Spider-Silk-like Fiber Mat-Covered Polypropylene Warp-Knitted Hernia Mesh for Inhibition of Fibrosis under Dynamic Environment.

Hernia surgery is a widely performed procedure, and the use of a polypropylene mesh is considered the standard approach. However, the mesh often leads to complications, including the development of scar tissue that wraps around the mesh and causes it to shrink. Consequently, there is a need to investigate the relationship between the mesh and scar formation as well as to develop a hernia mesh that can prevent fibrosis. In this study, three different commercial polypropylene hernia meshes were examined to explore the connection between the fabric structure and mechanical properties. In vitro dynamic culture was used to investigate the mechanism by which the mechanical properties of the mesh in a dynamic environment affect cell differentiation. Additionally, electrospinning was employed to create polycaprolactone spider-silk-like fiber mats to achieve mechanical energy dissipation in dynamic conditions. These fiber mats were then combined with the preferred hernia mesh. The results demonstrated that the composite mesh could reduce the activation of fibroblast mechanical signaling pathways and inhibit its differentiation into myofibroblasts in dynamic environments.

Postoperative perineal hernia repair: what is the evidence?

The present study determined the characteristics of perineal hernia treatment in the literature, and the incidence of postoperative recurrence was stratified according to repair techniques. A systematic search of the available literature on the treatment of postoperative perineal hernias was performed using a major database. The types of repair techniques and outcome were entered into an electronic database and a pooled analysis was performed. A total of 213 cases of postoperative perineal hernia repair were collected from 20 relevant articles in the literature after excluding case reports (n < 3). Synthetic mesh was the material used most frequently for perineal hernia repair (55.9%). The most frequently used approach in perineal hernia repair was the perineal approach (56.5%). The recurrence rate was highest with the use of biological mesh (40.4%) and the perineal approach (35.6%). The recurrence rate was lowest in the combined abdominal & perineal approach (0%), followed by the abdominal approach (8.8%) and the laparoscopic approach (11.8%). A number of different repair techniques have been described in the literature. The use of synthetic mesh via a combined abdominal-perineal approach or intraabdominal/laparoscopic approach was shown to be associated with a reduced postoperative recurrence rate.

Anti-adhesive bioresorbable elastomer-coated composite hernia mesh that reduce intraperitoneal adhesions.

Intraperitoneal adhesions (IAs) are a major complication arising from abdominal repair surgeries, including hernia repair procedures. Herein, we fabricated a composite mesh device using a macroporous monofilament polypropylene mesh and a degradable elastomer coating designed to meet the requirements of this clinical application. The degradable elastomer was synthesized using an organo-base catalyzed thiol-yne addition polymerization that affords independent control of degradation rate and mechanical properties. The elastomeric coating was further enhanced by the covalent tethering of antifouling zwitterion molecules. Mechanical testing demonstrated the elastomer forms a robust coating on the polypropylene mesh does not exhibit micro-fractures, cracks or mechanical delamination under cyclic fatigue testing that exceeds peak abdominal loads (50 N/cm). Quartz crystal microbalance measurements showed the zwitterionic functionalized elastomer further reduced fibrinogen adsorption by 73% in vitro when compared to unfunctionalized elastomer controls. The elastomer exhibited degradation with limited tissue response in a 10-week murine subcutaneous implantation model. We also evaluated the composite mesh in an 84-day study in a rabbit cecal abrasion hernia adhesion model. The zwitterionic composite mesh significantly reduced the extent and tenacity of IAs by 94% and 90% respectively with respect to uncoated polypropylene mesh. The resulting composite mesh device is an excellent candidate to reduce complications related to abdominal repair through suppressed fouling and adhesion formation, reduced tissue inflammation, and appropriate degradation rate.

Prophylactic Parastomal Mesh Sublay at the Time of Ileal Conduit: Surgical Technique.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the surgical technique for prophylactic mesh placement in the sublay position during ileal conduit creation because literature suggests that prophylactic mesh placement at the time of cystectomy may reduce the risk of parastomal hernias with low risk of mesh-related complications. Parastomal hernias are one of the most common complications following ileal conduit construction and occur in 17-65% of patients undergoing cystectomy with urinary diversion. Review of our institutions data demonstrated a high incidence of hernias associated with ileal conduits, which have substantial burden to patients, surgeons, and the healthcare system. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of data from a single surgeon who performed cystectomy with ileal conduit for 12 patients with bladder cancer between January, 2021-March, 2022 at our institution. These dates were chosen based on the timing of availability of literature suggesting a benefit from prophylactic mesh placement. Preliminary data was analyzed determine the incidence of parastomal hernia and mesh-related complications. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients underwent cystectomy with ileal conduit between January, 2021-March, 2022 at our institution. Eleven patients (92%) had prophylactic mesh placed during their procedure. Median follow up was 5.4 months (0.8-8 months). Two patients (17%) developed a parastomal hernia which was detected clinically and/or radiographically. The hernias occurred in patients with mesh and within 6 months of cystectomy. One patient had stomal stenosis eventually requiring surgical revision. There were no mesh infections or mesh removals. CONCLUSION: Parastomal hernias are a common and morbid complication of ileal conduit urinary diversion. Our early experience demonstrates that the procedure is straightforward, adds little time to the surgical procedure, and is associated with a low complication rate. Our experience is too small and follow up too short to confirm that the results of the randomized trial can be matched at our center.

Limiting Brain Shift in Malignant Hemispheric Infarction by Decompressive Craniectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) improves functional outcomes in selected patients with malignant hemispheric infarction (MHI), but variability in the surgical technique and occasional complications may be limiting the effectiveness of this procedure. Our aim was to evaluate predefined perioperative CT measurements for association with post-DC midline brain shift in patients with MHI. METHODS: At two medical centers we identified 87 consecutive patients with MHI and DC between January 2007 and December 2019. We used our previously tested methods to measure the craniectomy surface area, extent of transcalvarial brain herniation, thickness of tissues overlying the craniectomy, diameter of the cerebral ventricle atrium contralateral to the stroke, extension of infarction beyond the craniectomy edges, and the pre and post-DC midline brain shifts. To avoid potential confounding from medical treatments and additional surgical procedures, we excluded patients with the first CT delayed >30 hours post-DC, resection of infarcted brain, or insertion of an external ventricular drain during DC. The primary outcome in multiple linear regression analysis was the postoperative midline brain shift. RESULTS: We analyzed 72 qualified patients. The average midline brain shift decreased from 8.7 mm pre-DC to 5.4 post-DC. The only factors significantly associated with post-DC midline brain shift at the p<0.01 level were preoperative midline shift (coefficient 0.32, standard error 0.10, p=0.002) and extent of transcalvarial brain herniation (coefficient -0.20, standard error 0.05, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with MHI and DC, smaller post-DC midline shift is associated with smaller pre-DC midline brain shift and greater transcalvarial brain herniation. This knowledge may prove helpful in assessing DC candidacy and surgical success. Additional studies to enhance the surgical success of DC are warranted.

Preventing Peterson's space hernia using a BIO synthetic mesh.

BACKGROUND: Internal hernias occur after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) when small bowel herniates into the intermesenteric spaces that have been created. The closure technique used is related to the internal hernia risks outcomes. Using a non-resorbable double layered suture, this risk can be significantly reduced from 8.9 to 2.5% in the first three postoperative years. By closing over a BIO mesh, the risk might be reduced even more. SETTING: Two large private hospitals specialized in bariatric surgery. METHODS: All patients receiving a RYGB for (morbid) obesity between 2014 and 2018 were included in this retrospective study. In all patients, the entero-enterostomy (EE) was closed using a double layered non-absorbable suture. In 2014, Peterson's space was closed exclusively using glue, the years hereafter in a similar fashion as the EE, combined with a piece of glued BIO Mesh. RESULTS: The glued RYGB patients showed 25% of patients with an internal hernia (14%) or open Peterson's space compared to 0.5% of patients (p < 0.001) who had a combined sutured and BIO Mesh Closure of their Peterson's space defect. Although this was an ideal technique for Peterson's space, it led to 1% of entero-enterostomy kinking due to the firm adhesion formation. CONCLUSION: Gluing the intermesenteric spaces is not beneficial but placing a BIO Mesh in Peterson's space is a promising new technique to induce local adhesions. It is above all safe, effective and led to an almost complete reduction of Peterson's internal herniations. In the future, a randomized controlled trial comparing this technique to a double layered, non-absorbable suture should give more insights into which is the optimal closure technique.

Post-cystectomy Enterocele: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: To present a case series and literature review on post radical cystectomy (RC) pelvic organ prolapse (POP) to heighten awareness of the symptoms, imaging findings, and risk factors associated with this complication and discuss opportunities for prevention. Women with muscle invasive bladder cancer undergo RC with anterior exenteration, significantly disrupting the pelvic floor. These women are at risk for POP. METHODS: We present 4 cases of high-grade POP in women who underwent RC for bladder cancer. We reviewed the literature by conducting a Boolean search in PubMed with the terms "("radical cystectomy") AND ("enterocele" OR "pelvic organ prolapse" OR "rectocele" OR "vaginal vault prolapse")." RESULTS: All 4 women reported a bulge sensation in the vagina and physical exam confirmed POP. Three had radiographic findings consistent with high-grade enterocele at rest. Three experienced prolonged intra-abdominal pressure rise post-RC that may have further weakened pelvic floor support, while the fourth had a history of surgery for high-grade POP. Nine articles on POP following RC were identified. Four focused on treatment and 3 focused on prevention. CONCLUSION: Administration of a single validated question would have identified all 4 cases of postoperative enterocele and is sensitive to detect most women who are experiencing POP. Attention to the pelvic floor on cross-sectional imaging with identification of features that indicate POP, such as herniation of intestinal contents below the pubo-coccygeal line, will identify and/or confirm high-grade enterocele. Familiarity with risk factors for POP and identification of weakened vaginal wall support opens up the opportunity for prevention.

Suturable mesh better resists early laparotomy failure in a cyclic ball-burst model.

PURPOSE: The small bites surgical technique supported by the STITCH trial has been touted as a strategy for preventing early laparotomy dehiscence through greater force distribution at the suture-tissue interface. However, this hernia prevention strategy requires an alteration in the standard closure technique that has not been widely adopted in the USA. This study seeks to determine whether incorporating a mid-weight polypropylene mesh material into a hollow-bore surgical suture material will effectively increase the force distribution at the suture-tissue interface and potentially help prevent early laparotomy dehiscence in an ex vivo model. METHODS: A cyclic stress ball-burst model was used to compare suturable mesh (0 DuraMesh™) to conventional suture. After midline laparotomy, 28 porcine abdominal wall specimens were closed with either 0 DuraMesh™ or #1 polydioxanone double-loop suture. A custom 3D-printed ball-burst test apparatus was used to fatigue the repair on a MTS Bionix Load Frame. The tissue was repetitively stressed at a physiological force of 15-120 N cycled at a rate of 0.25 Hz for a total of 1000 repetitions, followed by a load to failure, and the maximal force was recorded. RESULTS: The mean maximal force at suture pull-through was significantly higher (p < 0.0095) in the 0 DuraMesh suture group (mean: 850.1 N) compared to the 1 PDS group (mean: 714.7 N). CONCLUSION: This ex vivo study suggests that using rational suture design to improve force distribution at the suture-tissue interface may be a viable strategy for preventing the suture pull-through that drives incisional hernia.

Prophylactic biological mesh reinforcement versus standard closure of stoma site (ROCSS): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Closure of an abdominal stoma, a common elective operation, is associated with frequent complications; one of the commonest and impactful is incisional hernia formation. We aimed to investigate whether biological mesh (collagen tissue matrix) can safely reduce the incidence of incisional hernias at the stoma closure site. METHODS: In this randomised controlled trial (ROCSS) done in 37 hospitals across three European countries (35 UK, one Denmark, one Netherlands), patients aged 18 years or older undergoing elective ileostomy or colostomy closure were randomly assigned using a computer-based algorithm in a 1:1 ratio to either biological mesh reinforcement or closure with sutures alone (control). Training in the novel technique was standardised across hospitals. Patients and outcome assessors were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome measure was occurrence of clinically detectable hernia 2 years after randomisation (intention to treat). A sample size of 790 patients was required to identify a 40% reduction (25% to 15%), with 90% power (15% drop-out rate). This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02238964. FINDINGS: Between Nov 28, 2012, and Nov 11, 2015, of 1286 screened patients, 790 were randomly assigned. 394 (50%) patients were randomly assigned to mesh closure and 396 (50%) to standard closure. In the mesh group, 373 (95%) of 394 patients successfully received mesh and in the control group, three patients received mesh. The clinically detectable hernia rate, the primary outcome, at 2 years was 12% (39 of 323) in the mesh group and 20% (64 of 327) in the control group (adjusted relative risk [RR] 0·62, 95% CI 0·43-0·90; p=0·012). In 455 patients for whom 1 year postoperative CT scans were available, there was a lower radiologically defined hernia rate in mesh versus control groups (20 [9%] of 229 vs 47 [21%] of 226, adjusted RR 0·42, 95% CI 0·26-0·69; p<0·001). There was also a reduction in symptomatic hernia (16%, 52 of 329 vs 19%, 64 of 331; adjusted relative risk 0·83, 0·60-1·16; p=0·29) and surgical reintervention (12%, 42 of 344 vs 16%, 54 of 346: adjusted relative risk 0·78, 0·54-1·13; p=0·19) at 2 years, but this result did not reach statistical significance. No significant differences were seen in wound infection rate, seroma rate, quality of life, pain scores, or serious adverse events. INTERPRETATION: Reinforcement of the abdominal wall with a biological mesh at the time of stoma closure reduced clinically detectable incisional hernia within 24 months of surgery and with an acceptable safety profile. The results of this study support the use of biological mesh in stoma closure site reinforcement to reduce the early formation of incisional hernias. FUNDING: National Institute for Health Research Research for Patient Benefit and Allergan.

Hysteropexy with single-incision vaginal support system associated with a modified culdoplasty for enterocele prevention.

Our study assessed the safety and clinical outcomes of hysteropexy with a single-incision mesh associated with a modified culdoplasty, for the surgical management or prevention of enterocele, in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We carried out a 1-year prospective single-cohort study, including 51 women with symptomatic, multi-compartmental POP. Anatomical outcome was assessed with a POP-Q system and the subjective outcomes were assessed using ICSQ-SF and PGI-I. One-year follow-up data were available for 48 out of 51 patients. The POP-Q cure rate was 91%, 83% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied (PGI-I ≤ 2). No major complications occurred; the most common minor complications were mesh erosion (6%) and pelvic pain (8%). Lower urinary tract dysfunctions arose in 16% of the patients. Anatomical prolapse recurrence (POP-Q stage ≥2) in anterior or apical compartments occurred in four patients (8%). No case of de novo prolapse occurred in the posterior compartment. None of the patients required further surgery for recurrent prolapse. This standardised procedure provided satisfactory 'restitutio ad integrum' of the vaginal anatomy and symptom relief.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? The post-surgical evidence of de novo prolapse in untreated compartments is well-known, especially in prosthetic surgery. The insertion of polypropylene mesh causes a vigorous support, consequently the forces on the pelvic floor are transmitted to the least consolidated vaginal compartment. A lack of simultaneous repair of all the segments involved in the POP increases the risk of surgical recurrence even in those areas that did not appear to be pre-operatively affected by the uterine descensus.What the results of this study add? Our prospective study showed that hysteropexy with a single-incision vaginal support system plus a modified culdoplasty was able to prevent the enterocele and the occurrence of prolapse in the posterior compartment, by closing the Douglas pouch and restoring the connection of the rectovaginal septum with the apical support.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study may be relevant for clinicians in selecting the technique for pelvic floor surgery, and it may be of interest for researchers investigating the reasons for de novo occurrence of posterior segment prolapse.

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal sigmoid colostomy using the totally extraperitoneal hernia repair technique after abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer.

Stoma creation through the extraperitoneal route reportedly reduces the risk of parastomal hernia and stomal prolapse after abdominoperineal resection (APR) for rectal cancer. We describe a new technique for laparoscopic extraperitoneal sigmoid colostomy following APR. After the rectus abdominis muscle is separated, Lap ProtectorTM and EZ AccessTM devices are placed. An extraperitoneal stoma tunnel is created laparoscopically as much as possible. Next, the peritoneum is separated from the inside of the abdominal cavity, and the extraperitoneal tunnel is opened. At the time of writing, we had performed laparoscopic extraperitoneal sigmoid colostomy in eight patients, without any complications or conversion to the conventional procedure. Thus, laparoscopic extraperitoneal sigmoid colostomy is a useful and safe technique for the laparoscopic creation of an extraperitoneal stoma tunnel after APR.

Prosthetic Mesh for the Prevention of Parastomal Hernias.

Editor's note: This is a summary of a nursing care-related systematic review from the Cochrane Library. For more information, see http://nursingcare.cochrane.org.

A rare case of acute presentation of trocar site hernia from robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Trocar site hernia is not a common acute complication encountered after robot-assisted surgery, especially in the urological cohort of patients. A few case reports of small bowel obstruction secondary to incarceration by trocar site hernia have been described in gynaecological surgery and prostatectomies. As the clinical presentation is non-specific, late diagnosis has significant implication on morbidity and mortality. Here, we present a rare case of a patient with recent robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for a renal cell carcinoma presented with features of impending bowel obstruction secondary to incarcerated small bowel in the trocar site. We also reviewed the literature focusing on clinical features of trocar site hernia and preventive measures.

[Preventive anterior abdominal wall repair in recipients of renal allograft]. / Preventivnaia proteziruiushchaia plastika perednei briushnoi stenki u retsipientov pochechnogo allotransplantata.

AIM: Retrospective analysis of safety and efficacy of preventive anterior abdominal wall repair in recipients of renal allograft. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Kidney transplantation was performed in 396 patients with terminal renal failure within January 2015 - May 2017. Preventive endoprosthetics (PE) was applied in 28 (7.1%) patients. There were 7 women (26.9%) and 19 men (73.1%) aged 25-69 years (mean 44.5 (35, 56) years). Median of body mass index (BMI) was 27.5 (23.9, 29.9) kg/m2. RESULTS: Postoperative morbidity was 42.3%. Complications were mild (type I and II) and did not require invasive treatment. Postoperative morbidity was similar regardless protocol of immunosuppressive therapy (IST). CONCLUSION: Preventive abdominal wall repair after kidney transplantation is effective and safe to prevent postoperative hernia.

Laparoscopic technique of modified extraperitoneal (retrotransversalis) end colostomy for abdominoperineal excision.

AIM: To describe the technique of a modified extraperitoneal retrotransversalis end colostomy as part of a laparoscopic abdominoperineal excision (APR). METHOD: The colostomy site is preoperatively chosen and used intra-operatively for a trocar. After the rectum has been mobilized the descending colon is freed. The peritoneal margin is gently grasped and the parietal peritoneum and extraperitoneal together with the transversalis fascia are separated from the transverse abdominal muscle fibres upwards for 3-4 cm aiming at the trocar site to form the extraperitoneal retrotransversalis canal. The stoma site trocar is partially withdrawn and its head is turned laterally until its tip is positioned in the layer between the abdominal wall muscles and underlying transversalis and extraperitoneal fascia together with the parietal peritoneum. The CO2 source can be attached so that the gas helps to separate the layers, after which the colostomy trephine is formed at the site of the trocar, the grasper is inserted to gently deliver the blunt end of the descending colon through the canal and the end colostomy is formed in a usual way. RESULTS: No procedure-specific complications were noted in 39 patients who had laparoscopic APR with extraperitoneal retrotransversalis end colostomy from 2009 to 2016. In 23 patients who survived for 3.7 ± 1.7 years after surgery there were no clinical or CT signs of parastomal hernia or prolapse. CONCLUSION: This single-institution retrospective case series demonstrates that laparoscopic extraperitoneal retrotransversalis end colostomy is feasible, safe and effective in preventing parastomal hernias and stomal prolapse.

Using a risk assessment tool for parastomal hernia prevention.

All patients with a stoma are at risk of developing some degree of parastomal herniation given enough follow-up time. Based on current evidence, preventive measures are strongly advised to minimise the incidence of a parastomal hernia forming. This article explores the evidence for consistency in care and management of parastomal hernia, focusing on the development of a risk assessment tool, taking into consideration the patient's and the nurse's perspective.

European Hernia Society guidelines on prevention and treatment of parastomal hernias

Background International guidelines on the prevention and treatment of parastomal hernias are lacking. The European Hernia Society therefore implemented a Clinical Practice Guideline development project. Methods The guidelines development group consisted of general, hernia and colorectal surgeons, a biostatistician and a biologist, from 14 European countries. These guidelines conformed to the AGREE II standards and the GRADE methodology. The databases of MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL and the gray literature through OpenGrey were searched. Quality assessment was performed using Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network checklists. The guidelines were presented at the 38th European Hernia Society Congress and each key question was evaluated in a consensus voting of congress participants. Results End colostomy is associated with a higher incidence of parastomal hernia, compared to other types of stomas. Clinical examination is necessary for the diagnosis of parastomal hernia, whereas computed tomography scan or ultrasonography may be performed in cases of diagnostic uncertainty. Currently available classifications are not validated; however, we suggest the use of the European Hernia Society classification for uniform research reporting. There is insufficient evidence on the policy of watchful waiting, the route and location of stoma construction, and the size of the aperture. The use of a prophylactic synthetic non-absorbable mesh upon construction of an end colostomy is strongly recommended. No such recommendation can be made for other types of stomas at present. It is strongly recommended to avoid performing a suture repair for elective parastomal hernia. So far, there is no sufficient comparative evidence on specific techniques, open or laparoscopic surgery and specific mesh types. However, a mesh without a hole is suggested in preference to a keyhole mesh when laparoscopic repair is performed. Conclusion An evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of parastomal hernias reveals the lack of evidence on several topics, which need to be addressed by multicenter trials. Parastomal hernia prevention using a prophylactic mesh for end colostomies reduces parastomal herniation. Clinical outcomes should be audited and adverse events must be reported.

Prevention of Internal Hernia During Robotic Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative internal hernia (IH) is a potentially life-threatening acute protrusion of viscus through an iatrogenic mesenteric defect. In our retrospective study of 1943 consecutive gastric cancer (GC) patients who had undergone surgery, the incidence of IH after laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) was 4.9%.1 This high incidence seems to be caused by decreased adhesion formation after LTG. There is no consensus regarding orifice management during robotic total gastrectomy (RTG). We therefore developed a new procedure for IH prevention during RTG. METHODS: We performed RTG with antecolic Roux-en-Y reconstruction using the da Vinci S system (Intuitive, Sunnyvale, CA). We chose an intracorporeal side-to-side esophagojejunostomy (overlap method).2 First, mesenteric defect of jejunojejunostomy was closed under direct vision following retrieval of the stomach. Second, the esophagus hiatus and Petersen's defect were closed under laparoscopic vision using robotic suture.3 Finally, the duodenal stump and the Roux limb were fixed to prevent torsion of the Roux limb. RESULTS: We performed this procedure on five patients between May and October 2017. The median duration of surgery was 395 min (range, 319-442 min), median bleeding was 60 ml (range, 35-140 ml). There were no anastomosis-related complications higher than Clavien-Dindo grade II in any patients.4 Although the follow-up period is less than 1 year, no IH after RTG has been observed in any patients. CONCLUSION: Regarding short-term surgical outcomes, this procedure is recommended for GC patients who undergo RTG. However, more long-term follow-up for patients who have undergone RTG with closure of all mesenteric defects is required.