Postoperative transverse sternal nonunion with a chest wall defect managed by a tibial locking plate and a Gore-Tex dual mesh membrane: a case report

Background Transverse sternal nonunion is a rare but disabling complication of chest trauma or a transverse sternotomy. Fixation methods, mainly used to manage the more common longitudinal sternal nonunion, often fail, leaving the surgical treatment of transverse nonunion to be a challenge. Case presentation We present a case of a highly-disabling, postoperative chest wall defect resulting from transverse sternal nonunion after a transverse thoracosternotomy (clamshell incision) and a concomitant rib resection. Following unsuccessful surgical attempts, the sternal nonunion was fixed with a tibial locking plate and bone grafted, while the post-rib resection chest defect was reconstructed with a Gore-Tex dual mesh membrane. Adequate chest stability was achieved, enabling complete healing of the sternal nonunion and the patient’s complete recovery. Conclusion We believe it is important to address both in the rare case of combined postoperative transverse sternal nonunion and the chest wall defect after rib resection. A good outcome was achieved in our patient by fixing the nonunion with an appropriately sized and shaped locking plate with bone grafting and covering the chest defect with a dual mesh membrane.

EP.TH.108A Descriptive Case Series of Incisional Hernia Repair Using Dual Mesh Technique

Aims Incisional hernias are a common complication after surgery that cause significant patient morbidity. Symptomatic patients are offered repair but many surgical techniques exist, with abdominal wall reconstruction becoming preferable for large complex defects. This paper describes our experience of abdominal wall reconstruction using a dual mesh technique. Method 22 patients underwent incisional hernia repair between March 2019 and September 2020. All patients received dual mesh, placed in retrorectus or transversalis fascial/retromuscular space. Absorbable BIO-A GORE mesh was used with a polypropylene mesh above. All patients were followed up to assess for complications and recurrence. Results No patients experienced fistula formation, long-term pain or obstructive symptoms. We report one true hernia recurrence (4.5%) and one case of infected mesh (4.5%), these both await further treatment. One patient had a proven wound infection which resolved with conservative treatment. 4 patients (18.2%) experienced seromas, 3 of these resolved spontaneously, one requiring image-guided drainage. Conclusion Incisional hernia repair using combination polypropylene and bio-absorbable mesh provides a safe and effective repair with low recurrence and incidence of surgical site occurrences in the short term. Longer follow up and further studies are needed to evaluate this mesh technique to support ongoing use of absorbable meshes in complex hernia repair.

LAPAROSCOPIC REPAIR OF MORGAGNI HERNIA – A PROSPECTIVE SINGLECENTER EXPERIENCE

Morgagni hernia occurs after a congenital retrosternal diaphragmatic defect; it is a rare form of diaphragmatic hernia (1-3% of cases). In general, this pathology is diagnosed in children; in adults it is frequently discovered in emergency or incidentally. Methods: We prospectively evaluated a series of 6 patients admitted to department of surgery IGIMS. Results: Out of 6 patients the laparoscopic approach was used in all cases: one conversion was recorded due to the tight adherences of the herniated viscera (gastric, colon, epiplon). In 4 cases, the surgical cure of hernia was performed by suture and in 2 cases with prosthesis: dual mesh in one case and polypropylene mesh in another case. We did not register morbidity and the mean postoperative stay was 4 days (range 2-6 days). Conclusions: Hernia Morgagni betrays a rare pathology. The most common is asymptomatic but in complicated cases it is a cause of acute surgical abdomen. Surgical treatment is indicated even for asymptomatic cases due to serious complications Morgagni hernia may develop. The laparoscopic approach is ideal, as reduction of viscera in the abdomen is easy and the defect will be repaired by suturing or using a prosthesis, depending on its size.