Hiatal hernias are at high risk of recurrence. Mesh reinforcement after primary approximation of the hiatal crura has been advocated to reduce this risk of recurrence, analogous to mesh repair of abdominal wall hernias. However, the results of such repairs have been mixed, at best. In addition, repairs using some type of mesh have led to significant complications, such as erosion and esophageal stricture. At present, there is no consensus as to (1) whether mesh should be used, (2) indications for use, (3) the type of mesh, and (4) in what configuration. This lack of consensus is likely secondary to the notion that recurrence occurs at the site of crural approximation. We have explored the theory that many, if not most, “recurrences” occur in the anterior and left lateral aspects of the hiatus, normally where the mesh is not placed. We theorized that “recurrence” actually represents progression of the hernia, rather than a true recurrence. This has led to our development of a new mesh configuration to enhance the tensile strength of the hiatus and counteract continued stresses from intra-abdominal pressure.
The use of mesh in the repair of large hiatal hernias is still controversial. One of the most feared adverse events related to the use of mesh is erosion into the esophageal and gastric walls.
To record the endoscopic treatment of mesh that has migrated into the gastric lumen after surgical treatment of hiatal hernia.
The technical option was to wait for the progressive migration of the mesh into the gastric lumen, monitoring with upper digestive endoscopy, with removal by traction at the best time, with the aid of foreign body forceps.
The mesh was completely removed, and the evolution was satisfactory, without complications.
In patients with mesh migration into the stomach who are oligosymptomatic and do not show signs of complications, endoscopic surveillance and subsequent removal of the foreign body can be successfully performed when the mesh is not adhered to the gastric wall, avoiding surgical procedures with high morbidity and mortality.
Large hiatal hernias, besides being more prevalent in the elderly, have a different clinical presentation: less reflux, more mechanical symptoms, and a greater possibility of acute, life-threatening complications such as gastric volvulus, ischemia, and visceral mediastinal perforation. Thus, surgical indications are distinct from gastroesophageal reflux disease-related sliding hiatal hernias. Heartburn tends to be less intense, while symptoms of chest pain, cough, discomfort, and tiredness are reported more frequently. Complaints of vomiting and dysphagia may suggest the presence of associated gastric volvulus. Signs of iron deficiency and anemia are found. Surgical indication is still controversial and was previously based on high mortality reported in emergency surgeries for gastric volvulus. Postoperative mortality is especially related to three factors: body mass index above 35, age over 70 years, and the presence of comorbidities. Minimally invasive elective surgery should be offered to symptomatic individuals with good or reasonable performance status, regardless of age group. In asymptomatic and oligosymptomatic patients, besides obviously identifying the patient’s desire, a case-by-case analysis of surgical risk factors such as age, obesity, and comorbidities should be taken into consideration. Attention should also be paid to situations with greater technical difficulty and risks of acute migration due to increased abdominal pressure (abdominoplasty, manual labor, spastic diseases). Technical alternatives such as partial fundoplication and anterior gastropexy can be considered. We emphasize the importance of performing surgical procedures in cases of large hiatal hernias in high-volume centers, with experienced surgeons.
BACKGROUND: Several surgical techniques have been developed over the past years, and total extraperitoneal and transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair are the endoscopic techniques that are most commonly used. AIM: To describe and discuss Dulucq's technique and the modifications of using 3-D mesh in total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Patients who underwent an elective inguinal hernia repair were enrolled prospectively in this study. Operative and postoperative course were studied. RESULTS: A total of 261 hernia repairs were included in the study. The hernias were repaired by total extraperitoneal technique; two hernias (0.75%) were converted to open anterior Liechtenstein technique. Mean operative time was 43.38 min in unilateral hernia and 53.36 min in bilateral hernia. Most of the patients (95%) were discharged at the same day of the surgery. The overall postoperative morbidity rate was 5.7%. The incidence of recurrence rate was 0.0% in median follow-up period of 26 months. CONCLUSION: Total extraperitoneal hernioplasty is a very effective and safe procedure in the hands of experienced surgeons with specific training. It is an interesting option in bilateral and recurrent hernia as it obtains satisfactory results in terms of postoperative pain and morbidity.
INTRODUCTION: The inguinal hernia repair has been a controversial area in the surgical practice ever since it has been conceived. The fact that numerous different procedures are in use reflects the complexity of inguinal hernia and its repair. AIM: The purposes of this study were to describe Dulucq's technique and the modifications of using 3-D mesh in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Surgical technique of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair is detailed on the text. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal is preferred over transabdominal preperitoneal hernia as the peritoneum is not violated. The dissection must always be done with the same stages, without monopolar diathermy and the patient in a slight Trendelenburg position. Following these recommendations, the laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernioplasty is feasible with fewer intra-abdominal complications.
INTRODUCTION: Variations on the anatomy of the hepatic artery are common, with incidence of 20-50%. In liver transplantation, back-table reconstruction is often necessary for an easier and prompt arterial anastomosis and so, the use of arterial patches has been related to lower the incidence of complications. However, when a right hepatic artery variation from the superior mesenteric artery is present, the reconstruction occasionally produces twisting and flow problems. METHODS: Is described a surgical alternative for right hepatic artery variation reconstruction using a Carrel-patch from the superior mesenteric artery. The patch is anastomosed with the splenic artery stump to allow vertical orientation and improve blood flow. RESULTS: Among 120 liver transplants, four consecutive cases of right hepatic artery variation were reconstructed using this technique. All of them showed good flow and patency in postoperative period. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique proved to be an interesting alternative for the reconstruction of right hepatic artery variation in liver transplantation.
: The use of alloplastic meshes has been historically contra-indicated in patients with infection.
: To evaluate the use of polypropylene meshes in the treatment of abdominal wall defects in rats with peritonitis.
: Twenty Wistar female rats were divided into two groups: induction of peritonitis (test group) and without peritonitis (control group). An abdominal wall defect was created in all animals, and polypropylene mesh was applied. The evaluation of the tensile strength of the mesh was carried out using tensiometer and microscopic analysis of the healing area was done.
: More adhesion of the mesh to the rat abdominal wall was observed in test group. The histopathological analyses showed prevalence of moderate to accentuated granulation tissue in both groups, without significant differences.
: The use of the mesh coverage on abdominal wall defects of rats with induced peritonitis did not show worse results than its use in healthy animals, nor was its integration to the resident tissue any worse.
Among the various strategies to avoid exaggerated foreign body reaction in the treatment of hernias is the limitation of the amount of polypropylene or the use of absorbable material.
To evaluate the healing of defects in the abdominal wall of rats, comparing microporous polypropylene, macroporous polypropylene and polypropylene/polyglecaprone at the 30º, 60º and 120º postoperative day.
Wistar rats were submitted to defect production in the ventral abdominal wall, with integrity of the parietal peritoneum. Prolene®, Ultrapro® and Bard Soft® meshes were used in the correction of the defect. Nine subgroups of 10 animals were submitted to euthanasia at 30th, 60th and 120th postoperative day. Fragments of the abdominal wall of the animals were submitted to tensiometric analysis.
The tensiometry at the 30th postoperative day showed greater resistance of the tissues with Bard Soft® (macroporous mesh) in relation to the tissues with Prolene® (microporous mesh). On the 60th postoperative day Bard Soft® maintained the superior resistance to the tissues comparing to Prolene Mesh®. On the 120th postoperative day the tissues repaired with Ultrapro® (macroporous mesh) proved to be more resistant than the ones by Prolene® (microporous mesh) and Bard Soft® (macroporous mesh).
The tissues repaired with macroporous meshes showed greater resistance than with microporous meshes at all stages, and at 120 days postoperative Ultrapro® performed better than the others.
Although many methods have been defined for colonic anastomosis, anastomotic leak still remains important for sepsis control and successful healing.
The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of conventional suture, polyglactin 910 mesh, and omental flap coverage on healing and anastomotic leak in experimental colonic anastomosis in rats.
This study was conducted on 18 Wistar rats and the animals were divided into three groups as follows: Group 1: primary suture group; Group 2: primary suture plus polyglactin 910 mesh group; and Group 3: primary suture plus omental flap coverage group. Groups were compared in terms of anastomotic bursting pressure, inflammation, fibroblastic activity, neovascularization, and collagen amount.
There was a statistically significant difference in anastomotic bursting pressure between Groups 1 and 2 and between Groups 1 and 3 (p=0.004, p<0.05). There was a significant difference in fibroblastic activity between Groups 1 and 3 (p=0.011, p<0.05) and between Groups 2 and 3 (p=0.030, p<0.05). There was a significant difference in neovascularization and collagen between Groups 1 and 2 and between Groups 1 and 3 (p<0.05).
This experimental study found that polyglactin 910 mesh and omental flap coverage for colocolic anastomoses improved the physical strength and healing of the anastomosis compared to conventional hand-stitched anastomoses. The polyglactin may be a safe alternative to 910 mesh in cases where the omental flap coverage cannot be used in the colonic anastomosis.
Inguinal hernia repair is the most common procedure in general surgery and 80,000 operations are performed annually in Great Britain, 100,000 in France and 700,000 in the US. Given its high frequency has a major impact, both in the medical and economic aspects.
Analyze the immediate postoperative complications comparing mesh versus non mesh hernioplasty.
Randomized control trial, with the enrollment of 263 patients underwent surgery for inguinal hernia randomized by randomization table. Treatment (mesh, Lichtenstein or without mesh, Bassini technique) was assigned using sequentially numbered opaque envelopes having fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The variables analyzed were: postoperative pain, seroma, hematoma, infection, return to normal activities and recurrence.
The mean age was 55.5 years, 88% patients were male and 12% female. The pain was higher in patients operated with mesh.
The inguinal hernia repair mesh group had less immediate postoperative complications and significantly earlier return to work than hernioplasty without mesh, this being one of the most important conclusions.
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