inguinal hernia, compared with 13/32 (41%; p < 0.001) and 5/32 (16%; p = 0.02) in the control cohort. Kaplan Meier survival curves showed significantly longer catheter life in the lap3-in-1 cohort (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis by the COX proportional hazards model, the lap3-in-1 approach had significantly reduced risk of reoperation for catheter failure (HR 0.11; 95% CI: 0.04-0.31; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The lap3-in-1 technique is effective in selecting those children who would benefit from omentectomy, and avoiding a second operation for inguinal hernia which develops after PD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Treatment study, level III.

Fundamentos históricos del diagnóstico y tratamiento de las hernias inguinales / Historical Foundations of Diagnosis and Treatment of Inguinal Hernias

RESUMEN Introducción: Es necesario conocer la historia de la cirugía, en general, y de la herniología, en particular, para poder comprender mejor los enormes avances experimentados en esas disciplinas. Muchas de las técnicas quirúrgicas modernas están basadas en los conocimientos y experiencias aportados por los primeros cirujanos, pero no fue hasta la divulgación de la obra del francés Eduardo Bassini, en 1889, que comenzó el impetuoso desarrollo de la cirugía de la hernia inguinal a escala mundial. Entre las más notables reparaciones de hernia inguinal, además de la de Bassini, se citan las de McVay, Halsted, Shouldice y la hernioplastia libre de tensión, popularizada por Lichtenstein. Objetivo: Profundizar en los aspectos cognoscitivos relacionados con los fundamentos históricos del diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hernia inguinal, su evolución y aplicación en la cirugía actual. Método: Revisión bibliográfica digital de publicaciones actualizadas en las bases de datos SciELO, Latindex, Elsevier, PubMed, Medline y Web of Science y Google Académico. Conclusiones: La cirugía de las hernias en general, y de las inguinales, en particular, nunca es rutina; debe ser individualizada a las características de cada enfermo y a los recursos disponibles. El futuro de la cirugía herniaria solo puede entenderse ligado al conocimiento de sus fundamentos históricos, del profundo dominio de la anatomía topográfica y de una esmerada técnica quirúrgica(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: It is necessary to know the history of surgery, in general, and herniology, in particular, in order to understand better the enormous advances experienced in these disciplines. Many of the modern surgical techniques are based on the knowledge and experiences contributed by the first surgeons, but it was not until the disclosure of the work of the French Eduardo Bassini, in 1889, that the impetuous development of inguinal hernia surgery began to scale worldwide. Among the most notable inguinal hernia repairs, in addition to that of Bassini, are those of McVay, Halsted, Shouldice and tension-free hernioplasty, popularized by Lichtenstein. Objective: To deepen the cognitive aspects related to the historical foundations of the diagnosis and treatment of inguinal hernia, its evolution and application in current surgery. Method: Digital bibliographic review of publications updated in the databases SciELO, Latindex, Elsevier, PubMed, Medline and Web of Science and Google Scholar. Conclusions: Surgery for hernias in general, and particularly for inguinal hernias is never routine. They must be individualized to the characteristics of each patient and the resources available. The future of hernia surgery can only be understood if it is associated with the knowledge of its historical foundations, the deep mastery of topographic anatomy and a careful surgical technique(AU)

Pain resolution in non-operatively managed ultrasound-only groin hernias: 3-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: General surgeons frequently see patients with groin lumps and pain. However, in the absence of a lump, an ultrasound scan identified groin hernia is a diagnostic and management challenge. Some surgeons recommend inguinal hernia surgery while others do not. The outcome of non-operative management is uncertain. METHODS: This study represents a minimum 3-year follow-up of all non-operatively managed patients seen in general surgical outpatient clinic over a 12-month period. To be included, patients needed to meet all four criteria: groin pain, no clinical hernia, groin hernia identified on ultrasound scan requested by the general practitioner and non-operative management. Patients were interviewed via a standardised telephone survey. Primary outcome measure was groin pain which was assessed with the Sheffield Pain score. RESULTS: From July 2014 to June 2015, 67 patients met the inclusion criteria. 42 participated (37 men and 5 women). Two-thirds were pain free (68%). Only 2 patients underwent hernia surgery. Women were more likely to describe developing a lump (60% vs 14%; p = 0.013), to see a surgeon (40% vs 8%; p = 0.039) and undergo hernia surgery (20% vs 3% p = 0.088). CONCLUSION: At least in the medium term, non-operative management of men who present with groin pain (with an ultrasound scan reporting a hernia but no lump) is reasonable.

Minimally Invasive Multidisciplinary Approach to Chronic Giant Inguinoscrotal Hernias.

Background. Giant inguinoscrotal hernias (GIH) are defined as groin hernias extending below the mid-thigh when standing, often significantly encumbering activities of daily living. To date, there are no reports utilizing the combination of progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP), botulinum toxin A injection (BTI), and enhanced view-totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) technique for GIH repair. In this report, we present 2 such cases of this unique minimally invasive multidisciplinary approach to address GIH. Series Presentation. Two individuals with lifelong complaints of GIH presented for elective hernia repair, each with significant morbidity relating to their pathology and profound loss of abdominal domain. Four weeks prior to surgery, BTI was administered to the lateral abdominal compartment muscles to facilitate regional paralysis, followed by PPP to develop larger intraabdominal domain. Utilizing the eTEP access technique and transversus abdominis release, a wide retromuscular dissection was performed to aid in the increase of intraabdominal domain and to develop a large space for mesh placement. Reconstruction including partial scrotectomy and scrotoplasty using adjacent tissue transfer technique was completed. Both patients tolerated the procedures well without recurrence in the first postoperative year. Conclusion. In this article, we present the first series of GIH patients undergoing combined PPP, BTI, and eTEP access approach to retromuscular dissection. This multidisciplinary approach to patient care has proven both safe and effective.

Résultats des cures herniaires inguinales par prothèse à l'hôpital de zone de Ouidah

Les cures herniaires inguinales occupent la 2e place des activités chirurgicales à l'hôpital de zone de Ouidah. La plupart des cures à froid se font par prothèse depuis 2016. L'objectif de ce travail est d'analyser les résultats préliminaires dans cet hôpital. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale rétrospective à visée analytique avec revue des patients qui a pris en compte les malades opérés d'une hernie inguinale par prothèse à l'hôpital de zone de Ouidah de juillet 2016 à août 2017. Trente-six patients ont été recrutés au cours de notre étude. La moyenne d'âge de nos patients était de 55,33 ans, avec des extrêmes de 35 à 75 ans. Notre échantillon d'étude était exclusivement de sexe masculin. Chez 69,44% des patients la hernie est survenue par efforts physiques. Elle est survenue spontanément chez 22,22 %. Le reste des hernies étaient survenu dans un contexte de dysurie chez 2,78 % des patients et de constipation chronique chez 5,56%. Le siège prédominant de la hernie de l'aine dans notre série est inguinal droit chez 58,33 % alors qu'à gauche il n'est que de 33,33 %. Nous avons réalisé nos interventions chirurgicales sous anesthésie locorégionale type rachianesthésie chez tous nos patients. La moyenne de la durée des interven- tions était de 68,88 minutes. Selon la classification de Nyhus, 58,33 % de nos patients étaient classés Nyhus IIIa. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 56 heures. Les suites opératoires étaient simples chez 88,89 % des patients. Nous avons noté une mauvaise représentation psychologique de la prothèse chez 2,78%

Approach to the Patient with Chronic Groin Pain.

Chronic postoperative inguinal pain has become a primary outcome parameter after elective inguinal hernia repair with significant consequences affecting patient productivity, employment, and quality of life. A systematic and thorough preoperative evaluation is important to identify the etiologies and types of pain. Owing to the complex nature of chronic pain, a multimodal and multidisciplinary treatment approach is recommended. Patients with chronic pain refractory to conservative measures may be considered for surgical intervention. Triple neurectomy remains the most definitive and accepted remedial operation performed and provides effective relief in the majority of patients.

[A watchful waiting strategy in ventral and inguinal hernias].

In male patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic ventral and inguinal hernias, a watchful waiting strategy should be considered. Even though one third to two thirds of these patients will eventually undergo hernia repair, they may still benefit from a watchful waiting strategy, as hernia repair is associated with a range of complications, e.g. wound infection, haematoma, seroma, fistulas and chronic pain. Delay of hernia repair in these patients is not associated with any significant increase in morbidity or mortality, and the risk of incarceration is very low.

Operation versus watchful waiting in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias: The meta-analysis results of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this article was to compare and analyze the outcomes of surgical repair and watchful waiting (WW) in the treatment of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias. METHODS: A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify studies that compare surgical repair and watchful waiting in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias. And all related data matching our standards were abstracted for Meta-analysis with RevMan 5.0.1. RESULTS: Less pain was observed in Operation group. However, there were no significant differences in Physical Component Score (PCS), mortality, surgical complications and postoperative hernia recurrence between WW group and Operation group. But a great number of patients would develop significant hernia-related symptoms and cross over to surgery over time in WW group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients have relative less pain in operation group compared with WW group. Although WW is safe in patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic inguinal hernias, however, this strategy would merely delay rather than avoid surgical repair of hernias in the majority of inguinal hernia patients.