scholarly journals Perioperative optimization in complex abdominal wall hernias: Delphi consensus statement

BJS Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
T N Grove ◽  
C Kontovounisios ◽  
A Montgomery ◽  
B T Heniford ◽  
A C J Windsor ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The incidence of incisional hernia after major abdominal surgery via a midline laparotomy is 20–41 per cent with short-term follow-up, and over 50 per cent in those surviving an abdominal catastrophe. Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) requires complex operations, often involving mesh resection, management of scarred skin, fistula takedown, component separation or flap reconstruction. Patients tend to have more complex conditions, with multiple co-morbidities predisposing them to a vicious cycle of complications and, subsequently, hernia recurrence. Currently there appears to be variance in perioperative practice and minimal guidance globally. The aim of this Delphi consensus was to provide a clear benchmark of care for the preoperative assessment and perioperative optimization of patients undergoing AWR. Methods The Delphi method was used to achieve consensus from invited experts in the field of AWR. Thirty-two hernia surgeons from recognized hernia societies globally took part. The process included two rounds of anonymous web-based voting with response analysis and formal feedback, concluding with a live round of voting followed by discussion at an international conference. Consensus for a strong recommendation was achieved with 80 per cent agreement, and a weak recommendation with 75 per cent agreement. Results Consensus was obtained on 52 statements including surgical assessment, preoperative assessment, perioperative optimization, multidisciplinary team and decision-making, and quality-of-life assessment. Forty-six achieved over 80 per cent agreement; 14 statements achieved over 95 per cent agreement. Conclusion Clear consensus recommendations from a global group of experts in the AWR field are presented in this study. These should be used as a baseline for surgeons and centres managing abdominal wall hernias and performing complex AWR.

2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (9) ◽  
pp. 937-942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam S. Weltz ◽  
Udai S. Sibia ◽  
H. Reza Zahiri ◽  
Alexa Schoeneborn ◽  
Adrian Park ◽  
...  

Ideal fixation techniques have not been fully elucidated at the time of complex open abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). We compared operative outcomes and quality of life with retromuscular mesh fixation using fibrin glue (FG) versus transfascial sutures (TS). Retrospective review identified complex hernia patients who underwent open AWR with mesh from November 2012 through April 2016. Multivariate analysis examined postoperative outcomes between groups. Quality of life was assessed using the Carolinas Comfort Scale. Seventy-five patients (18 FG vs 57 TS) with mean age (54.3 vs 53.9 years, P = 0.914), body mass index (35.8 vs 34.7 kg/m2, P = 0.623) and American Society of Anesthesiologist score (2.6 vs 2.5, P = 0.617) were reviewed. No differences in wound (P = 0.072) and nonwound (P = 0.639) related complications were noted between groups. Risk of reoperations (P = 0.275) and 30-day readmissions (P = 0.137) were also comparable. The TS group was twelve times more likely to report pain at six-month follow-up compared with FG (12.29 OR, 95 per cent confidence interval 1.26–120.35, P = 0.031). No hernia recurrences were noted in either group at a mean follow-up of 390 ± 330 days. The use of FG to secure mesh in the retromuscular space during complex open AWR may be a safe alternative to penetrating transfascial fixation with potential to reduce chronic pain.


Hernia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 369-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Lopez-Monclus ◽  
J. Muñoz-Rodríguez ◽  
C. San Miguel ◽  
A. Robin ◽  
L. A. Blazquez ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose The closure of midline in abdominal wall incisional hernias is an essential principle. In some exceptional circumstances, despite adequate component separation techniques, this midline closure cannot be achieved. This study aims to review the results of using both anterior and component separation in these exceptional cases. Methods We reviewed our experience using the combination of both anterior and posterior component separation in the attempt to close the midline. Our first step was to perform a TAR and a complete extensive dissection of the retromuscular preperitoneal plane developed laterally as far as the posterior axillary line. When the closure of midline was not possible, an external oblique release was made. A retromuscular preperitoneal reinforcement was made with the combination of an absorbable mesh and a 50 × 50 polypropylene mesh. Results Twelve patients underwent anterior and posterior component separation. The mean hernia width was 23.5 ± 5. The majority were classified as severe complex incisional hernia and had previous attempts of repair. After a mean follow-up of 27 months (range 8–45), no case of recurrence was registered. Only one patient (8.33%) presented with an asymptomatic bulging in the follow-up. European Hernia Society’s quality of life scores showed a significant improvement at 2 years postoperatively in the three domains: pain (p = 0.01), restrictions (p = 0.04) and cosmetic (p = 0.01). Conclusions The combination of posterior and anterior component separation can effectively treat massive and challenging cases of abdominal wall reconstruction in which the primary midline closure is impossible to achieve despite appropriate optimization of surgery.


2021 ◽  
pp. 000313482110233
Author(s):  
Jordan Robinson ◽  
Jesse K. Sulzer ◽  
Benjamin Motz ◽  
Erin H. Baker ◽  
John B. Martinie ◽  
...  

Background Abdominal wall reconstruction in high-risk and contaminated cases remains a challenging surgical dilemma. We report long-term clinical outcomes for a rifampin-/minocycline-coated acellular dermal graft (XenMatrix™ AB) in complex abdominal wall reconstruction for patients with a prior open abdomen or contaminated wounds. Methods Patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction at our institution at high risk for surgical site occurrence and reconstructed with XenMatrix™ AB with intent-to-treat between 2014 and 2017 were included. Demographics, operative characteristics, and outcomes were collected. The primary outcome was hernia recurrence. The secondary outcomes included length of stay, surgical site occurrence, readmission, morbidity, and mortality. Results Twenty-two patients underwent abdominal wall reconstruction using XenMatrix™ AB during the study period. Two patients died while inpatient from progression of their comorbid diseases and were excluded. Sixty percent of patients had an open abdomen at the time of repair. All patients were from modified Ventral Hernia Working Group class 2 or 3. There were a total of four 30-day infectious complications including superficial cellulitis/fat necrosis (15%) and one intraperitoneal abscess (5%). No patients required reoperation or graft excision. Median clinical follow-up was 38.2 months with a mean of 35.2 +/− 18.5 months. Two asymptomatic recurrences and one symptomatic recurrence were noted during this period with one planning for elective repair of an eventration. Follow-up was extended by phone interview which identified no additional recurrences at a median of 45.5 and mean of 50.5 +/−12.7 months. Conclusion We present long-term outcomes for patients with high-risk and contaminated wounds who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction reinforced with XenMatrix™ AB to achieve early, permanent abdominal closure. Acceptable outcomes were noted.


2021 ◽  
pp. 155335062110414
Author(s):  
Dietmar Eucker ◽  
Nadine Rüedi ◽  
Clinton Luedtke ◽  
Oliver Stern ◽  
Henning Niebuhr ◽  
...  

Background The abdominal wall expanding system (AWEX) was first applied in 2012 and published in 2017. This novel technique was developed to reconstruct complex incisional hernias and residual skin-grafted laparostoma after treatment of an open abdomen, when primary midline closure was impossible. The main aim was the anatomical reconstruction of the abdominal wall and the avoidance of dissecting techniques (component separation). Methods Between 2012 and 2019, 33 patients underwent AWEX hernia repair in three certified hernia centers. The retracted abdominal wall was stretched with the AWEX system intraoperatively for approximately 30 min. Hernia size was measured preoperatively, on CT, and intraoperatively. The gain in length on the lateral abdominal wall (decrease in width of the defect) after stretching and any residual midline gap were determined in the OR. Results 33 patients underwent AWEX procedures. Six cases were evaluated separately because of additional procedures (TAR, four cases) and preoperative application of botulinum toxin (two cases). The median (95% confidence interval) measured width of hernia defects was 13 (12–16) cm, the median gain in length on the lateral abdominal wall was 12 (10–15) cm. After median follow-up of 29 (12–54) months, one recurrence from the broken mesh was observed. No method-related complications occurred. Conclusion Based on the 2017 and current results, the AWEX system represents an alternative or supplemental procedure to current techniques for complex abdominal wall reconstruction. The system proved again to be time-saving, safe, effective, and easy to learn. Further studies with enhanced technology are in progress.


2010 ◽  
Vol 125 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
S M Powell ◽  
M Tremlett ◽  
D A Bosman

AbstractObjective:To assess the quality of life of UK children with sleep-disordered breathing undergoing adenotonsillectomy, by using the Obstructive Sleep Apnoea 18 questionnaire and determining score changes and effect sizes.Design:Prospective, longitudinal study.Setting:The otolaryngology department of a university teaching hospital in Northern England.Participants:Twenty-eight children for whom adenotonsillectomy was planned as treatment for sleep-disordered breathing, and who had either a clinical history consistent with obstructive sleep apnoea or a polysomnographic diagnosis.Main outcome measure:The Obstructive Sleep Apnoea 18 questionnaire, a previously validated, disease-specific quality of life assessment tool; changes in questionnaire scores and effect sizes were assessed.Methods:The Obstructive Sleep Apnoea 18 questionnaire was administered to each child's parent pre-operatively, then again at the follow-up appointment. Questionnaire scores ranged from 1 to 7. Score changes were analysed using the paired t-test; effect sizes were calculated using 95 per cent confidence intervals.Results:Complete data were obtained for 22 children (mean age, 61 months). Ten had undergone pre-operative polysomnography. Twenty-one children underwent adenotonsillectomy (one underwent tonsillectomy). Median follow up was eight weeks (interquartile range, six to 11 weeks). Following surgery, the overall mean score improvement was 2.6 (p < 0.0001) and the mean effect size 2.4 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.9 to 2.8). There were significant improvements in each of the individual questionnaire domains, i.e. sleep disturbance (mean score change 3.9, p < 0.0001), physical suffering (2.2, p < 0.0001), emotional distress (2.0, p = 0.0001), daytime problems (1.8, p = 0.0001) and caregiver concerns (2.6, p < 0.0001).Conclusion:In these children with sleep-disordered breathing treated by adenotonsillectomy, Obstructive Sleep Apnoea 18 questionnaire results indicated significantly improved mean score changes and effect sizes across all questionnaire domains, comparing pre- and post-operative data.


2002 ◽  
Vol 111 (10) ◽  
pp. 890-895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid R. Djalilian ◽  
Sharon L. Smith ◽  
Timothy A. King ◽  
Samuel C. Levine

To assess the efficacy, quality of life, and complication rate of cochlear implantation in patients over 60 years of age, we performed a retrospective chart review of 31 cochlear implant patients more than 60 years old at the time of surgery (mean, 70 years; range, 62 to 86 years). All patients had improvement in their audiological test results after operation. Twenty-eight patients (93%) are regular implant users at a median follow-up of 12 months. Major complications occurred in 2 patients (6%). We conclude that cochlear implantation in the elderly population has excellent results, with a complication rate similar to that in patients less than 60 years old, and yields an improved quality of life.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. e244018
Author(s):  
Hasan Gökcer Tekin ◽  
Karin Andersen ◽  
Vivi Bakholdt ◽  
Jens Ahm Sørensen

Scrotal elephantiasis (SE) is a condition considered rare in western industrialised countries but common in filaria prone regions. If no apparent causes are found for SE, it is called idiopathic SE. Medical and conservative therapies are ineffective against idiopathic SE, and surgical intervention is mandatory to treat this disabling condition. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether surgical intervention improves quality of life among patients with idiopathic SE. Herein, we report a case of a 41-year-old man who underwent acute scrotal resection and reconstruction, secondary to haemorrhage from his idiopathic SE. The aim of this study was to describe the operative approach and assess patient satisfaction after surgical treatment. The patient had no recurrence of SE after surgical treatment at 6 months follow-up and had considerable improvements assessed by general and disease-specific quality of life questionnaires.


2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (10) ◽  
pp. 955-960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawn Diamond ◽  
H. Gill Cryer

Grading systems developed by the Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) for complex open abdominal wall reconstruction rely on limited outcomes: surgical site occurrence (SSO) and hernia recurrence. This does not account for the longitudinal restoration of a functional abdominal wall and the ability to correct complications. We performed a single-site, retrospective review of consecutive complex open abdominal wall reconstruction interventions with 24-month minimum follow-up to establish reoperation rates and compare long-term results to the VHWG. About 125 midline hernia repairs (>200 cm2) were studied. All had loss of functional domain and 47-month average follow-up. Demographics included: mean age 57 years, 47 per cent male, 63 per cent obese, and 34 per cent with contamination. Rates of SSO per VHWG grade were 9 per cent grade I, 45 per cent grade II, and 55 per cent grade III. Forty-three of 59 patients who developed complications were eventually successful after reoperation leading to an 87 per cent restoration rate. Select factors independently associated with reoperation included biological mesh and clinical history of infection. Although rates of SSO were higher than the VHWG published, we experienced high salvage rates except in patients who underwent biologic repair. We recommend restricted use of biologic mesh in contaminated and clean fields as well as modifications to the VHWG grading and recommendations.


2006 ◽  
Vol 155 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Koltowska-Häggström ◽  
Anders F Mattsson ◽  
John P Monson ◽  
Paul Kind ◽  
Xavier Badia ◽  
...  

Objective: To determine whether impaired quality of life (QoL) in adults with GH deficiency (GHD) is reversible with long-term GH therapy and whether the responses in QoL dimensions differ from each other. Methods: QoL was measured by the Quality of Life–Assessment for Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults (QoL-AGHDA) in general population samples in England & Wales, The Netherlands, Spain and Sweden (n = 892, 1038, 868 and 1682 respectively) and compared with corresponding patients’ data from KIMS (Pfizer International Metabolic Database) (n = 758, 247, 197 and 484 respectively) for 4–6 years a follow-up. The subsets of patients from England and Wales, and Sweden with longitudinal data for 5 years’ follow-up were also analysed. The change of the total QoL-AGHDA scores and responses within dimensions were evaluated. Subanalyses were performed to identify any specificity in response pattern for gender, age, disease-onset and aetiology. Results: Irrespective of the degree of impairment, overall QoL improved dramatically in the first 12 months, with steady progress thereafter towards the country-specific population mean. Problems with memory and tiredness were the most serious burden for untreated patients, followed by tenseness, self-confidence and problems with socialising. With treatment, these improved in the reverse order, normalising for the latter three. Conclusions: Long-term GH replacement results in sustained improvements towards the normative country-specific values in overall QoL and in most impaired dimensions. The lasting improvement and almost identical pattern of response in each patient subgroup and independent of the level of QoL impairment support the hypothesis that GHD may cause these patients’ psychological problems.


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