José Luis Aguayo-Albasini

Open vs laparoscopic repair of secondary lumbar hernias: a prospective nonrandomized study

BackgroundLumbar hernias are uncommon defects of the posterior abdominal wall. Surgical treatment is still controversial in these cases. The aim of this study was to compare outcome and costs of the laparoscopic approach vs the open method.MethodsWe conducted a prospective nonrandomized study of 16 patients who underwent operation for secondary lumbar hernia between January 1997 and January 2003. Hine were treated via the laparoscopic approach and seven with an open technique. The following variables were analyzed: clinical data, hospital data (operating time and length of stay), patient comfort (consumption of analgesics and time to return to normal activities), and recurrences. Hospital costs were also analyzed.ResultsThere were no differences between the two groups in terms of age and history, although the defects of the patients in the laparoscopic group were smaller. Mean operating time, postoperative morbidity, mean hospital stay, consumption of analgesics, and time to return to normal activities were significantly lower in the laparoscopic group (p < 0. 01). No were there any statistical differences between the two types of surgical procedure in terms of hospital costs. However, the final cost did show differences when expenses for readmissions and recurrences were taken into account (p < 0.01).ConclusionThe laparoscopic approach to secondary lumbar hernia repair is more efficient and more profitable than the traditional open technique.

Is the outcome of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair affected by defect size? A prospective study

BACKGROUND This study was performed to determine if defect size after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is predictive of recurrence during the long-term follow-up evaluation. METHODS We performed a prospective clinical study on 310 patients who underwent laparoscopic incisional hernia repair to identify predictable risk factors for hernia recurrence. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used. The defect size was analyzed with curve receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS The overall recurrence rate was 6% after an average follow-up period of 60 months. On univariate analysis of the defect size (categories: <10 cm, 10-12 cm, and >15 cm), obesity, previous repairs, hernia location, surgical time, hospital stay, morbidity, and recurrences were significantly different (P < .001). By multivariate analysis, only obesity and defect size were independent prognostic factors (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The predictive value of defect size is shown. Patients with large defects have a higher risk of recurrence. Our study recommends reserving the laparoscopic technique for hernias not exceeding 10 cm in size, where it can be put to better use.

Neumomediastino espontáneo: estudio descriptivo de nuestra experiencia basada en 36 casos

El neumomediastino espontáneo se define como la presencia de aire o gas en el mediastino de forma primaria. Presentamos todos los casos de neumomediastino espontáneo hallados en nuestro hospital entre enero de 1996 y diciembre de 2004. Para ello, elaboramos un protocolo de recogida de datos que incluyó: antecedentes personales, desencadenantes, semiología, radiología, tratamiento, estancia y complicaciones. En este período diagnosticamos 36 casos —25 varones (69,4%) y 11 mujeres (27,5%)—, con una edad media de 36,8 años (rango: 11-90) y estancia media de 8,56 días (rango: 1-53). El cuadro clínico más habitual fue el dolor torácico, aislado (27%) o asociado a disnea (19,4%). En 14 pacientes (38,8%) hubo factor desencadenante. No hubo morbimortalidad asociada al proceso. Por todo ello, se concluye que el neumomediastino espontáneo es una entidad infrecuente, con gran variabilidad clínica, cuyo diagnóstico correcto exige un alto índice de sospecha, y la radiografía de tórax es la prueba idónea para ello. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is defined as a primary process characterized by the presence of air or gas in the mediastinum. We report all the cases of spontaneous pneumomediastinum diagnosed in our hospital between January 1996 and December 2004. We developed a protocol for data collection that included the following: medical history, triggers, signs, radiology, treatment, hospital stay, and complications. During this period we diagnosed 36 cases—25 men (69.4%) and 11 women (27.5%)—with a mean age of 36.8 years (range, 11-90 years) and a mean hospital stay of 8.56 days (range, 1-53 days). The most common clinical presentation was chest pain, either isolated (27%) or with associated dyspnea (19.4%). A triggering factor was identified for 14 patients (38.8%). There was no associated morbidity or mortality. In view of our findings, we concluded that spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon entity with considerable clinical variability and that correct diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion. Radiography provides the best evidence for diagnosis.

Adult intussusception: 14 case reports and their outcomes

AIMS: To analyze diagnostic and therapeutic options depending on the clinical symptoms, location, and lesions associated with intussusception, together with their follow-up and complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients admitted to the Morales Meseguer General University Hospital (Murcia) between January 1995 and January 2009, and diagnosed with intestinal invagination. Data related to demographic and clinical features, complementary explorations, presumptive diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and complications were collected. RESULTS: There were 14 patients (7 males and 7 females; mean age: 41.9 years-range: 17-77) who presented with abdominal pain. The most reliable diagnostic technique was computed tomography (8 diagnoses from 10 CT scans). A preoperative diagnosis was established in 12 cases. Invaginations were ileocolic in 8 cases (the most common), enteric in 5, and colocolic in 2 (coexistence of 2 lesions in one patient). The etiology of these intussusceptions was idiopathic or secondary to a lesion acting as the lead point for invagination. Depending on the nature of this lead point, the cause of the enteric intussusceptions was benign in 3 cases and malignant in 2. Ileocolic invaginations were divided equally (4 benign and 4 malignant), and colocolic lesions were benign (2 cases). Conservative treatment was implemented for 4 patients and surgery for 10 (7 in emergency). Five right hemicolectomies, 3 small-bowel resections, 2 left hemicolectomies, and 1 ileocecal resection were performed. Surgical complications: 3 minor and 1 major (with malignant etiology and subsequent death). The lesion disappeared after 3 days to 6 weeks in patients with conservative management. Mean follow-up was 28.25 months (range: 5-72 months). CONCLUSIONS: A suitable imaging technique, preferably CT, is important for the diagnosis of intussusception. Surgery is usually necessary but we favor conservative treatment in selected cases.

Repair of complex incisional hernias using double prosthetic repair: single-surgeon experience with 50 cases.

BACKGROUND The treatment of complex incisional hernias is still difficult and controversial. With technologic developments we can modify and update the operative techniques described for treating complex abdominal wall hernias. METHODS This is a prospective study of 50 patients with complex incisional hernias undergoing complex abdominal wall herniorrhaphy at a university hospital. All patients were evaluated in a multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to abdominal wall reconstruction. All patients underwent pre-operative computed tomography. Complex incisional hernias were regarded as those with multiple recurrences (>3 times), a previous mesh complicated by fistula and chronic infection, giant diffuse lumbar hernias, an associated parastomal hernia, or hernias developing after bariatric surgery. The operative technique was a double reconstruction prosthetic mesh. The type of repair as well as clinical, operative, and follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS Eight patients had considerable loss of tissue, 5 had trophic skin lesions, and 2 had chronic suppurative infection. The mean size of the defects was 18.2 cm. Morbidity included 5 cases of seroma, 2 neuralgias, and 2 cutaneous necroses. The mean duration of hospital stay was 5 days (range, 2-9). Complete follow-up (mean, 48 months; range, 12-108) showed no recurrent hernias. CONCLUSION While awaiting a longer follow-up to confirm the results, we conclude that complex incisional hernias can be repaired safely and with a low morbidity and recurrence rate by means of a double prosthetic repair technique.

Protective ileostomy: complications and mortality associated with its closure

INTRODUCTION diverting loop ileostomies are widely used in colorectal surgery to protect low rectal anastomoses. However, they may have various complications, among which are those associated with the subsequent stoma closure. The present study analyses our experience in a series of patients undergoing closure of loop ileostomies. METHOD retrospective study of all the patients undergoing ileostomy closure at our hospital between 2006-2010. There were 89 patients: 56 males (63%) and 33 females (37%) with a mean age of 55 (38-71) years. The most common indication for ileostomy was protection of a low rectal anastomosis, 81 patients (91%). The waiting time until stoma closure, type and frequency of the complications, length of hospital stay and mortality rate are analysed. RESULTS waiting time before surgery was 8 (1-25) months. Forty-one patients (45,9%) developed some type of complication, three were reoperated (3.37%) and one patient died (1.12%). The most important complications were intestinal obstruction (32.6%), diarrhoea(6%), surgical wound infection (6%), enterocutaneous fistula (4.5%), rectorrhagia (3.4%) and anastomotic leak (1.12%). The mean length of patient stay was 7.54 (2-23) days. CONCLUSIONS protective ostomies in low rectal anastomoses have proved to be the only preventive measure for reducing the morbidity and mortality rates for anastomotic leakage. However, creation means subsequent closure, which must not be considered a minor procedure but an operation with possibly significant complications, including death, as has been shown in publications on the subject and in our own series.

[Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: descriptive study of our experience with 36 cases].

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is defined as a primary process characterized by the presence of air or gas in the mediastinum. We report all the cases of spontaneous pneumomediastinum diagnosed in our hospital between January 1996 and December 2004. We developed a protocol for data collection that included the following: medical history, triggers, signs, radiology, treatment, hospital stay, and complications. During this period we diagnosed 36 cases—25 men (69.4%) and 11 women (30.6%)—with a mean age of 36.8 years (range, 11-90 years) and a mean hospital stay of 8.56 days (range, 1-53 days). The most common clinical presentation was chest pain, either isolated (27%) or with associated dyspnea (19.4%). A triggering factor was identified for 14 patients (38.8%). There was no associated morbidity or mortality. In view of our findings, we concluded that spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon entity with considerable clinical variability and that correct diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion. Radiography provides the best evidence for diagnosis.

Associated Factors and Cost of Inappropriate Hospital Admissions and Stays in a Second-Level Hospital

The objective of this study was to analyze the variables related to inappropriate admissions and hospital stays and their financial repercussions. This was a descriptive retrospective study in which the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (AEP) was applied to a representative sample of 725 hospital admissions and 1350 hospital stays. The cost of inappropriate stays was calculated by cost accounting. The study found that 7.4% of admissions and 24.6% of stays were inappropriate. Inappropriate admissions were significantly related to medical specialties and younger patient age. Inappropriate stays were related to these factors, plus patients being outside their corresponding areas, nonurgent admissions, and low occupancy rate. The cost of the inappropriate admissions and stays was 147 044 euros. Extrapolated to the hospital as a whole this would represent 2125638 euros per year. Steps must be taken to reduce inappropriate admissions and stays to lower health care costs and to reserve hospital resources for patients who genuinely need them. (Am J Med Qual 2009;24:321-332)

Controversias en el manejo actual de las hernias traumáticas de pared abdominal

Resumen Las hernias traumaticas de pared abdominal presentan importantes controversias en cuanto a su manejo. Para intentar responder al problema se realizo una revision en MEDLINE y se anadio una serie personal de 10 pacientes. Los casos se clasificaron segun el agente lesional. El 56% fueron causados por accidentes de coche y el 14%, por bicicleta. En el 22% se hizo un diagnostico clinico y en el 13%, quirurgico, y se encontro lesiones intraabdominales en el 67%. El 12% fueron manejados de forma diferida. En nuestra serie, el 66% fueron hernias lumbares por accidentes de trafico y todas asociaban fractura pelvica. El tratamiento fue diferido en el 50% de los casos, incluida la cirugia laparoscopica con buenos resultados. En conclusion, las hernias traumaticas por accidentes de trafico se asocian con mucha frecuencia a lesiones intraabdominales; la Tomografia computarizada puede ser la mejor forma de diagnostico y la cirugia diferida (laparoscopia) es una buena opcion.

Vascular injury by tacks during totally extraperitoneal endoscopic inguinal hernioplasty.

Totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic hernioplasty is a consolidated approach for treating recurrent and bilateral inguinal hernias. However, it may be associated, albeit very rarely, with vascular lesions that can endanger the patients life. A proper anatomic knowledge of the posterior aspect of the inguinal region and a perfect command of the laparoscopic technique are essential for avoiding and, if necessary, treating these lesions. We present an unusual case of an arterial lesion of the aberrant obturator artery of the corona mortis during fixation of the mesh with a tacker.