Comparison of Laparoscope-Assisted Single-Needle Laparoscopic Percutaneous Extraperitoneal Closure versus Open Repair for Pediatric Inguinal Hernia

Background: Laparoscopic repairs have gained gradual acceptance in pediatric inguinal hernia over the past decade. However, consensus about the optimal management is still lacking. The aim of this study is to present a modified single-needle laparoscopic approach with the assistance of a laparoscope and to evaluate the surgical outcomes in comparison with traditional open repair method. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical data of children who underwent laparoscope-assisted single-needle laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) and open repair (OR) for inguinal hernia from 2014 to 2019. Data were reviewed and analyzed with respect to the operating time, the incidence of metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH), recurrence, and other complications. Results: In our cohort, 961 patients in the OR group and 1098 patients in the LPEC group were analyzed retrospectively. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the LPEC group (22.3±3.5 min) than in the OR group (27.8±5.9 min) for bilateral hernia repair (p<0.001). Iatrogenic cryptorchidism occurred statistically more frequently in the OR group than in the LPEC group (0.4% vs. 0%, p=0.013). In addition, the incidence of MCIH was 3.7% (33/887) in the OR group and 0.3% (3/1014) in the LPEC group (p<0.01). Conclusion: Based on the current outcomes, laparoscope-assisted single-needle LPEC provides a simple and attractive option for the administration of pediatric patients with inguinal hernia/hydrocele to reduce the MCIH.

P035 EMERGENCY BILATERAL GORIN HERNIA REPAIR IN UNILATERAL COMPLICATED INGUINAL HERNIA REAPIR WITH CONCOMITNAT CONTRALATERAL HERNIA. COHORTS COMPARATIVE OUTCOMES ANALYSIS USING PROPENSITY SCORE MATCHING

Aim Aim of our study was to analyze outcomes and safety of bilateral inguinal hernia repair in unilateral groin complicated hernia with contralateral groin hernia. Material and Methods Retrospective cohorts study following STROBE statements on a prospective Emergency Surgery Department database. Inclusion criteria were: patients with emergency hernia repair from 2008 to 2018, 18 years old. Unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia repair without other abdominal wall hernia repairs. Comparative analysis between two group unilateral hernia repair (UH) vs bilateral hernia repair (BH) those patients with unilateral complicated inguinal hernia with contralateral inguinal hernia. Propensity score matching (PSM) between groups was performed to eliminate statistically groups differences. Outcomes between groups were analyzed with special attention to postoperative morbimortality and hernia recurrence. Results 341 patients were included, 38(11.1%) were performed bilateral hernia repair. Groups differences were: higher rate of inguinoscrotal inguinal hernia (36.8 vs 22.8), prophylactic antibiotics use (94.7 vs 81.8) and general Anesthesia use (52.6% vs 50.2%). General high rates of morbidity and mortality were observed (5.9% and 41.9) and 22 (6.5%) hernia repair recurrence were detected. After PSM no differences between surgery outcomes groups were observed with similar morbidity, recurrence or hospital stay. Conclusions Emergency inguinal hernia repair has high morbidity and mortality rates in our experience. Emergency Bilateral inguinal hernia repair in context of hernia complication seems safe without recurrence or hospital stay increase.

P072 ARTICULATED LAPAROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS. BENEFITS ON LAPAROSCOPIC HERNIOPLASTY

Aim To present initial experience using 5 mm articulated laparoscopic instruments in tapp laparoscopic hernioplasty that emulated the benefits attributed to robotic surgery. Material and Methods We report data from the first 42 procedures using 5 mm articulating instruments. A retrospective analysis was performed in patients who underwent tapp laparoscopic hernioplasty using novel articulated graspers, needle holders, and scissors. The surgeons and surgical nurses were trained in the handling and operation of the articulating instruments, before the first surgical procedure. In all cases, articulating instruments were inserted through 5 mm trocars. Data collected included patient demographics, details related to the surgical procedure, postoperative outcomes, and complications. Results Over a period of one month, were repaired 78 inguinal hernias. 36 patients had a bilateral hernia, and the mean age was 45 years (SD 15.1), with a mean BMI of 28.6 (SD 6.1). 32 male and 4 female patients. The mean operative time was 90 min. The articulated head of the clamp allowed traction, dissection, and suture in different directions. In addition, was not detected a significant learning curve due to its intuitive applicability. Surgical complications included two serohematomas. All patients discharge during operation day. The procedures performing without intraoperative complications nor conversion to open surgery occurred. Conclusions The use of an articulated instrument has a promising future. It would meet some benefits of robotics without increasing costs. We need randomized comparative studies for a better conclusion.

P119 THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ROBOTIC TEP AND ETEP APPROACH IN THE MODERN INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR : A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Aim In a robotic surgery era, the totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair is less common than the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach. The enhanced-view TEP (eTEP) has been proposed as a modification to the standard TEP technique. The aim of this study is to present a single centre’s experience in Robotic TEP and eTEP inguinal hernia repair technique. Material and Methods This is a case-series presentation of patients with inguinal hernia that underwent robotic TEP and eTEP repair in a single institution. Patients’ characteristics were reviewed and perioperative outcomes were extracted. All patients were followed-up at the outpatient surgical unit. Intraoperative and postoperative parameters were analyzed. Results 21 patients (10% females) with a mean age of 58.5 years underwent robotic TEP (14 patients) and eTEP (7 patients) inguinal hernia repair. Eight patients were treated for bilateral hernia (total number of 29 hernias) and two were operated for recurrence. No conversion to open or TAPP repair was required. The mean operative time was 108 minutes for the bilateral hernias and 75 minutes for the unilateral cases. All patients were discharged the same day, after 3 to 5 hours postoperatively. Four of the patients used pain medication postoperatively. No major complications or recurrences were revealed during a mean postoperative follow-up time of 14 months Conclusions Robotic TEP and eTEP are safe and efficient surgical options in the treatment of inguinal hernia in experienced centres. The two techniques can result in high-quality outcomes regarding hospital stay, pain control and elimination of hernia recurrence.

EP.TH.861Compliance with guidelines for inguinal hernia repair in a large teaching hospital

Background The Royal College of Surgeons of England guidelines recommends laparoscopic repair for bilateral inguinal hernias, recurrent hernia after an initial open approach and Groin hernias in women. Aim This study assessed the surgical management of inguinal hernia over 6 years to see how well we adhered to national guidelines and investigated reasons for non-adherence. Methods A retrospective study from January 2013 to December 2018 of all patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. Data collected were patient identifiers, gender, date of birth, date of admission and discharge, type of inguinal hernia, type of repair and the operating consultant. If the type of repair performed was outside of national guidance, patients’ case-notes were reviewed. Results 2593 patients were included, 93.4% male and median age of 63 (interquartile range 49-74 years). 403 patients underwent laparoscopic repair (15.5%). For unilateral primary inguinal herniae, 221 out of 2222 patients underwent laparoscopic repair (9.9%). 29 of 170 (17%) of female patients underwent laparoscopic repair. 118 out of 160 patients with bilateral hernia underwent laparoscopic repair (73.8%) - no explanation was identified for selecting open repair in 25 out of 42. Regarding recurrent hernia, 64 out of 211 patients underwent laparoscopic repair (30.3%). No explanation for selection of open approach was identified for 61 of the 147. Conclusion National guidelines recommending laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair for females, bilateral and recurrent herniae are not well followed. A likely contributing factor is the overall low rate of laparoscopic repair. Changes to practice are underway and repeat audit is planned.

Bilateral giant inguinoscrotal hernia with hydrocele. A case report

Giant inguinoscrotal hernia (GIH) is a high morbidity and mortality disease. Giant inguinoscrotal hernia containing omentum, intestinal segments or urinary bladder is a challenging surgical disease. The patient was diagnosed with bilateral giant inguinoscrotal hernia at the age of 81. The case had 22 years history of this uncommon disease. Ultrasound revealed a voluminous hernia sac containing bowel loops, greater omentum, and hydrocele. According the new classification of GIH, the patient was type II. He underwent complete surgical hernioplasty involving omentectomy and orchiectomy. After the surgery, any emerging complications were closely monitored. When giant inguinoscrotal hernia is diagnosed, operation should be recommended immediately. Treatment procedure of hernia should be according the classification of GIH. The Lichtenstein tension-free technique seems to be the best surgical procedure for the patient who have bilateral hernia. It should be used whenever possible in such cases. The patients should be carefully follow up postoperative in terms of abdominal compartment syndrome and respiratory insufficiency.

CHRONIC POSTOPERATIVE PAIN AFTER ANTERIOR INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR

INTRODUCTION Chronic postoperative pain after inguinal hernia repair is one of the most prevalent sequel after inguinal hernioplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective descriptive study was done, studying 414 patients who underwent programmed anterior inguinal hernioplasty in our centre between 01/01/18 and 12/31/19. Laterality, the type of mesh used and fixation method are studied, as well as the appearance of early postoperative pain, at one month and after the third month. P &lt; 0.05 is considered a statistically significant value. RESULTS Of 414 patients, 90.6% were male, with a mean age of 65.5 years. In 89.1% the surgery was unilateral and 8.7% was hernia recurrence. 46.1% presented pre-surgical pain. 10.4% presented pain in the first check-up and 1.9% chronic pain. In 81.4%, flat mesh was placed, fixing it with suture in 83.6%. Greater pain was observed in the first review in patients operated on for bilateral hernia (22%, p 0.006). No differences were found regarding age, sex or recurrent hernias. In bilateral hernias, recurrent hernias and hernioplasty with plug, more postoperative complications were observed with a p &lt; 0.05. In those patients who present complications, postoperative pain was observed in the first review in 16% (p &lt; 0,05). CONCLUSIONS Patients who underwent bilateral hernioplasty present more complications and greater postoperative pain in the first revision, but not after the third postoperative month. No differences were observed in chronic pain in primary vs recurrent hernias. Post-surgical complications are related to greater initial postoperative pain but not to chronic pain.

The TransEnterix European Patient Registry for Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Procedures in Urology, Abdominal, Thoracic, and Gynecologic Surgery (“TRUST”)

Introduction: Robotic surgery was first introduced in the mid-1980s, and at the end of the '90s, the da Vinci® System (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, California) was introduced in Europe and held a monopoly for years afterward. In 2016, Senhance™ digital laparoscopic platform (Asensus Surgical, Durham, North Carolina) came to the market. This new platform is based on laparoscopic movements and is designed for laparoscopic surgeons. This study shows the surgical outcomes of patients after different visceral, colorectal, gynecological, and urological surgical procedures done with the Senhance™ digital laparoscopic platform with a focus on safety. Materials and Methods: The study population consists of 871 patients who underwent robotic surgery with the Senhance™ platform. The most common procedures were hernia repairs (unilateral and bilateral), cholecystectomies, and prostatectomies. The procedures were performed in five centers in Europe between February 2017 and July 2020 by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. Results: 220 (25.3 %) out of 871 patients had a unilateral hernia repair, 70 (8.0%) a bilateral hernia repair, 159 (18.3%) underwent a cholecystectomy, and 168 (19.3%) a prostatectomy. The other procedures included visceral, colorectal, and gynecological surgery procedures. The median docking time was 7.46 minutes for the four most common procedures. The duration of surgery varied from 32 to 313 minutes, the average time was 114.31 minutes. Adverse events were rare overall. There were 48 (5.5 %) adverse events out of 871 patients, 24 of them (2.8 % of all cases) were severe. Out of all 24 severe adverse events, five events (20.8%) were likely related to the robot, 17 events (70.8%) were unlikely related to the robot, and two events (8.3%) could not be categorized. Regarding complications following unilateral hernia repairs, data from 212 patients was available. Thirteen (6.1%) complications occurred, and six of those (2.8%) were serious. Out of 68 patients with a bilateral hernia repair, six patients (8.8%) developed complications, three of which were severe (4.4%). The complication rate was 2.8% in the patients following a cholecystectomy (4/144); two of them serious. After prostatectomy, six out of 141 patients (4.3 %) had complications; one serious (0.7%) No mortality was observed. Data about unplanned conversions to laparoscopic surgery could be collected from 761 patients which is a rate of 3.7%. There were 12 conversions out of 760 procedures to open surgery (1.6%). Conclusions: Our series shows these procedures are safe and reproducible. The findings suggest that the surgical results after robotic surgery with the Senhance™ system are promising. Long-term data regarding complication rates should be the subject of future studies.

Anatomical variants of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, their clinical significance and feasibility of prenatal differentiation

Purpose — to present verified typical anatomical variants of isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia and clinical outcomes in newborns depending on the type of pathology, to compare with data of prenatal examination, and to assess feasibility of prenatal differentiation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Materials and methods. The data of operation protocols and autopsy results of newborn patients with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia for the period 2007–2020 were analyzed, and then compared with prenatal exam data and clinical outcomes. Data from different anatomical variants of congenital diaphragmatic hernia were analyzed using descriptive statistics methods. Results. Anatomical data were evaluated in 67 cases with the following typical variants: left-sided non-communicating defect (20.9%), left-sided communicating with herniation of intestine (19.4%), intestine and stomach (26,9%), intestine, stomach and liver (19.4%, 13/67), right- sided communicating with intestine and liver herniation (10.4%), right- sided non-communicating (1.5%), bilateral communicating defects (1.5%). Mortality at the stage of stabilization in these variants was 0%, 0%, 11.1%, 30.8%, 71.4%, 0% and 100%, postoperative mortality, respectively, 7.1%, 0%, 12.5%, 44.4%, 0%, 0% (excluding bilateral hernia), total mortality 7.1%, 0%, 22.2%, 61.5%, 71.4%, 0%, 100%. Comparison of lung indices in patients with left-sided hernias showed their similarity in groups with non-communicating defects and communicating with herniation of intestine. Significant differences were found in the groups with herniation of the intestine and stomach, and intestines, stomach and liver. The mean liver-to-lung ratio in right-sided communicating defects was 3.7±1.9, in left-sided communicating defects 1.7±0.8 and in non-communicating 0.44±0.25, the difference between all groups was highly significant. Patterns of stomach position in different variants of pathology were determined. Conclusions. Analysis of postnatally verified cases of diaphragmatic hernia showed marked anatomical variability. The highest mortality and the lowest rate of surgical correction registered was in communicating right-sided defects, and in communicating left-sided with simultaneous herniation of the intestine, stomach and liver. The best outcomes were found in non-communicating defects, or in communicating with herniation of intestine. Prenatal evaluation of stomach position may be the basis to differentiation between clinico-anatomical variants of the pathology. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the Institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interest was declared by the authors. Key words: congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital malformations, prenatal diagnosis.

Video-assisted percutaneous hernia sac suturing: a new technique of inguinal hernia repair in children

Background. Inguinal hernias are very important problem in pediatric surgery. It appears in 520 cases in every 1000 newborns, approximately 10 times prevalence in males. However, the incidence of inguinal hernia is bigger by 1.52 times in group of premature infants. Materials and methods. In prospective study, that was performed in 20192020, 90 pediatric patients diagnosed inguinal hernia were included. All patients had open herniotomy (Duhamel method), subcutaneous endoscopic-assisted ligation of inguinal hernia using Tuohy needle, or video-assisted percutaneous hernial sac suturing (VIPS). Results. The mean operating time in VIPS group was 13 13.46 min in patients with unilateral inguinal hernia and 20 6.12 min in patients with bilateral variant. In the 6-month follow-up period, any complications or recurrences were not observed. VIPS group included two extremely premature infant with uni- and bilateral inguinal hernia. Minimally invasive herniotomy was performed in 50 weeks post-conceptual age, with unremarkable postoperative period. A difference was found in the operating time between groups of minimally invasive herniotomy and group of Duhamel repair. No difference was found in the operating time of bilateral hernia between all groups. Conclusion. Considered all things, assuming that announced method of video-assisted percutaneous hernial sac ligation to be a perspective minimal invasive way of treatment for inguinal hernia in children is reasonable. However, for final conclusions, further study of this surgical technique, also in a cohort of premature infants, is required, with the possible organization of multicenter clinical trials.