Peder Rogmark

Short-term Outcomes for Open and Laparoscopic Midline Incisional Hernia Repair: A Randomized Multicenter Controlled Trial: The ProLOVE (Prospective Randomized Trial on Open Versus Laparoscopic Operation of Ventral Eventrations) Trial.

Objective:The aim of the trial was to compare laparoscopic technique with open technique regarding short-term pain, quality of life (QoL), recovery, and complications. Background:Laparoscopic and open techniques for incisional hernia repair are recognized treatment options with pros and cons. Methods:Patients from 7 centers with a midline incisional hernia of a maximum width of 10 cm were randomized to either laparoscopic (LR) or open sublay (OR) mesh repair. Primary end point was pain at 3 weeks, measured as the bodily pain subscale of Short Form-36 (SF-36). Secondary end points were complications registered by type and severity (the Clavien-Dindo classification), movement restrictions, fatigue, time to full recovery, and QoL up to 8 weeks. Results:Patients were recruited between October 2005 and November 2009. Of 157 randomized patients, 133 received intervention: 64 LR and 69 OR. Measurements of pain did not differ, nor did movement restriction and postoperative fatigue. SF-36 subscales favored the LR group: physical function (P < 0.001), role physical (P < 0.012), mental health (P < 0.022), and physical composite score (P < 0.009). Surgical site infections were 17 in the OR group compared with 1 in the LR group (P < 0.001). The severity of complications did not differ between the groups (P < 0.213). Conclusions:Postoperative pain or recovery at 3 weeks after repair of midline incisional hernias does not differ between LR and OR, but the LR results in better physical function and less surgical site infections than the OR does. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00472537)

Quality-of-life and Surgical Outcome 1 Year After Open and Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair: PROLOVE: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective:Patients suffering from an incisional hernia after abdominal surgery have an impaired quality of life (QoL). Surgery aims to improve QoL with a minimum risk of further complications. The aim was to analyze QoL, predictors for outcome, including recurrence and reoperation rates during the first postoperative year. Methods:In a randomized controlled trial comparing laparoscopic and open mesh repair, 133 patients were assessed preoperatively and after 1 year with regard to QoL using the Short Form-36 (SF-36), visual analog scale (pain, movement limitation, and fatigue), and questions addressing abdominal wall complaints. Factors concerning recurrence, reoperations, satisfaction, and improved QoL were analyzed. Results:A total of 124 patients remained for analysis. All SF-36 scores except mental composite score increased, reaching and maintaining levels of the Swedish norm already after 8 weeks with no difference between groups. Event-free recovery was seen in 85% in the laparoscopic group and in 65% of the open cases (P < 0.010). Five recurrences occurred after laparoscopic surgery and 1 in the open group (P < 0.112). Overall, abdominal wall complaints decreased from 82% to 13% of the patients; and 92% were satisfied with the result after 1 year.In univariable logistic regression analyses laparoscopic surgery and male sex predicted an event-free recovery. Obesity (BMI > 30) predicted better outcome with regard to QoL. No predictors for recurrence or satisfaction were identified. Conclusions:Patients with incisional hernia benefit substantially from surgery concerning QoL, independent of surgical technique. An event-free recovery occurred frequently after laparoscopic surgery. SF-36 seems well suited for assessing surgical outcome in patients after incisional hernia repair.

Impact of Mesh Fixation on Chronic Pain in Total Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair (TEP): A Nationwide Register-based Study.

Background:Mesh fixation is used to prevent recurrence at the potential risk for chronic pain in TEP. The aim was to compare the impact of permanent fixation (PF) with no fixation (NF)/nonpermanent fixation (NPF) of mesh on chronic pain after TEP repair for primary inguinal hernia. Methods:Men, 30 to 75 years old, consecutively registered in the Swedish Hernia Register for a TEP primary repair in 2005 to 2009, were included in a mail survey using SF-36 and the Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (IPQ). Primary endpoint was IPQ question “Did you have pain during past week that could not be ignored.” Risk factors for chronic pain and recurrent operations were analyzed. Results:A total of 1110 patients were included (325 PF, 785 NF/NPF) with 7.7% reporting pain at median 33 months follow-up. No difference regarding primary endpoint pain (P < 0.462), IPQ and SF-36 subscales were seen. Recurrent operation was carried out in 1.4% during 7.5 years follow-up with no difference between PF- and NF-groups including subgroups of medial hernias. All SF-36 subscale-scores were equal to or better than the Swedish norm. A postoperative complication was a risk factor for chronic pain (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.23–5.25, P < 0.023). Conclusions:The TEP procedure for primary inguinal hernia repair in men is associated with a low frequency of chronic pain and recurrent operations, with no difference between permanent fixation and no/nonpermanent fixation of mesh in a nationwide population-based study. TEP without fixation reduces costs and is safe for all patients.

Quality of life and hernia development 5 years after open abdomen treatment with vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction

PurposeTo report incisional hernia (IH) incidence, abdominal wall (AW) discomfort and quality of life (QoL) 5 years after open abdomen treatment with vacuum-assisted wound closure and mesh-mediated fascial traction (VAWCM).MethodsFive-year follow-up of patients included in a prospective study 2006–2009. The protocol included physical examination, patient interview, chart review, questionnaires on abdominal wall and stoma complaints and the SF-36 questionnaire.ResultsFifty-five (12 women, 43 men; median age 70 years) of 111 included patients were alive. Follow-up rate was 91 %. Cumulative IH incidence during the whole study was 62 %. One-third of the IHs was repaired. At 5-year follow-up 59 % of IHs were clinically detectable. AW symptoms were equivalent in patients with (15/23) and without (11/21) IH (p = 0.541). SF-36 scores were lower than population mean for component scores and all subscales except bodily pain. Patients with major co-morbidity had lower physical component score [31.6 (95 %, CI 25.6–37.4)] compared to those without [48.9 (95 %, CI 46.2–51.4)]. Major co-morbidity was not associated with IH (p = 0.56), AW symptoms (p = 0.54) or stoma (p = 0.10). Patients with IH or other AW symptoms had similar SF-36 results compared to those without, whereas patients with a stoma had >5 point lower mean scores for general health, social function and physical component score compared to those without.ConclusionsVAWCM treatment results in high incidence of IH. However, at five years, there was no detectable difference in abdominal wall complaints and QoL in patients with IH compared to those without. Lower QoL appeared mainly to be associated with the presence of major co-morbidity.

Long-term retromuscular and intraperitoneal mesh size changes within a randomized controlled trial on incisional hernia repair, including a review of the literature

Purpose Ingrowth of fibroblasts in a polypropylene mesh may cause contraction and a later recurrence. We assessed mesh contraction in intraabdominal and retromuscular implantation after incisional hernia repair.MethodsA cohort of patients within an RCT on laparoscopic (LHR) versus open hernia repair (OHR) had their mesh borders marked with metal clips. X-ray was performed on postoperative day 1 and after 1xa0year. Total length, width, and dislocation were measured. A tacker fixated large-pore polypropylene mesh was used in LHR, and a retromuscular small-pore heavy-weight mesh was sutured to the midline in OHR. Patient’s pain was assessed before surgery and after 1xa0year.ResultsFor analysis 37/47 patients remained: 20 LHR and 17 OHR. Hernia defect area was median 41xa0cm2 in LHR and 25xa0cm2 in OHR (pxa0<xa00.140). Implanted mesh size was 300xa0cm2 for LHR and 240xa0cm2 for OHR (pxa0<xa00.341). After 1xa0year the mesh area decreased by 4.4% and 0.5% in LHR and OHR, respectively (pxa0<xa00.063). Longitudinal distance decreased by 2.8% in LHR and by 2.6% in OHR (pxa0<xa00.269). Transverse distance decreased by 1.6% in LHR but increased by 3.1% in OHR (pxa0<xa00.005). Dislocation was seen in four LHR and one OHR. Two recurrent and one port-site hernia were diagnosed after LHR. Measurements between observers were identical in 58% and consensus was made in the remainder. Pain was not correlated to mesh area change.ConclusionsMesh contraction after 1xa0year is not a clinical issue for an intraperitoneal large-pore mesh or a retromuscular small-pore mesh. It is not correlated to postoperative pain.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Retromuscular Incisional Hernia Repairs: Recurrence and Quality of Life: Reply

PurposeIncisional hernia repair (IHR) with a mesh is necessary to achieve low recurrence rates and pain relief. In the short term, quality of life (QoL) is restored by IHR. Two centers pioneered the IHR in Sweden with the highly standardized Rives–Stoppa technique using a retromuscular mesh. We assessed long-term follow-up of recurrence rate and QoL.MethodsMedical records were searched for IHRs performed from 1998 to 2006 and included living patients with midline repairs. Questionnaires about physical status, complaints, and QoL (SF-36) were mailed, offering a clinical examination. Assessment of medical records of later surgery was performed in 2015.ResultsThree hundred and one patients with midline incisional repairs were identified, and 217 accepted participation. Of these, 103 attended a clinical examination. Follow-up was 7xa0years until examination and 11xa0years to reassessment of medical records. In 26%, recurrent hernias were repaired. Postoperative complications were 26% Clavien–Dindo grade I–II and 1% grade III–IV. Mesh infections occurred in 1.4% without mesh removals, and 4% were reoperated because of complications. Overall recurrence rate was 8.1% and two-third of which were diagnosed at clinical examination. Recurrence after primary and recurrent hernia repair was 7.1 and 10.9%, respectively. Of all patients, 80% were satisfied; dissatisfaction was primarily caused by recurrence and chronic pain. SF-36 scores were 0.2 SD lower than the norm in all subscales, similar to those with 1–2 chronic conditions.ConclusionsMidline retromuscular mesh IHR has a low long-term recurrence rate even after recurrent repair. Patient satisfaction was high although QoL was reduced.

The Relevance of Sexual Dysfunction Related to Groin Pain After Inguinal Hernia Repair – The SexIHQ Short Form Questionnaire Assessment

Background Chronic postoperative pain after inguinal hernia surgery can affect sexual function. A new short form questionnaire for inguinal hernia pain related sexual dysfunction (SexIHQ) was introduced and applied to a register based cohort of total extra-peritoneal hernioplasty (TEP) operated patients. Methods Sexually active men, 30–60 years old, recorded in the Swedish Hernia Register for a primary inguinal hernia TEP operation were included. Two initial questions of the SexIHQ identify patients with pain at sexual activity. Only these patients proceeded to answer the specific questions on pain-induced impairment of sexual activity, pain frequency and intensity, physical functions (erection and ejaculation), and symptoms of depression. SexIHQ, the Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Inguinal Pain Questionnaire (IPQ) were mailed to participants for long term follow up. Results In 538 included patients, 44 (8.2%) reported pain during sexual activity at mean 33 months after surgery. Sexual dysfunction was seen in 33 of these patients. A postoperative complication was a risk factor for pain during sexual activity; OR 4.89 (95% CI 1.92–12.43; p < 0.001). Quality-of-life was reduced in almost all SF-36 domains in patients with pain during sexual activity. Conclusions A short form questionnaire, suitable for large cohorts, was developed to assess sexual dysfunction due to groin pain after inguinal hernia repair in male patients. Sexual dysfunction due to groin pain after hernia surgery by TEP is surprisingly common. Patients should preoperatively be informed of the risk of having pain during sexual activity following groin hernia surgery.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Treatment of Mesh Infection After Abdominal Surgery: Long-Term Results and Patient-Reported Outcome

Background and Aims: Treatment of synthetic mesh infections has previously often resulted in mesh explantation. Negative pressure wound therapy has been used in these situations with encouraging results. The aims of this study were to evaluate wound healing, mesh preservation, and patient-reported outcome after negative pressure wound therapy of mesh infections. Material and Methods: Medical records of patients treated with negative pressure wound therapy for mesh infection and age-matched mesh-operated controls without postoperative complications were scrutinized in a retrospective study. An abdominal wall complaints questionnaire was used to evaluate patient-reported outcome. Results: Of 722 mesh operations performed 2005–2012, negative pressure wound therapy was used for treating postoperative mesh infections in 48 patients. A total of 48 age-matched controls were recruited from patients without wound complications. No differences were found between groups regarding preoperative characteristics. The following peroperative characteristics were significantly more frequent in the negative pressure wound therapy group: emergency operation, dirty/infected surgical field, surgical techniques other than laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair, implantation of more than one mesh, larger mesh size, longer duration of surgery, and mesh not completely covered with anterior rectus fascia. The entire mesh was salvaged in 92%, while four meshes were partly excised. Wounds healed in 88% after a median of 110 (range 3–649) days. In total, 85% in the negative pressure wound therapy group and 75% in the control group answered the questionnaire. There were no significant differences regarding pain, other abdominal wall symptoms, and satisfaction with the final result in favor of the controls. Conclusion: No mesh had to be explanted and wound healing was achieved in the majority of patients when negative pressure wound therapy was used for treatment of mesh infections. However, time to healing was long, and numerous procedures were sometimes needed. Positive long-term outcome was more frequently reported among controls.

Abdominal Wall: Register & Miscellaneous.

Introduction: New generations of biomaterials and experimental regenerative products are facing the limitations of the ISO standard 10993-6 method of evaluation, focusing mostly on safety parameters. Their additional value comes from an improvement in the wound healing process with earlier cellularization and neofonnation of tissue and/or by the reduction of local inflammation. Pivotal in the biological assessment of therapeutic products, microscopic analyses are conducted to document the safety and perfonnance of those products. Classical histopathology approaches can be complemented with immunohistochemistry and gene expression analyses, which are expensive and time consuming. In this study, we developed an alternative approach for improved histopathology analysis based on the quantification of the collagen fonnation and cell ingrowth in an integrative, easy and cost effective way.

Incisional Hernia: Complications & Quality of Life.

INCISIONAL HERNIA: COMPLICATIONS & QUALITY OF LIFE