A video guide of five access methods to the splenic flexure: the concept of the splenic flexure box.

AIM: The aim of this study was to describe all the possible approaches for laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization (SFM), each suitable for specific situations, and create an illustrated system to show SFM approaches in an easy and practical way to make it easy to learn and teach. METHODS: Two different phases. First part: Cadaver-based study of the colonic splenic flexure anatomy. In order to demonstrate the different approaches, a balloon was placed through the colonic hepatic flexure in the lesser sac without sectioning any of the fixing ligaments of the splenic flexure. Second part: A real case series of laparoscopic SFM. RESULTS: First part: 11 cadavers were dissected. Five potential approaches to SFM were found: anterior, trans-omentum, lateral, medial infra-mesocolic, and medial trans-mesocolic. The illustrative system developed was named: Splenic Flexure "Box"(SFBox). Second part: One of the types of SFM described in first part was used in five patients with colorectal cancer. Each laparoscopic approach to the splenic flexure was illustrated in a video accompanied by illustration aids delineating the access. CONCLUSION: With the cadaver dissection and subsequent demonstration in real-life laparoscopic surgery, we have shown five types of laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization. The Splenic Flexure "Box" is a useful way to learn and teach this surgical maneuver.

Chronic inguinal pain post-hernioplasty. Laparo-endoscopic surgery vs lichtenstein repair: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Annually, over 20 million patients worldwide undergo inguinal hernia repair procedures. Surgery stands as the recommended treatment, however, a consensus on the optimal method is lacking. This study aims to conduct an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the risk of chronic inguinal pain and recurrence between laparo-endoscopic mesh repair (TAPP and TEP) versus Lichtenstein repair for inguinal hernia. METHODS: Searches were conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults, published in English and Spanish, comparing surgical outcomes among the Lichtenstein open technique, TAPP, and/or TEP. Adherence to the PRISMA guidelines was maintained in the methodology, and the CASP tool was employed to assess the quality of the articles. Statistical analysis involved mean [± standard deviation (SD)], Odds Ratio (OR), and Confidence Interval (CI). RESULTS: Eight RCTs encompassing 1,469 patients randomized to Lichtenstein repair (n = 755) and laparo-endoscopic repair (n = 714) were included. Laparo-endoscopic repair was associated with a lower likelihood of chronic inguinal pain compared to Lichtenstein repair (OR = 0.28, 95% CI [0.30-0.56], p = 0.0001). There were no significant differences in recurrence rates between the laparo-endoscopic and the Lichtenstein group (OR = 1.03, 95% CI [0.57-1.86], p = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that laparo-endoscopic hernia surgery leads to a lower incidence of chronic inguinal pain compared to Lichtenstein repair, while maintaining similar rates of recurrence.

Use of botulinum toxin type A in the prehabilitation of abdominal wall musculature for hernia repair: a consensus proposal.

The prehabilitation of the abdominal wall through the infiltration of botulinum toxin type A, which induces temporary chemical denervation ("chemical component separation") in the lateral abdominal musculature, is a common practice in units specialized in abdominal wall surgery. However, its use for this indication is currently off-label. The main objective of this article is to describe a consensus proposal regarding indications, contraindications, dosages employed, potential side effects, administration method, and measurement of possible outcomes. Additionally, a proposal for an informed consent document endorsed by the Abdominal Wall Section of the Spanish Association of Surgeons is attached.

Preoperative Botulinum Toxin and Progressive Pneumoperitoneum in Loss of Domain Hernias-Our First 100 Cases.

Objectives: Preoperative botulinum toxin type A (BT) and progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP) are useful tools in the preparation of patients with loss of domain hernias (LODH). The purpose of our retrospective study is to report our experience in the treatment of 100 consecutive patients with LODH, with the combined use of these techniques. Methods: Of the 753 patients operated on for ventral incisional hernia between June 2010 and December 2018 in our hospital, 100 patients with LODH were analyzed retrospectively. Diameters of abdominal cavity and hernia sac, and volumes of incisional hernia (VIH) and abdominal cavity (VAC) were calculated from CT scan, based on the index of Tanaka. Results: The median insufflated volume of air for PPP was 8,600 ± 4,200 cc (4,500-15,250). BT administration time was 38.2 days (33-48). A significant average reduction of 15% of the VIH/VAC ratio was observed on CT scan after the combination of PPP and BT (p = 0.001). Anterior component separation (CST) and transversus abdominis release (TAR) were the most frequent repair techniques. Complete fascial closure was possible in 97%, and mesh bridging was needed in three cases. In postoperative follow-up of 34.5 months (11-62), we reported eight cases of hernia recurrence (8%). Conclusion: PPP and BT are useful tools in the treatment of LODH. These techniques significantly reduce the VIH/VAC ratio, allowing the reduction of the hernia content into the abdominal cavity, which represents a key factor in the management of these hernias.

Retrorectal tumour simulating vaginal birth: an exceptional case of emergency surgery indication.

Cystic retrorectal tumours are a very rare entity that pose a problem in differential diagnosis between congenital cyst and other lesions. We present a 49-year-old female patient presenting a perineal bulge which was discovered simulating a vaginal birth associated with prolapsed haemorrhoids grade IV. The interest of this case resides in the surgical indication of a big presacral cyst demonstrated via CT causing acute intense pain due to pelvic organ compression, as no emergent surgery management has been reported up to date.

Partial versus complete removal of the infected mesh after abdominal wall hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: To compare the results with complete mesh removal (CMR) versus partial mesh removal (PMR) in the treatment of mesh infection after abdominal wall hernia repair (AWHR). METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgery for mesh infection between January 2004 and May 2014 at a tertiary center. RESULTS: Of 3470 cases of AWHR, we reported 66 cases (1.9%) of mesh infection, and 48 repairs (72.7%) required mesh explantation. CMR was achieved on 38 occasions, while PMR was undertaken ten times. We observed more postoperative complications in CMR than PMR group (p = 0.04). Three patients with intestinal fistula were reoperated in postoperative period after a difficult mesh removal; one of them died due to multiple organ failure. The overall recurrence rate after explantation was 47.9%: recurrence was more frequent in CMR group (p = 0.001), although persistent or new mesh infection was observed more frequently with PMR (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although PMR has less postoperative morbidity, shorter duration of hospitalization and lower rate of recurrence than CMR, prosthetic infection persists in up to 50% of cases.