Transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) versus totally extraperitoneal (TEP) laparoscopic techniques for inguinal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: An inguinal hernia occurs when part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal muscles. In adults, this common condition is much more likely in men than in women. Inguinal hernia can be monitored by 'watchful waiting', but if symptoms persist or worsen, surgery is usually required, which can be open or laparoscopic. Laparoscopic (keyhole) repair of inguinal hernias in adults is generally performed using either the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) or the totally extraperitoneal (TEP) method. Both methods include the use of mesh placed in front of the peritoneal lining of the abdominal wall, but for the TAPP technique, the abdominal cavity needs to be entered to place the mesh, and for the TEP technique, the whole procedure is done on the outside of the peritoneal lining of the abdominall wall. Whether one method is superior to the other has not been established, and there is debate about their relative benefits and harms. An advantage of TEP is its avoidance of the abdominal cavity; the downside is that it requires a steeper learning curve for clinicians. TAPP is considered simpler and makes it possible to inspect the contralateral side, but TAPP may have a higher risk of visceral injury compared to TEP. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2005. OBJECTIVES: To compare the benefits and harms of laparoscopic TAPP technique versus laparoscopic TEP technique for inguinal hernia repair in adults. SEARCH METHODS: On 25 October 2022, the authors searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library; Ovid MEDLINE(R) Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE(R) Daily, and Ovid MEDLINE(R); and Ovid Embase, for published randomised controlled trials. To identify studies in progress, we searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP). SELECTION CRITERIA: All prospective randomised, quasi-randomised, and cluster-randomised trials that compared the laparoscopic TAPP technique with the laparoscopic TEP technique for inguinal hernia repair in adults were eligible for inclusion. We included studies that involved a mix of different types of groin hernia if we could extract data for the inguinal hernias. Studies may have also included a group of participants receiving hernia repair by open surgery, but these groups were not included in our review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Both review authors independently evaluated trial eligibility, extracted data from included studies, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. The review's primary outcomes were serious adverse events, chronic pain (persisting for at least six months after surgery), and hernia recurrence. We also assessed a variety of secondary outcomes at perioperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative time points. We performed statistical analyses using the random-effects model, and expressed the results as odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes, with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for key outcomes as high, moderate, low or very low. MAIN RESULTS: We included 23 studies in this review update, which randomised 1156 people to TAPP and 1110 people to TEP, all requiring repair of inguinal hernias. Study sample sizes varied from 40 to 316 participants. The vast majority of study participants were male. We judged most studies to be at 'high' or 'unclear' risk of bias. Our judgements of the certainty of the evidence were low or very low for all outcomes we assessed. There may be little to no difference between TAPP and TEP laparoscopic techniques for serious adverse events (0.4% versus 0.7%; OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.15 to 2.32, P = 0.45, I2 = 0%; 19 studies, 1735 participants; low certainty of evidence); and hernia recurrence (1.2% versus 1.1%; OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.49 to 2.62, P = 0.97, I2 = 0%; 17 studies, 1712 participants; low certainty of evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of TAPP versus TEP techniques on chronic pain (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.20 to 1.97, P = 0.68, I2 = 0%; 6 studies, 860 participants; very low certainty of evidence). In terms of secondary outcomes, the evidence is very uncertain for TAPP versus TEP techniques for perioperative visceral and vascular injury (15 studies, 1523 participants; very low certainty of evidence), and for haematoma or seroma during the early (≤ 30 days) postoperative phase (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.37, P = 0.3861, I2 = 0%; 15 studies, 1423 participants; very low certainty of evidence). TEP technique may carry a higher risk of conversion to another hernia repair method (either TAPP technique or open surgery) when compared to TAPP (2.5% versus 0.7%; OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.84, P = 0.02, I2 = 0%; 13 studies, 1178 participants; low certainty of evidence). Only two studies (474 participants) reported quality of life in the late (> 30 days) postoperative phase; overall, there was an improvement in quality of life from the pre- to post-operative assessment, but the evidence suggests little to no difference between the techniques (low certainty of evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review update found that there may be little to no difference between the TAPP and TEP techniques for serious adverse events, hernia recurrence, or chronic pain (low- to very-low-certainty evidence). Decisions about which method to use will most likely reflect surgeon and patient preference until high-certainty evidence becomes available. There may be a higher risk of needing to convert from TEP to TAPP or open surgery when compared to the risk of needing to convert from TAPP to open surgery (low-certainty evidence). If surgeons opt for TEP as their standard laparoscopic method, they could consider having a strategy for how to handle the potential need for conversion. This might include proficiency in the TAPP approach or having informed the patient about the risk of conversion to open surgery. For surgeons or surgical departments, the choice of a laparoscopic technique should involve shared decision-making with patients and their families or carers. Future research could focus on patient-reported outcomes, such as quality of life.

Mesh versus non-mesh for emergency groin hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: A groin hernia is a collective name for inguinal and femoral hernias, which can present acutely with incarceration or strangulation of the hernia sac content, requiring emergency treatment. Timely repair of emergency groin hernias is crucial due to the risk of reduced blood supply and thus damage to the bowel, but the optimal surgical approach is unclear. While mesh repair is the standard treatment for elective hernia surgery, using mesh for emergency groin hernia repair remains controversial due to the risk of surgical site infection. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of mesh compared with non-mesh in emergency groin hernia repair in adult patients with an inguinal or femoral hernia. SEARCH METHODS: On 5 August 2022, we searched the following databases: CENTRAL, MEDLINE Ovid, and Embase Ovid, as well as two trial registers for ongoing and completed trials. Additionally, we performed forward and backward citation searches for the included trials and relevant review articles. We searched without any language or publication restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing mesh with non-mesh repair in emergency groin hernia surgery in adults. We included any mesh and any non-mesh repairs. All studies fulfilling the study, participant, and intervention criteria were included irrespective of reported outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodology. We presented dichotomous data as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We based missing data analysis on best- and worst-case scenarios. For outcomes with sufficiently low heterogeneity, we performed meta-analyses using the random-effects model. We analysed subgroups when feasible, including the degree of contamination. We used RoB 2 for risk of bias assessment, and summarised the certainty of evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: We included 15 trials randomising 1241 participants undergoing emergency groin hernia surgery with either mesh (626 participants) or non-mesh hernia repair (615 participants). The studies were conducted in China, the Middle East, and South Asia. Most patients were men, and most participants had an inguinal hernia (41 participants had femoral hernias). The mean/median age in the mesh group ranged from 35 to 70 years, and from 41 to 69 years in the non-mesh group. All studies were performed in a hospital emergency setting (tertiary care) and lasted for 11 to 139 months, with a median study duration of 31 months. The majority of the studies only included participants with clean to clean-contaminated surgical fields. For all outcomes, we considered the certainty of the evidence to be very low, mainly downgraded due to high risk of bias (due to deviations from intended intervention and missing outcome data), indirectness, and imprecision. Mesh hernia repair may have no effect on or slightly increase the risk of 30-day surgical site infections (RR 1.66, 95% CI 0.96 to 2.88; I² = 21%; 2 studies, 454 participants) when compared with non-mesh hernia repair, but the evidence is very uncertain. The evidence is also very uncertain about the effect of mesh hernia repair compared with non-mesh hernia repair on 30-day mortality (RR 1.38, 95% CI 0.58 to 3.28; 1 study, 208 participants). In summary, the results showed 70 more (from 5 fewer to 200 more) surgical site infections and 29 more (from 32 fewer to 175 more) deaths within 30 days of mesh hernia repair per 1000 participants compared with non-mesh hernia repair. The evidence is very uncertain about 90-day surgical site infections after mesh versus non-mesh hernia repair (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.15 to 6.64; 1 study, 60 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No 30-day recurrences were recorded, and mesh hernia repair may not reduce recurrence within one year (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04 to 1.03; I² = 0%; 2 studies, 104 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Within 30 days of hernia repair, no meshes were removed from clean to clean-contaminated fields, but 6.7% of meshes (1 study, 208 participants) were removed from contaminated to dirty surgical fields. Among the four studies reporting 90-day mesh removal, no events occurred. We were not able to identify any studies reporting complications classified according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification or reoperation for complications within 30 days of repair. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that in terms of 30-day surgical site infections, 30-day mortality, and hernia recurrence within one year, the evidence for the use of mesh hernia repair compared with non-mesh hernia repair in emergency groin hernia surgery is very uncertain. Unfortunately, firm conclusions cannot be drawn due to very low-certainty evidence and meta-analyses based on small-sized and low-quality studies. There is a need for future high-quality RCTs or high-quality registry-based studies if RCTs are unfeasible.

Low incidence of recurrence and chronic pain after groin hernia repair in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The best operative management of groin hernia in adolescents is uncertain. The aim of this systematic review was to assess recurrence and chronic pain after mesh versus non-mesh repair for groin hernia in adolescents. METHODS: A systematic search was done in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL in May 2022 for studies reporting postoperative chronic pain (≥6 months) or recurrence after groin hernia repair in adolescents aged 10-17 years. We included randomized controlled trials and observational studies on primary unilateral or bilateral groin hernia repair. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis of the incidence of recurrence was conducted. This review is reported according to PRISMA guideline. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies including 3,816 adolescents with groin hernias were included comprising two randomized controlled trials, six prospective, and 13 retrospective cohort studies. For non-mesh repairs, the weighted mean incidence proportion of recurrence was 1.6% (95% CI 0.6-2.5) after 2,167 open repairs and 1.9% (95% CI 1.1-2.8) after 1,033 laparoscopic repairs. For mesh repairs, it was 0.6% (95% CI 0.0-1.4) after 406 open repairs while there were no recurrences after 347 laparoscopic repairs (95% CI 0.0-0.6). Across all surgical techniques, the rate of chronic pain after 1,153 repairs ranged from 0 to 11%. Follow-up time varied and was reported in various ways. CONCLUSION: The incidences of recurrence after groin hernia repair in adolescents were low for both open and laparoscopic mesh and non-mesh repairs. Rates of postoperative chronic pain were low. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42022130554.

Diverticulitis does not increase the long-term risk of developing colon cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this review was to examine if diverticulitis increases the long-term risk (> 6 months) of developing colon cancer. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Google Scholar was also searched. We included studies with human adults of 18 years of age and above. Studies that included only patients with diverticulitis as well as studies comparing groups with and without diverticulitis were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of colon cancer 6 months or more after an episode of diverticulitis. RESULTS: Twelve records were included with 38,621 patients with diverticulitis. The crude rate of colon cancer among the prospectively followed populations with diverticulitis was by meta-analysis found to be 0.6% (95% CI 0.5-0.6%). The limitations of this review include heterogeneous reporting of outcomes across studies, specifically regarding population and outcome as well as variations in the design and reporting of the studies. CONCLUSION: We found that the long-term risk of colon cancer after diverticulitis is not increased. The results of our review support current practice on follow-up after an episode of diverticulitis with short-term follow-up being the primary focus.

Mortality after emergency versus elective groin hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Emergency groin hernia repair is associated with increased mortality risk, but the actual risk is unknown. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate 30- and 90-day postoperative mortality in adult patients who had undergone emergency or elective groin hernia repair. METHODS: This review was reported following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and a protocol (CRD42021244412) was registered to PROSPERO. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL in April 2021. Studies were included if they reported 30- or 90-day mortality following an emergency or elective groin hernia repair. Meta-analyses were conducted when possible, and subgroup analyses were made for bowel resection, sex, and hernia type. According to the study design, the risk of bias was assessed using either the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies with 30,740 patients receiving emergency repair and 457,253 receiving elective repair were included. The 30-day mortality ranged from 0-11.8% to 0-1.7% following emergency and elective repair, respectively. The risk of 30-day mortality following emergency repair was estimated to be 26-fold higher than after elective repair (RR = 26.0, 95% CI 21.6-31.4, I2 = 0%). A subgroup meta-analysis on bowel resection in emergency repair estimated 30-day mortality to be 7.9% (95% CI 6.5-9.3%, I2 = 6.4%). Subgroup analyses on sex and hernia type showed no differences regarding the mortality risk in elective surgery. However, femoral hernia and female sex significantly increased the risk of mortality in emergency surgery, both given by a risk ratio of 1.7. CONCLUSION: The overall mortality after emergency groin hernia repair is 26-fold higher than after elective repair, but the increased risk is attributable mostly to female and femoral hernias. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO protocol (CRD42021244412).

Laparotomy with suture repair is the most common treatment for obturator hernia: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Obturator hernias are rare and associated with high mortality. However, the optimal surgical approach remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the available evidence and examine the surgical details regarding obturator hernia defect closure as well as the recurrence rates of the different approaches. METHODS: We reported this scoping review according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews) and registered the protocol online. A comprehensive literature search in five different databases was conducted. The population was patients undergoing surgery for obturator hernia. Articles were included for data charting if the management of the hernia defect was reported. Data regarding surgical details, and hernia recurrence were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 1299 patients from 313 articles were included. In total, 937 patients underwent open obturator hernia repair, in which 992 hernias were repaired (including some bilateral obturator hernias). A total of 295 patients underwent laparoscopic repair for 341 obturator hernias, and for the remaining 67 patients, type of surgery was not reported. For open surgery, suture repair was the most common method of repair (n = 508, 51%) with a recurrence rate of 10%. For laparoscopic surgery, the most common repair of the defect was mesh repair (n = 299, 88%) with no reported recurrences. CONCLUSION: Open surgery with primary suture repair is the most common method of repair for obturator hernia but is associated with a recurrence rate of 10%. Laparoscopic mesh repair is becoming more common and have seemingly very low recurrence rates and may be a better method of repair.

No difference in genitourinary complications after laparoscopic vs. open groin hernia repair in women: a nationwide linked register-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: During laparoscopic groin hernia repair, the surgeon may transect the round ligament of uterus to facilitate mesh placement. Transection during open repair is rarer and anatomically further from the uterus. Our aim was to compare long-term genitourinary outcomes, particularly genital prolapse, between open and laparoscopic repair in women with a primary groin hernia. METHODS: The study was reported according to RECORD guidelines. All women having received a primary anterior open or laparoscopic groin hernia repair from 1998 to 2014 were identified through The Danish Hernia Database and linked with data from The Danish National Patient Registry and the Danish Register of Causes of Death. Our outcome was postoperative genital prolapse and other long-term complications related to gynecology, urology, and infertility. RESULTS: We included 10,867 women having received a primary groin hernia repair, 7732 (71%) had an open anterior repair and 3135 (29%) a laparoscopic repair. The median (range) age was 59 (19-102) and 64 (18-105), respectively (p < 0.001). Median follow-up was 65 (range 0-203) months. After open repair, 313/7340 (4.2%) had a postoperative genital prolapse, and 46/2,934 (1.5%) after laparoscopic repair (p < 0.001). In multivariate Cox Regression analyses adjusting for age and hernia type, there were no difference between the two methods (p = 0.474). Women with an inguinal hernia had a higher risk of genital prolapse than women with a femoral hernia, independent of repair method [HR = 1.455 (1.143-1.853), p = 0.002]. We found no significant differences between open and laparoscopic methods in multivariate analyses assessing other long-term postoperative genitourinary and/or infertility outcomes. CONCLUSION: We found no differences in postoperative genital prolapse or other complications related to gynecology, urology, and/or infertility between open anterior and laparoscopic groin hernia repair in women. Assuming the round ligament of uterus is being transected more often in laparoscopic repair than in open, the urogenital consequences of transection seem to be minimal.

Chronic pain after two laparoendoscopic inguinal hernia repairs compared with laparoendoscopic repair followed by the Lichtenstein repair: an international questionnaire study.

BACKGROUND: The best repair of a recurrent inguinal hernia after primary laparoendoscopic repair is debatable. The aim was to assess chronic pain after two laparoendoscopic repairs in the same groin compared with Lichtenstein reoperation preceded by a laparoendoscopic repair. METHODS: This cohort study included adult patients who had received two laparoendoscopic repairs (Lap-Lap) or a laparoendoscopic repair followed by the Lichtenstein repair (Lap-Lich). Eligible patients were identified in the Danish and the Swedish hernia databases. Lap-Lap was matched 1:3 with Lap-Lich, and patients were sent validated questionnaires. The primary outcome was the proportion with chronic pain-related functional impairment, compared between the two groups. Secondary outcomes included chronic pain during various activities. RESULTS: In total, 74% (546 patients) responded to the questionnaires with a median follow-up since the second repair of 4.9 years (0.9-21.9 years). Regarding the primary outcome, 21% in Lap-Lap and Lap-Lich had chronic pain-related functional impairment of daily activities (p = 0.94). More patients in Lap-Lap compared with Lap-Lich reported pain ≥ 20 mm measured by the visual analog scale, 11% versus 5%, p = 0.04. However, there was no difference in the median VAS score or in the vast majority of the remaining secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There was no overall difference in chronic pain between patients who had received Lap-Lap compared with Lap-Lich. Choice of operative strategy for the second repair should, therefore, not be based on risk of chronic pain.

Blondes do not have more fun: a non-blinded crossover field study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether blondes have more fun, as proposed by Sir Roderick David Stewart in 1978. DESIGN: Prospective, non-randomised crossover field study, 1-2 June 2018. SETTING: Single centre medical writing course, during a break in the course program. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 21 healthy Danish researchers: ten blondes, nine non-blondes, and two with missing data (bald). INTERVENTION: Participants completed a visual analogue scale (VAS) for fun and Profile of Mood States - Adolescents (POMS-A) questionnaires before and after two rides each on a waterslide (once sitting upright, once lying down). There was a wash-out between rides. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fun, as assessed by VAS completed moments after completing each waterslide ride. RESULTS: Blondes did not have more fun than non-blondes, neither while sitting upright (median VAS, 60 [IQR, 23-66] v 25 [IQR, 4.5-57]; P = 0.39) nor lying down (median VAS, 70 [IQR, 60-85] v 66 [IQR, 35-80]; P = 0.62). Riding the waterslide lying down was significantly faster (median duration, 9 s; range, 8-13 s) than sitting upright (median duration, 13.6 s; range, 8-37 s; P < 0.001), and also more fun (median VAS, 72 [IQR, 59-85] v 41 [IQR, 14-66]; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are not consistent with the statement by Sir Roderick David Stewart that "blondes have more fun"; we found no evidence that blondes experience more fun or are more susceptible to mood changes than non-blondes.

Laparoscopic repair is superior to open techniques when treating primary groin hernias in women: a nationwide register-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have described recurrence rates after groin hernia repair in women. Our aim was to investigate if laparoscopic repair of primary groin hernias in women results in a lower reoperation rate for recurrence compared with open repairs. Furthermore, we wished to compare hernia subtypes at primary repair and reoperation. METHODS: This nationwide cohort study was reported according to the RECORD statement. We used prospectively collected data from the Danish Hernia Database to generate a cohort of females operated for a primary groin hernia from 1998 to 2017. Our primary outcome was reoperation for recurrence. The secondary outcome was subtype of hernia at primary repair and reoperation. All females had at least 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: We included 13,945 primary groin hernia operations in women, of whom 649 had undergone a reoperation for recurrence. Median follow-up time was 8.8 years. The cumulative reoperation rates were lower after laparoscopic repair compared with the open techniques, for both inguinal hernias (1.8 vs. 6.3%, p < 0.001) and femoral hernias (2.2 vs. 5.5%, p = 0.005). After laparoscopic repair, 25% of inguinal hernias recurred as femoral, compared with 47% after Lichtenstein (p < 0.001). Direct inguinal hernias and femoral hernias had higher risk of reoperation for recurrence after open repair compared with indirect inguinal hernias. For laparoscopic procedures, hernia subtypes at the primary groin hernia repair had similar reoperation rates. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic repair of primary groin hernia in women had lower reoperation rates and fewer femoral recurrences than open repair techniques.

Laparoscopic versus open repair of groin hernias in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Regarding groin hernia repair in children, guidelines do not favor open or laparoscopic repair. Even so, most surgeons prefer an open technique. The aim of this systematic review was to compare short- and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic and open groin hernia repair in children. METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted in three databases, and all randomized controlled trials comparing laparoscopic and open groin hernia repair in children under 18 years were included. Outcomes were postoperative complications, intraoperative complications, operative time, length of hospital stay, time to recovery, and wound appearance. The outcomes were compared between open and laparoscopic repairs in meta-analyses. RESULTS: We included ten studies with 1270 patients involving 1392 hernias. We found no differences in recurrence rate, testicular atrophy, hydrocele, hematoma, seroma, infection, pain, length of hospital stay, or time to full recovery. Laparoscopic repair was superior regarding wound appearance. Laparoscopic repair had shorter operative time than open repair for bilateral groin hernias. For unilateral groin hernias, extraperitoneal laparoscopic repair was faster than open repair, but open repair was faster than intraperitoneal laparoscopic repair. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate similar outcome after laparoscopic and open techniques for groin hernia repair in children. The surgeon's preference as well as the wishes of the patient and parents should therefore determine the surgical approach.

Surgical techniques and convalescence recommendations vary greatly in laparoscopic groin hernia repair: a nationwide survey among experienced hernia surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic groin hernia repair has become increasingly popular. In Denmark, all groin hernia repairs are registered in the Danish Hernia Database. However, many surgical technical parameters are not registered in neither the hernia database nor in other national registries or the patient files. Our aim was to characterize differences in surgical techniques and variations in convalescence recommendations in laparoscopic groin hernia repair that are not available elsewhere. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all surgeons in Denmark regularly performing unsupervised laparoscopic groin hernia repair. The questionnaire was developed in collaboration with an experienced chief surgeon and face-validated on the target group. It contained demographic details and items on surgical parameters such as the creation of pneumoperitoneum, size of the optic, choice of closure methods, preoperative information, and postoperative recommendation of convalescence. RESULTS: A total of 71 surgeons were eligible for inclusion, and 61 (86%) responded. We found large variations in almost all surgical parameters, i.e. there was no uniform way of performing laparoscopic groin hernia repair. The variation was not due to the level of experience. The median recommended convalescence period was 1.5 (range 0-28) days for activities of daily living, 4.5 (range 0-28) days for light physical activity, and 14 (range 0-35) days for hard physical activity. Three percent of surgeons routinely informed patients about the risk of sexual dysfunction prior to operation, and 98% informed about the risk of chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical technical parameters and convalescence recommendations in laparoscopic groin hernia surgery vary widely in a national cohort of experienced hernia surgeons.

Male Fertility After Inguinal Hernia Mesh Repair: A National Register Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patients who receive an inguinal hernia repair father the same number of children as the background population. BACKGROUND: Although the effect of inguinal hernia repair on male fertility has previously been investigated through indirect measures, no previous studies have evaluated the final measure of male fertility, which is the number of children fathered by patients. METHODS: Prospectively collected data on 32,621 male patients between the ages of 18 and 55 years who received 1 or more inguinal hernia repairs during the years 1998 to 2012 were found in 5 comprehensive Danish linked registers. Patients were matched with 97,805 controls, and the number of fathered children was recorded as the primary outcome. RESULTS: Patients who were operated unilaterally fathered more children than controls (156 vs 147 children per 1000 individuals, P = 0.02), whereas patients who were operated bilaterally fathered the same number of children as controls. Unilateral Lichtenstein operation resulted in an increase in number of children fathered by patients (161 vs 151 children per 1000 patients, P = 0.009). No difference in the number of children fathered was found for any year following operation. Meanwhile, time between operation and first child was longer among controls than patients (log-rank P = 0.003). The youngest (18-30 years of age) bilaterally operated patients fathered the same number of children as controls. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair using Lichtenstein technique or laparoscopic approach did not father fewer children than expected. Thus, inguinal hernia repair using Lichtenstein or laparoscopic approach did not impair male fertility.

Long-term mortality and recurrence in patients treated for colonic diverticulitis with abscess formation: a nationwide register-based cohort study.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to investigate long-term mortality, recurrence, and death related to recurrence for patients admitted with acute diverticulitis with abscess formation (Hinchey stage Ib-II). METHODS: The cohort was identified by linking administrative registers for all Danish citizens in years 2000-2012. Patients were identified from ICD-10 discharge codes and stratified according to treatment (antibiotics, percutaneous abscess drainage, or surgery). RESULTS: From 6,641,672 persons, 3148 patients were identified with acute diverticulitis with abscess formation. Survival was comparable between treatment groups with a 1-year survival of 81-83% and a 5-year survival of 66-67% (p = 0.66). Glucocorticoid usage prior to admission increased risk of mortality with hazard ratio 1.64 (95%CI 1.39-1.93), 1.77 (1.20-2.63), and 1.92 (1.07-3.44) for the antibiotics, drainage, and operative treatment group, respectively. Drainage treatment increased risk of recurrence with sub-distribution hazard (SDH) of 1.52 (1.19-1.95) and operative treatment decreased risk with a SDH of 0.55 (0.32-0.93), both compared with antibiotic treatment (p = 0.0001). Recurrence occurred in 23.6% (18.5-30.1%) of patients in the drainage group, 15.5% (13.9-17.3%) in the antibiotics group, and 9.1% (5.1-16.1%) in the operative group. Recurrence-related mortality was 2.0% (0.9-4.4%) for the drainage group, 1.1% (0.7-1.8%) for the antibiotics group, and 0.6% (0.1-4.3%) for the operative group (p = 0.24). Most recurrences and recurrence-related mortality occurred within the first year after primary admission. CONCLUSIONS: This study with complete national data revealed a high mortality and recurrence rate after diverticular abscesses. Survival was comparable between treatment groups, but patients treated with drainage had significantly higher risk of recurrence.

Mechanisms of action and clinical use of specific reversal agents for non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants.

OBJECTIVES: With a steadily growing number of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, anticoagulation use increases. Anticoagulation therapy is associated with increased risk of serious bleeding and an increased complexity in management of patients in need for urgent surgery. We wanted to assess the magnitude of this challenge as well as review current and potential future clinical management strategies. DESIGN: A review of the literature on the magnitude of patients using antigoaculants in potential need for acute restoration of hemostasis was conducted, as well as current status of reversal agents for non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Additionally, a case illustration of its use is presented. RESULTS: Two main groups of patients may need acute restoration of hemostasis, those in need of acute surgery or acute invasive procedures, ∼ 2% of patients annually, and those with serious and critical hemorrhage, ∼1.5% annually. One specific reversal agent is available on the market (idarucizumab) and two (andexanet alfa, ciraparantag) are in clinical development. Idarucizumab is a specific antidote for the thrombin inhibitor dabigatran while andexanet alfa is factor Xa inhibitor class-specific currently in late-stage development. Ciraparantag is a universal reversal agent in early-phase development. These agents can facilitate effective management of bleeding or bleeding risk, as illustrated in a patient on dabigatran in urgent need for a pacemaker. CONCLUSIONS: Amongst patients using anticoagulants, around 3.5%, could be in need of immediate restoration of hemostasis annually. The availability and use of specific reversal agents for NOACs could be crucial for the clinical outcomes.

Adding sutures to tack fixation of mesh does not lower the re-operation rate after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There are various ways of fixating an intraperitoneal onlay mesh during a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. The risk of complications is high, and around 22% of the hernias will recur within 3.5 years. The aim of this study was to assess if sutures in addition to tack fixation would reduce the re-operation rate for recurrence compared with permanent tacks without sutures. METHODS: This study was based on the data from the nationwide Danish Ventral Hernia Database, which contains information of ventral hernia repairs from all hospitals in Denmark. Two different cohorts of patients were created and analyzed separately. The primary outcome was the re-operation rate for recurrence, analyzed with the Cox regression model and illustrated with a Kaplan-Meier plot adjusted for confounders. The follow-up period was defined as months from the first hernia repair to re-operation for recurrence, death, or the 1st of June 2017. RESULTS: The first cohort included 598 patients with absorbable sutures and tacks compared with 1793 patients with permanent tacks. The second cohort included 72 patients with permanent sutures and tacks compared with 216 patients with permanent tacks. In the suture groups, the tack material was either permanent or absorbable. When adjusting for possible confounders in the Cox regression model, there were no significant differences in the re-operation rate for recurrence between the groups in the two cohorts. CONCLUSION: Adding sutures, either absorbable or permanent, to tack fixation of mesh during laparoscopic ventral hernia repair did not influence the re-operation rates for recurrence.

Decreasing prevalence of chronic pain after laparoscopic groin hernia repair: a nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire study.

PURPOSE: Up to 6-7% of patients who have undergone laparoscopic groin hernia repair suffer from chronic pain, depending on various factors; however, the long-term course is unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of chronic pain 1-5 years after laparoscopic groin hernia repair. METHODS: The subjects of this nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire study were adults who underwent laparoscopic mesh repair of an inguinal or a femoral hernia. The patients were identified from the Danish Hernia Database, which has a follow-up rate of almost 100%. The prevalence of chronic pain was assessed 1-5 years postoperatively by the validated inguinal pain questionnaire (IPQ). RESULTS: A total of 1383 groins were included in this study, based on a 66% response rate to the questionnaire. The prevalence of pain decreased, especially 3.5 years postoperatively. There were no statistically significant differences when each postoperative year was compared with the second postoperative year. However, the prevalence of chronic pain 3.5-5 years postoperatively was significantly lower (4.4%) than that 1-3.5 years postoperatively (8.1%) (p = 0.014). The prevalence of pain that could not be ignored was still 5-6% in the fifth postoperative year. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of chronic pain seems to decline 1-5 years after laparoscopic groin hernia repair, with a distinct decrease 3.5 years postoperatively.

An 18-Year Nationwide Cohort Study on The Association Between Diverticulitis and Colon Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between diverticulitis and colon cancer in a large, nationwide cohort study. BACKGROUND: Diverticulitis is a common disease, especially in the Western world. Previous articles have investigated the association between diverticulitis and colon cancer with inconclusive results. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort study based on longitudinal Danish national registers with data from the period 1995 to 2012. Data were extracted from comprehensive Danish national registers containing information from both public and private hospitals. Patients with diverticulitis were identified from the registers and matched by sex and age (± 1 year) with a ratio of 1:10 to people who did not have a registration of diverticulitis or diverticulosis. Main outcome was the event of colon cancer. Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate the effect of colonoscopies and treatment on the colon cancer rate after diverticulitis. RESULTS: A total of 445,456 people were included, of whom 40,496 had a diagnosis of diverticulitis. The incidence of colon cancer in the group with diverticulitis (4.3%) and the group without diverticulitis (2.3%) differed significantly (P < 0.001) with an incidence rate ratio of 1.86 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.77-1.96). When adjusted for possible confounders, the association between diverticulitis and cancer remained significant with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.20 (95% CI 2.08-2.32) (P < 0.001). Those with diverticulitis, who had no colonoscopy, had an increased risk of colon cancer compared with those without both diverticulitis and colonoscopy with an OR of 2.72 (95% CI 2.64-2.94) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found a strong association between development of diverticulitis and colon cancer. This raises several questions regarding the possible causal association and warrants further studies. Patients with diverticulitis should undergo endoscopic surveillance for colon cancer.

Mesh fixation methods and chronic pain after transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia surgery: a comparison between fibrin sealant and tacks.

INTRODUCTION: Mesh fixation techniques have been associated with pain after groin hernia surgery. The aim of this study was to compare fibrin sealant and tacks for mesh fixation in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair regarding long-term persistent pain. METHODS: Through the Danish Hernia Database, we identified patients operated for groin hernia using the transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic technique (TAPP) from 2009 to 2012 with fibrin sealant for mesh fixation. These were matched in a ratio of 1:2 with patients operated with TAPP using tacks. All patients were sent a validated questionnaire (the inguinal pain questionnaire) between March 2013 and June 2014. The primary outcome was pain at follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 1421 patients (84% males) answered the questionnaire (34% fibrin sealant, 66% tacks). The median follow-up was 35 months (range 12-62). Preoperative pain was associated with postoperative pain (p < 0.005), which was confirmed by multivariate analysis (OR 1.57 (CI 95% 1.40-1.77)). Furthermore, male gender was protective against postoperative pain (OR 0.47 (CI 95% 0.29-0.74)). A total of 18% in the fibrin sealant group and 20% in the tacks group reported pain during the past week at follow-up, and 6 and 7% reported pain not possible to ignore (p = 0.44). No difference was found between the fixation methods regarding getting up from a chair, sitting, or standing for more than 30 min, walking up stairs, driving a car, doing exercise, or the need for postoperative analgesics or postoperative sick leave (all p > 0.20). CONCLUSION: Mesh fixation technique did not affect long-term persistent pain. A large number of patients reported persistent pain regardless of mesh fixation technique, which emphasizes the need for preoperative information. Preoperative pain was a risk factor for persistent pain, whereas male gender was protective.

Chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair with the ONSTEP versus the Lichtenstein technique, results of a double-blinded multicenter randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The open new simplified totally extraperitoneal (ONSTEP) technique for the repair of inguinal hernia was presented some years ago with promising initial results regarding chronic pain. We conducted a randomized clinical trial investigating the ONSTEP technique versus the Lichtenstein technique with focus on postoperative pain. The aim of this paper was to report the results regarding chronic pain from follow-up at 6 and 12 months for the participants in the ONSTEP versus Lichtenstein trial. METHODS: This study was conducted as a randomized double-blinded clinical trial in male participants with primary unilateral hernias, having surgical repair of their hernia at one of five participating general surgical departments. At surgery, participants were allocated (1:1) to the ONSTEP or the Lichtenstein technique for inguinal hernia repair. Participants were followed up with questionnaires at 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with substantial pain-related impairment of daily functions at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. RESULTS: From April 2013 to May 2014, 290 male patients were included in the study. Regarding follow-up for pain, a total of 259 patients (89%) completed the 6-month follow-up and a total of 236 patients (81%) completed the 12-month follow-up. Regarding pain at the 6- and 12-month follow-ups, no difference was found between groups. Two patients operated with Lichtenstein technique developed severe disabling chronic pain postoperatively, which was not seen in the ONSTEP group. CONCLUSION: The ONSTEP technique was not superior to the Lichtenstein technique regarding chronic pain following repair of primary inguinal hernias in males. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov NCT01753219.