Showing papers in "Hernia in 2007"

The European hernia society groin hernia classication: simple and easy to remember

Abstract: After reviewing the available classifications for groin hernias, the European Hernia Society (EHS) proposes an easy and simple classification based on the Aachen classification The EHS will promote the general and systematic use of this classification for intraoperative description of the type of hernia and to increase the comparison of results in the literature

Amyand’s hernia: a report of 18 consecutive patients over a 15-year period

Abstract: Aim The presence of a vermiform appendix in an inguinal hernia sac is termed Amyand’s hernia. It may present as a tender inguinal or inguino-scrotal swelling and is often misdiagnosed as an incarcerated or strangulated hernia. The purpose of this study was to review the management of Amyand’s hernia at a single institution since 1991.

Laparoscopic Component Separation in the Single-Stage Treatment of Infected Abdominal Wall Prosthetic Removal

Abstract: The ideal surgical treatment for complicated ventral hernias remains elusive. Traditional component separation provides local advancement of native tissue for tension-free closure without prosthetic materials. This technique requires an extensive subcutaneous dissection, with the division of perforating vessels predisposing to skin flap necrosis and complicated wound infections. The laparoscopic separation of components provides a minimally invasive alternative to open techniques, while eliminating the potential space and subsequent complications of large skin flaps. We report our initial experience with a minimally invasive component separation with early postoperative outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent a minimally invasive component separation for abdominal wall reconstruction during the resection of an infected prosthetic. Pertinent details included baseline demographics, reason for contamination, operative technique and details, postoperative morbidity, mortality, and recurrence rates. Between August 2006 and January 2007, seven patients were identified who underwent a laparoscopic component separation. There were four males and three females, with a mean age of 54 years (range 34–84), mean American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score of 3.2 (range 3–4), and mean body mass index (BMI) of 37 kg/m2 (range 30–45). The reason for contamination included exposed non-healing mesh (6) and contaminated fluid collection around the mesh (1). Residual defect size following the removal of all prosthetics was 338 cm2 (range 187–450). The mean operative time was 185 min (range 155–220). Laparoscopic component separation enabled tension-free primary fascial reapproximation in all patients. Three postoperative complications occurred, including superficial surgical site infection (1), respiratory failure (1), and hematoma (1). There was no mortality in this series. During an average follow-up period of 4.5 months, no recurrences were identified. This study shows that a minimally invasive component separation is feasible and can result in minimal postoperative wound morbidity in these complex patients. Long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate the outcomes with respect to recurrence rates.

The comparison of laparoscopic and open ventral hernia repairs: a prospective randomized study.

Abstract: The laparoscopic approach has emerged in the search for a surgical technique to decrease the morbidity associated with conventional repair of ventral hernias. In this study we aimed to compare the results of our open and laparoscopic ventral hernia repairs prospectively. Between January 2001 and October 2005, a total of 46 patients diagnosed with ventral hernias (primary and incisional) who were admitted to our surgical unit and accepted to be included in this study group were examined. All patients were divided into laparoscopic repair (n = 23) and open repair (n = 23) subgroups in a randomized fashion. The patients’ demographic characteristics, operation times, body mass indices, sizes of fascial defects, hernia locations, durations of hospital stay, presence and degrees of postoperative pain, and postoperative minor and major complications were analysed and compared. All the data were expressed as means ± SDs. Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analysis, and P 0.05). The laparoscopic approach appears to be as effective as open repairs in the treatment of ventral hernias. Advanced surgical skill, laparoscopic experience and high technology are mandatory factors for successful ventral hernia repair.

Choice of mesh for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair

Abstract: Background Surgical treatment of ventral hernias has changed dramatically over the past decades by the introduction of laparoscopy and prosthetic biomaterials for reinforcement of the abdominal wall. There are many meshes available on the market for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR), and new meshes are introduced regularly. Experimental and clinical documentation for safety and efficacy are, however, often not available for the clinician. The choice of mesh may therefore be difficult in clinical practice. We present a review of the current literature regarding safety measures such as adhesions, fistulas, and infections as well as the available data on pain, recurrence, mesh shrinkage, and seroma formation after LVHR.

Use of porcine dermal collagen graft (Permacol) for hernia repair in contaminated fields

Abstract: Complicated hernias often involve contaminating surgical procedures in which the use of polypropylene meshes can be hazardous. Prostheses made of porcine dermal collagen (PDC) have recently been proposed as a means to offset the disadvantages of polypropylene meshes and have since been used in humans for hernia repairs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of incisional hernia repair using PDC as a mesh in complicated cases involving contamination. A prospective study of hernia repair of complicated incisional hernias with contamination using PDC grafts was carried out at the Department of General, Emergency and Transplant Surgery of St Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital. From January 2004 up to the writing of this article, seven patients were treated for complicated incisional hernias with a PDC prosthesis. In six out of seven patients a bowel resection was carried out. There were not surgical complications. Morbidity was 14.2%. No recurrences and wound infections were observed. Incisional hernioplasty using PDC grafts is a potentially safe and efficient approach in complicated cases with contamination.

The single-staged approach to the surgical management of abdominal wall hernias in contaminated fields.

Abstract: The surgical treatment of large ventral hernias with accompanying contamination is challenging. We have reviewed our institution's experience with single-staged repair of complex ventral hernias in the setting of contamination. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent ventral hernia repairs in the setting of a contaminated field. Pertinent details included baseline demographics, reason for contamination, operative technique and details, postoperative morbidity, mortality and recurrence rates. Between December 1999 and January 2006, 19 patients were identified with ventral hernia repairs performed in contaminated fields. There were 6 males and 13 females with a mean age of 61 years (40–82), ASA 3.2 (2–4), and BMI of 34 kg/m2 (20–65). Fourteen patients had prior mesh: prolene (9), composix (3), goretex (1), and alloderm (1). Reasons for contamination included: mesh infection (14), enterocutaneous fistula (7), concomitant bowel resection (8), chronic non-healing wound (2), and necrotizing fasciitis (1). Operative approaches included primary repair (3), component separation without reinforcement (2), and with prosthetic reinforcement (9). In five patients the fascia could not be reapproximated in the midline and the defect was bridged with surgisis (1), Marlex (1), lightweight polypropylene (1) placed in the retrorectus space, and alloderm (2). Mean operative time was 260 min (90–600). Twelve postoperative complications occurred in nine (47%) patients and included wound infection (6), respiratory failure (1), ileus (2), postoperative hemorrhage (1), renal failure (1), and atrial fibrillation (1). One patient died in this series. During routine follow-up two recurrences were identified by physical exam. This study shows that single-stage treatment of ventral hernias in contaminated fields can be accomplished with a low recurrence rate and acceptable morbidity in these extremely challenging patients.

Analysis of post-surgical pain after inguinal hernia repair: a prospective study of 1,440 operations

Abstract: Pain remains a significant clinical problem after inguinal hernia repair. We prospectively assessed post-surgical pain following herniorrhaphy in 1,440 operations with the aim of describing the characteristics and identifying predisposing factors for pain. Pain quality was assessed with the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ); pain character was estimated as either nociceptive or neuropathic in nature. A total of 38.3% of replies reported pain (acute or chronic), and 18.7% reported chronic pain. Independent risk factors for pain were young age, BMI >25, day surgery, and use of Radomesh. In patients with chronic pain, independent risk factors were young age, BMI >25 and use of Radomesh. Analysis of the SF-MPQ revealed that the pain reported by most patients was sensory-discriminative in quality. The most common descriptors were tender and aching. Patients with chronic pain reported more intense pain and used sensory descriptors of greater mean intensity than patients with acute pain. A total of 73.9% of replies used descriptors typical of nociceptive pain, 6.5% used descriptors typical of neuropathic pain and 19.6% used nociceptive plus neuropathic descriptors. Patients considered to have nociceptive pain used significantly more sensory descriptors than those considered to have neuropathic pain. By contrast patients with neuropathic pain used more affective descriptors than those with nociceptive pain. Neuropathic pain was reported as more difficult to treat with analgesics than nociceptive pain and neuropathic plus nociceptive pain. Our study confirms that herniorrhaphy frequently produces chronic pain, which can reduce quality of life. The SF-MPQ is a useful instrument to administer to all patients and provides important information about qualitative properties of the pain.

Late-onset deep mesh infection after inguinal hernia repair

Abstract: Groin sepsis requiring mesh removal is said to be a rare complication of tension-free inguinal hernioplasty. Furthermore, late-onset deep-seated prosthetic infection seems to be an unexpected complication. The aim of this study was to report our experience on late mesh infection occurring years after open hernia repair. Between 1998 and 2005, 1,452 patients (954 men), median age 64 years (range 19–89) underwent groin hernioplasty using a tension-free polypropylene mesh technique. Five patients (0.35%) appeared with late mesh infection (between 2 and 4.5 years postoperatively). The patients’ records were retrospectively reviewed for the purpose of this study. Antibiotic prophylaxis had been given in the five patients, while none of them had a prior history of wound infection. The patients were re-operated and the meshes were removed. Pus was found in three patients and Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in one. There was no hernia recurrence and none of the patients had chronic groin pain for a period of 6–44 months postoperatively. From the results of this study, it appears that late-onset deep-seated prosthetic mesh infection is an important complication which has been rarely reported upon. Its true incidence is yet to be established. Late graft infection does not seem to correlate to neither the administration or not of antibiotic prophylaxis, nor to the presence or not of previous superficial wound infection. Furthermore, graft infection does not seem to correlate to neither the type of mesh inserted, nor to the fixation material. With the increasing use of synthetic materials for primary and recurrent hernia repair, the number of patients presenting with late mesh infections is likely to increase.

De Garengeot hernia: an analysis of our experience

Abstract: The presence of a vermiform appendix in a femoral hernia sac is termed De Garengeot hernia. It may present as a tender and/or erythematous groin swelling and is often misdiagnosed as an incarcerated or strangulated femoral hernia. The purpose of this study is to review the management of De Garengeot hernia at a single institution since 1991. A retrospective analysis of seven consecutive patients operated upon at our institution from 1991 to 2006 with De Garengeot hernia was undertaken. Patients’ demographics, treatment performed and postoperative outcome were analysed. There were three men and four women. The median age was 55 years. None of the patients were diagnosed preoperatively. The commonest presenting symptom was painful groin swelling. All patients therefore underwent emergency surgery with a presumptive diagnosis of either incarcerated or strangulated femoral hernia. Operative findings included four normal appendices, two inflamed appendices and one perforated appendix in the femoral hernial sac. Patients with normal appendix (n = 4) had mesh hernia repair without an appendicectomy. The rest of the patients (n = 3) with abnormal appendix underwent emergency open appendicectomy followed by sutured hernia repair. We had no deaths in this series and one minor wound infection. No recurrent hernia has been detected to date. Inflammation of the appendix determines the type of hernia repair and surgical approach. Incidental appendicectomy in the case of a normal appendix is not preferred.

A single-surgeon randomized trial comparing three composite meshes on chronic pain after Lichtenstein hernia repair in local anesthesia

Abstract: Chronic pain may be a long-term problem related to operative trauma and mesh material in Lichtenstein hernioplasty. Inguinal hernioplasty was performed under local anesthesia in 228 patients (232 hernias) in day-case surgery by the same surgeon and exactly by the same surgical technique. The patients were randomized to receive either a partly absorbable polypropylene–polyglactin mesh (Vypro IIR 50 g/m2, 79 hernias), a lightweight polypropylene mesh (Premilene Mesh LPR 55 g/m2, 75 hernias) or a conventional densely woven polypropylene mesh (PremileneR 82 g/m2, 78 hernias). Pain, patients discomfort and recurrences of hernias were carefully followed at days 1, 7, 1 month, 1 and 2 years after surgery. The duration of operation (29–33 min) and the amount of local anesthetic (55–57 ml) were similar in the three groups. Two wound infections and four hematomas were detected with no difference between the meshes. Immediate pain reaction up to 1 month was statistically equal among the three meshes. After 2 years of follow-up, there were five recurrences (two in the Vypro group, one in the Premilene LP and two in the Premilene). A feeling of a foreign body, sensation of pain and patient’s discomfort were similar with all meshes. There was no difference of pain and quality of life among a conventional polypropylene mesh, lightweight mesh or partly absorbable mesh in 2 years of follow-up, when the same surgeon operated on all patients with exactly the same technique.

Comparison of prosthetic mesh repair and tissue repair in the emergency management of incarcerated para-umbilical hernia: a prospective randomized study

Abstract: Background Although prosthetic repair has become the gold standard for elective management of para-umbilical hernia (PUH) its use in the setting of acute incarceration is still limited for fear of prosthetic-related complications, mainly infection. The objective of this study was to compare results from prosthetic repair and tissue repair in the management of the acutely incarcerated PUH.

Laparoscopic sutured closure with mesh reinforcement of incisional hernias

Abstract: This study reports medium-term outcomes of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair. Laparoscopic repair was performed on 721 patients with ventral hernia. After adhesiolysis the defect was closed with no. 1 polyamide suture or loop. This was followed by reinforcement with intraperitoneal onlay repair with a bilayered mesh. Laproscopic repair of ventral hernia was performed on 613 females and 108 males. Of these, 185 (25.7%) were recurrent incisional hernias of which 93 had undergone previous open hernioplasty. The remaining 92 patients had previously undergone sutured repair. The average operating time was 95 min (range 60–115 min). Conversion rate was 1%. The average hospital stay was 2 days (range 1–6 days). The commonest complication was seroma formation at the incisional hernia site. Full-thickness bowel injury occurred in two patients. The mean follow-up period was 4.2 years (range 3 months to 10 years). Recurrence was noted in four (0.55%) patients. Laparoscopic repair is well-tolerated and can be accomplished with minimum morbidity in ventral hernias.

Laparoscopic repair of direct inguinal hernia: a new technique that reduces the development of postoperative seroma

Abstract: Background Seroma are common early postoperative complications encountered in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Previous anecdotal evidence from our surgical practice suggested a lower incidence of postoperative seroma formation with direct hernia repairs when the lax transversalis fascia (TF) is inverted by tacking to the pubic ramus. We undertook a study to investigate whether TF inversion in this way reduces the incidence of postoperative seroma.

Factors affecting morbidity and mortality in incarcerated abdominal wall hernias

Abstract: Background Incarcerated abdominal wall hernia cases may necessitate emergency interventions, but under such circumstances morbidity and mortality rates may increase. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that affect morbidity and mortality in patients with incarcerated abdominal wall hernias who underwent emergency surgery.

Mesh repair for postoperative wound dehiscence in the presence of infection: is absorbable mesh safer than non-absorbable mesh?

Abstract: Objective In patients with postoperative wound dehiscence in the presence of infection, extensive visceral oedema often necessitates mechanical containment of bowel. Prosthetic mesh is often used for this purpose. The aim of the present study was to assess the safety of the use of non-absorbable and absorbable meshes for this purpose.

Inguinal hernia repair: the choice of prosthesis outweighs that of technique

Abstract: The use of prostheses in inguinal hernia repair reduces the incidence of recurrence. Quality of life and pain after hernia repair are largely correlated with the technique and type of prosthesis. To evaluate the 2-year incidence of recurrence and pain for two types of hernioplasty, Lichtenstein repair and laparoscopy (totally extraperitoneal approach or TEP), and two types of mesh, polypropylene mesh and beta-d-glucan-coated mesh (Glucamesh). A total of 410 consecutive patients of mean age 54 years (18–84) underwent repair of inguinal hernias, 96 (23%) of which were bilateral and 56 (13%) recurrent. A total of 273 (66.5%) patients underwent Lichtenstein repair: 215 (78.7%) with polypropylene mesh, 58 (21.3%) with Glucamesh; 137 patients underwent laparoscopy: 80 (58.4%) with polypropylene mesh, 57 (41.6%) with Glucamesh. In each group, the populations were comparable and the techniques utilized were identical. The patients were followed-up for at least 2 years, after which the incidence of recurrence was determined, and chronic pain was assessed by means of a visual analog scale and a validated questionnaire. A total of 349 patients (85.1%) were reassessed, 117 of whom had undergone laparoscopy and 232 Lichtenstein repair. There were ten recurrences (2.8%), and incidence which was independent of the technique (laparoscopy 1.7% vs. Lichtenstein 3.4%) (ns) and the type of prosthesis (Glucamesh 1.9% vs. polypropylene 2.4%) (ns). Chronic pain was noted in 69 patients (19.7%) and severe pain in 11 (3.1%). The incidence of chronic pain was the same for the two techniques: laparoscopy 17.9% vs. Lichtenstein 20.7% (ns). The same was true for severe pain: laparoscopy 3.4% vs Lichtenstein 3% (ns). The incidence of chronic pain was closely correlated with the type of prosthesis utilized: Glucamesh 4.8% vs. polypropylene 26.5% (P = 0.02), irrespective of the technique. The same was true for severe pain (0.9 vs. 4%) (P = 0.02). The utilization of beta-d-glucan-coated mesh did not involve more recurrence and was accompanied by a significant decrease in chronic pain at 2 years, independent of the technique. After 2 years, the results of hernia repair show that the choice of prosthesis was more determinant than choice of technique.

The clinical anatomy of the triangle of Petit

Abstract: Hernias through the triangle of Petit (TP) are uncommon. The anatomy of the TP is known to be variable, yet quantitative data are scant. The triangle was observed in 80 adult cadavers and its dimensions and surface area were measured. On the basis of surface area we classified the triangles into four types. Type I or small TP, with a surface area of 12 cm2. Finally, Type IV (17.5%) were not triangles. In these, the latissimus dorsi was covered by the external abdominal oblique muscle. We hope these data will help prediction of which patients are at greater risk of herniation through the TP.

Strategies of smoking cessation intervention before hernia surgery—effect on perioperative smoking behavior

Abstract: Background Although it is now generally accepted that patients should be advised to quit smoking before surgery, the effect of low-intensive smoking cessation intervention, both on preoperative smoking behavior and on risk reduction, remains unclear. Our objective was to study the effect on perioperative smoking behavior and on postoperative wound infection of different types of low-intensive intervention before herniotomy.

Hernia repair with porcine small-intestinal submucosa.

Abstract: Although at present nonabsorbable meshes are the preferred material for tension-free hernioplasty, some problems with their use have yet to be addressed (i.e., chronic pain and infections). In order to address these disadvantages, a collagen-based material, the porcine small-intestinal submucosa mesh (Surgisis Inguinal Hernia Matrix, Cook Surgical, Bloomington, IN, USA), has recently been developed for hernia repair. With the aim of investigating the clinical safety and effectiveness of Surgisis IHM inguinal hernia repair, we report our experience of 45 consecutive hernioplasties with a medium-term follow-up. The surgical technique for the use of this material in hernioplasty is described in detail. Although some local (i.e., seromas) and general (i.e., hyperpyrexia), complications appeared in the immediate postoperative period (all of them disappeared spontaneously), no rejection or infection was observed after operations. At the 2-year follow-up, a low degree of pain and discomfort and no recurrences were observed. We conclude that the Surgisis IHM hernioplasty is feasible with promising results and, from a clinical perspective, seems safe and effective.

Right-sided Bochdalek hernia obstructing in an adult: case report and review of the literature

Abstract: Bochdalek hernias on the right side of the diaphragm are very rarely diagnosed in adults. We review a case of a 35-year-old female who presented acutely with intestinal obstruction. Plain and cross-sectional imaging identified a large right-sided Bochdalek hernia, containing colon, causing a mechanical obstruction and, surprisingly, concurrent appendicitis. The patient underwent an emergency laparotomy. At surgery the colon was reduced and was viable. The diaphragmatic defect was repaired using non-absorbable sutures and an appendicectomy was then performed for purulent appendicitis. She made an uneventful recovery and remains well at 9-month follow-up. We discuss what we believe to be the first reported case of an obstructed right-sided Bochdalek's hernia associated with appendicitis in an adult and review the published literature on this rare condition.

Early results from the use of the Lichtenstein repair in the management of strangulated groin hernia

Abstract: Background Use of prosthetic repairs in the management of strangulated hernias has so far been very limited due to the fear of an associated higher incidence of complications, especially those related to the presence of the mesh. The aim of this study was to prospectively determine whether the use of the Lichtenstein repair in the management of strangulated groin hernias was associated with a higher rate of wound infection and/or mesh-related complications than in the elective setting.

Pulsed radiofrequency for the treatment of chronic ilioinguinal neuropathy

Abstract: Background Ilioinguinal neuropathy is a rare but disabling condition. The condition may arise spontaneously or in the setting of pelvic surgery. To date, most therapeutic options have been limited to neuropathic pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, nerve blocks with local anesthetics, or neurectomy. Long-term results of non-surgical interventions are fair at best. We present a case of chronic ilioinguinal neuropathy treated with pulsed radiofrequency.

Use of porcine dermal collagen as a prosthetic mesh in a contaminated field for ventral hernia repair: a case report

Abstract: Chronic infection of a prosthetic mesh implant is a severe complication of ventral hernia repair, and mesh explantation is usually required in these cases. Biologic mesh implants have a possible role in ventral hernia repair in this setting. Here we present a case of chronic mesh infection following ventral hernia repair and the use of a biologic mesh to repair the existing defect following explantation of the infected mesh. Analysis of the explant material demonstrated possible oxidative degradation of the original polypropylene. A review of the literature follows.

Laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia

Abstract: Background Foramen of Morgagni hernias are rare diaphragmatic hernias. They account for 3–5% of all diaphragmatic hernias and the majority of the cases are asymptomatic. They are caused by trauma, obesity or pregnancy. With the advancements of laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic repair has become an excellent alternative to open repair for Morgagni hernias. We report five cases of Morgagni hernia repaired with the laparoscopic approach in conjunction with a review of the literature.

Chronic sequelae of common elective groin hernia repair.

Abstract: Background The aim of this study was to assess longterm chronic pain, numbness and functional impairment after open and laparoscopic groin hernia repair in a teaching hospital. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study in which all adult patients with a groin hernia repair between January 2000 and August 2005 received a questionnaire by post. It contained questions concerning frequency and intensity of pain, presence of bulge, numbness, and functional impairment. Results One thousand seven hundred and sixty-six questionnaires were returned (81.6%) and after a median follow-up period of nearly 3 years 40.2% of patients reported some degree of pain. Thirty-three patients (1.9%) experienced severe pain. Almost onefourth reported numbness which correlated signiWcantly with pain (P < 0.001). Other variables, identiWed as risk factors for the development of pain were age (P < 0.001) and recurrent hernia repair (P =0 .003). One-Wfth of the patients felt functionally impaired in their work or leisure activities. Conclusion Chronic pain and functional impairment are very common long-term complications after groin herniorrhapy in Dutch teaching hospitals.

The use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias.

Abstract: The diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias is not always straightforward and may require additional investigative modalities. Real-time ultrasound is accurate, non-invasive, relatively inexpensive, and readily available. The value of ultrasound as an adjunctive tool in the diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias in both pre-operative and post-operative patients was studied. Retrospective analysis of 200 patients treated at the Hernia Institute of Florida was carried out. In these cases, ultrasound had been used to assist with case management. Patients without previous hernia surgery and those with early and late post-herniorrhaphy complaints were studied. Patients with obvious hernias were excluded. Indications for ultrasound examination included patients with abdominal pain without a palpable hernia, a palpable mass of questionable etiology, and patients with inordinate pain or excessive swelling during the early post-operative period. Patients were treated with surgery or conservative therapy depending on the results of the physical examination and ultrasound studies. Cases in which the ultrasound findings influenced the decision-making process by confirming clinical findings or altering the diagnosis and changing the treatment plan are discussed. Of the 200 patients, 144 complained of pain alone and on physical exam no hernia or mass was palpable. Of these 144 patients with pain alone, 21 had a hernia identified on the US examination and were referred for surgery. The 108 that had a negative ultrasound were treated conservatively with rest, heat, and anti-inflammatory drugs, most often with excellent results. Of the 56 remaining patients who had a mass, with or without pain, 22 had hernias identified by means of ultrasound examination. In the other 34, the etiology of the mass was not a hernia. Abdominal wall ultrasound is a valuable tool in the scheme of management of patients in whom the diagnosis of abdominal wall hernia is unclear. Therapeutic decisions can be influenced by the ultrasound findings that can provide more efficient and economical treatment by expediting their clinical management.

Amyand’s hernia in premature neonates: report of two cases

Abstract: The finding of a normal or inflamed vermiform appendix within an inguinal hernia is termed Amyand's hernia. It is extremely rare in children, especially in infants and neonates. When it occurs, it is usually misdiagnosed as an irreducible or strangulated inguinal hernia, and the accurate diagnosis is made intraoperatively. We report two cases of Amyand's hernia in premature neonates. Both patients presented on admission with signs and symptoms indicating a strangulated right inguinal hernia, and the accurate diagnosis was made intraoperatively. One of them had progressed to local peritonitis. Appendicectomy and hernia repair were made at the same time through an inguinal transverse incision, and the postoperative course was uneventful in both. We point out the need to consider acute appendicitis in the differential diagnosis of strangulated right inguinal hernia.

Discomfort five years after laparoscopic and Shouldice inguinal hernia repair: a randomised trial with 867 patients. A report from the SMIL study group.

Abstract: In recent years long-term discomfort after inguinal hernia surgery has become an issue of great concern to hernia surgeons Long-term results on discomfort from large randomised studies are sparse One-thousand one-hundred and eighty-three patients were randomised in a multicentre trial with the primary aim of comparing recurrence rates after laparoscopic TAPP and Shouldice repair Evaluating late discomfort and its possible risk factors were secondary objectives, and are reported here The patients were clinically examined after 1 and 5 years, and answered questionnaires 2 and 3 years postoperation Of 1,068 operated patients, 867 were eligible for analysis after 5 years (812%) The percentage of patients experiencing discomfort of any kind were 85% in the TAPP group and 114% (p = 0156) in the Shouldice group Although discomfort was usually mild it was severe for 02 and 07%, respectively Severe pain the first postoperative week was a risk factor for late discomfort in the Shouldice group (OR 225, P = 0022) but not in the TAPP group No other risk factor for late discomfort was found There was no difference between late discomfort at five-year follow-up after laparoscopic TAPP and Shouldice repair Discomfort was mostly mild and pain during the first postoperative week was a prognostic variable for late discomfort in Shouldice patients

Secondary perineal hernia following open abdominoperineal excision of the rectum: report of a case and review of the literature

Abstract: This is a case report of a 46-year-old man who presented with a painful perineal lump four months after abdominoperineal excision of the rectum (APER) with pre-operative radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Perineal hernia (suspected clinically) was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, and the patient underwent open Permacol mesh repair via a perineal approach. Symptomatic perineal herniation after surgical resection is a rare phenomenon, and the approach to management remains challenging. Several different surgical approaches and techniques of repair have been described. In this report, we review the literature surrounding the presentation, aetiology and repair of this unusual post-operative complication. Furthermore, our case confirms that closure of the hernial orifice with mesh via a perineal approach is a satisfactory technique.