Search Results (23)

Abdominal wall hernias are common among men and women, often requiring surgical techniques to be managed safely and effectively. Abdominal wall hernias are typically classified as primary or secondary. Secondary hernias are most often related to prior surgical incisions. Primary hernias develop on their own and are not related to previous operations. Common primary hernias include inguinal, femoral, umbilical, and epigastric hernias, among others, with inguinal hernias being the most common. A narrative review was conducted to synthesize the current literature describing the incidence, epidemiology, surgical techniques, and post-operative outcomes of groin hernias in women using PubMed and Embase databases. Studies have demonstrated that women have an increased rate of recurrence of groin hernias, higher post-operative chronic pain, specifically when undergoing open repair. The discrepancies in diagnostic tools, outcomes, and treatment further highlight the need for studies surrounding women’s health and research in relation to surgical interventions to help inform clinicians’ management of groin hernias in the female population. Full article

Background: Chronic postoperative inguinal pain [CPIP] is a prevalent and often debilitating complication following inguinal hernia repair. With the widespread adoption of mesh-based techniques, recurrence rates have significantly declined, shifting clinical focus toward postoperative pain management. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes international literature on CPIP incidence, surgical technique, geographic variation, and the distinction between neuropathic and nociceptive pain. Studies were selected based on relevance, sample size, and inclusion of pain subclassification. Results: CPIP incidence varies markedly across studies (6–64.3%), influenced by follow-up duration, surgical approach, and regional healthcare practices. The risk of CPIP varies significantly, depending on the surgical technique employed, with open repairs generally associated with higher rates than laparoscopic approaches. Neuropathic pain predominates in specific cohorts, particularly following open repairs with limited nerve preservation. Few studies differentiate pain types, revealing a critical gap in diagnostic precision. Conclusions: CPIP is a multifactorial and under-recognized problem in clinical practice. The adoption of standardized diagnostic tools and long-term follow-up protocols is essential to improve pain classification and management. A structured diagnostic algorithm may assist clinicians in distinguishing pain types and tailoring treatment strategies to individual patient profiles. Full article

Background/Objectives: Groin hernia repair is a common surgical procedure worldwide, with increasing adoption of minimally invasive techniques. However, the adoption of laparoscopic repair varies significantly across healthcare systems. This study aims to analyze trends in laparoscopic versus open-groin hernia repair in Romania over a five-year period (2019–2023), assessing differences in hospital types, reimbursement policies, and patient outcomes. Methods: This nationwide retrospective study examined 76,553 groin hernia repairs from the National Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) database, including 231 public and 41 private hospitals. Patients were categorized as laparoscopic (13,282 cases) or open repair (63,271 cases). Statistical analysis included logistic regression and non-parametric tests to assess factors influencing surgical approach selection, hospitalization duration, and case complexity. Results: Laparoscopic repair accounted for 17.3% of all groin hernia procedures, with higher adoption in private hospitals (54.7%) than in public hospitals (14.6%). Laparoscopic procedures increased from 14.1% in 2019 to 20% in 2023. Hospitalization was shorter in private hospitals (1.78 vs. 4.80 days in public hospitals). Reimbursement rates showed minimal differentiation between laparoscopic and open repair, suggesting no financial incentive for minimally invasive surgery in public hospitals. Conclusions: Despite a steady increase in laparoscopic hernia repair, its adoption in Romania remains limited compared to Western Europe. Private hospitals lead in minimally invasive surgery, while public hospitals predominantly rely on open repair due to reimbursement policies and resource constraints. Adjusting DRG-based reimbursement, expanding training, and implementing a national hernia registry could improve outcomes and access to minimally invasive surgery. Full article

Background/Objectives: Emergency groin hernia repairs have consistently presented a higher risk of mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to compare both short- and long-term outcomes associated with emergency groin hernia surgery. Methods: A nationwide, population-based cohort study was conducted using prospective collected data from the Swedish Hernia Register combined with a questionnaire assessing patient-reported chronic pain. All patients who underwent a groin hernia repair between 2012 and 2018 were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcomes included 30-day mortality, chronic pain 1-year post-surgery, 30-day postoperative complication, and bowel resection and reoperation for recurrence for emergency versus elective repairs. Risk factors for these outcomes in emergency repair were investigated. Results: A total of 94,349 repairs were analyzed, with 5401 (5%) emergency repairs. Emergency repairs involved older patients (median age 74 vs. 65), more women (25% vs. 9%), more ASA grade III (38% vs. 12%), more femoral hernias (19% vs. 3%) and smaller defects (24% vs. 17%) compared to elective repairs. Multivariable analysis revealed increased rates and significant risks for 30-day mortality (2.7%, OR 11.61), chronic pain (20.6%, OR 1.30), 30-day postoperative complications (21.9%, OR 2.12) and bowel resection (7.8%, OR 408) compared to elective repairs. No significant difference was observed for reoperation for recurrence. Key risk factors for the outcomes following emergency repairs were higher age, higher ASA grade and femoral hernias. Conclusions: Emergency hernia surgery continues to pose a high risk of mortality and morbidity. Elective repair should be considered in frail patients and those with potential femoral hernias. Full article

Introduction: The sports hernia (SH) is one of the most important causes of groin pain syndrome (GPS). However, despite its importance in GPS etiopathogenesis, SH is one of the least understood and poorly defined clinical conditions in sports medicine. The aim of this systematic review is to clearly define SH from a radiological point of view and to clarify the relationship between the radiological presentation of SH and its clinical manifestation. Methods: The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, ISI, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and PEDro databases were consulted for systematic reviews on the role of SH in the onset of GPS. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were based on PICO tool. Results: After screening 560 articles, 81 studies were included and summarized in this systematic review. All studies were checked to identify any potential conflict of interest. The quality assessment of each individual study considered was performed in agreement with the Joanna Briggs Institute quantitative critical appraisal tools. Conclusions: The correct definition of SH is “weakness of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal”, which, in response to a Valsalva maneuver, forms a bulging that compresses the nerves passing along the inguinal canal. Thus, from an anatomical point of view, SH represents a direct inguinal hernia “in fieri”. Furthermore, an excessive dilation of the external inguinal ring represents an indirect sign of possible posterior inguinal canal wall weakness. Full article

Background: In the 21st century, the management of groin hernias (GHs) has evolved from watchful waiting (WW) to robotic hernia repair (RHR). The present study interrogates the status of robotics in the context of current repairs and provides one author’s perspectives. Methods: A systematic review was undertaken using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for studies comparing open (OHR) to robotic hernia repair (RHR); RHR to laparoscopic hernia repair (LHR); or OHR vs. LHR vs. RHR. The historical context was extracted from previous reviews. Results: Fifty-four studies were included in the analysis. Three techniques have withstood the test of time: OHR (tissue and mesh repairs), laparo-endoscopic (TEP and TAPP), and RHR. The literature indicates that RHR is safe and effective for the management of groin hernias. Operative times and costs remain a concern when using this technique. While the number of overall complications with RHR is similar to OHR, in a minority of cases, complications are more consequential with the robotic platform. Conclusions: RHR has emerged as an unequivocally powerful technique for the management of GHs. OHR remains the technique of choice for local/regional anesthesia, posterior recurrences, and in centers that lack other platforms. In low- and middle-income countries, OHR is the most utilized technique. Centers of excellence should offer all techniques of repair including WW. Full article

Background: The Lichtenstein open anterior approach with static flat meshes, the most popular inguinal hernia repair technique, has raised concerns regarding mesh fixation, defect patency, and poor quality biological response. To address these issues, the 3D dynamic ProFlor scaffold promoting a fixation-free hernia defect obliteration has been developed as an alternative. Methods: The results of open inguinal hernia repair with the ProFlor approach compared with those of the Lichtenstein repair were evaluated. Results: In a time frame of 24 months, two cohorts of patients were enrolled, 95 in the ProFlor group and 93 in the Lichtenstein group. ProFlor demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the Lichtenstein technique, with shorter procedure times, decreased intraoperative complications, and lower rates of postoperative complications. Additionally, ProFlor provided enhanced postoperative pain relief, a faster return to daily activities, and no long-term discomfort. No chronic pain was reported in the ProFlor group and 11.8% reported chronic pain in the Lichtenstein group. Conclusions: The results highlight the need to reevaluate the conventional Lichtenstein approach and align it with recent scientific progress. Further consideration of the evolving understanding of inguinal pathophysiology and groin protrusion genesis is crucial for advancing surgical techniques. Full article

Introduction: The versatile open modular design of the newly introduced robotic platform Hugo^TM RAS is expected to allow its rapid spread in general surgery. However, the system is not yet approved for use in oesophageal and HPB-surgery and is not licensed worldwide. The aim of this work was to review the current spectrum of general surgical procedures that may be feasibly and safely performed with Hugo. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our own series and performed a systematic review of all the published reports of general surgical procedures performed with this system in the literature. Results: Seventy patients underwent general surgery with Hugo at our institution, and another 99 patients were reported in the literature. The most common procedures were colorectal (n = 55); cholecystectomy (n = 44); repair of groin, ventral and hiatal hernias (n = 34); upper GI (n = 28); adrenalectomy (n = 6); and spleen cyst deroofing (n = 2). No device-related complications were reported. Arm collisions and technical problems were rare. The docking and console times improved in all series. The port positions and robotic arm configurations varied among authors and depended on the surgical indication, patient characteristics and surgeon’s preference. Conclusions: A wide spectrum of general surgical procedures has been safely and effectively performed with the Hugo RAS, even by robotically inexperienced teams with a limited choice of instruments. Technical improvements to the system and the introduction of robotic energy devices may help Hugo evolve to a vital alternative to established robotic systems. Full article

Groin pain syndrome (GPS) is one of the most frequent injuries in competitive sports. Stresses generated in the lower limbs by quick turns and accelerations, such as in soccer, basketball or hockey, can produce localized regions of increased forces, resulting in anatomical lesions. The differential diagnoses are numerous and comprise articular, extra-articular, muscular, tendinous and visceral clinical conditions and a correct diagnosis is crucial if treatment is to be efficient. MRI is the gold standard of diagnostic techniques, especially when an alternative pathology needs to be excluded and/or other imaging techniques such as ultrasound or radiography do not lead to a diagnosis. This paper, based on the current literature, gives a comprehensive review of the anatomy of the pubic region and of the typical MRI findings in those affected by GPS. Many clinical conditions causing GPS can be investigated by MRI within appropriate protocols. However, MRI shows limits in reliability in the investigation of inguinal and femoral hernias and therefore is not the imaging technique of choice for studying these clinical conditions. Full article

Problems related to ventral hernia repairs (VHR) are very common, and evaluating them using computational methods can assist in selecting the most appropriate treatment. This study is based upon data from 3339 patients from different European countries observed during the last 12 years (2012–2023), which were collected by specialists in hernia surgery. Most patients underwent standard surgical procedures, with a growing trend towards laparoscopic surgery. This paper focuses on statistically evaluating the treatment methods in relation to patient age, body mass index (BMI), and the type of repair. Appropriate mathematical methods are employed to extract and classify the selected features, with emphasis on computational and machine-learning techniques. The paper presents surgical hernia treatment statistics related to patient age, BMI, and repair methods. The main conclusions point to mean groin hernia repair (GHR) complications of 19% for patients in the database. The accuracy of separating GHR mesh surgery with and without postoperative complications reached 74.4% using a two-layer neural network classification. Robotic surgeries represent 22.9% of all the evaluated hernia repairs. The proposed methodology suggests both an interdisciplinary approach and the utilization of computational intelligence in hernia surgery, potentially applicable in a clinical setting. Full article

The management of giant inguinoscrotal hernias remains a challenge as a result of the loss of the intra-abdominal domain from long-standing hernia contents within the scrotum. Multiple techniques have been described for abdominal wall relaxation and augmentation to allow the safe return of viscera from the scrotum to the intraperitoneal cavity without adversely affecting cardiorespiratory physiology. Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum, phrenectomy, and component separation are but a few common techniques previously described as adjuncts to the management of these massively large hernias. However, these strategies require an additional invasive stage, and reproducibility remains challenging. Botulinum toxin A (BTA) has been successfully used for the management of complex ventral hernias. Its use for these hernias has shown reproducibility and a low side effect profile. In the present report, we describe our institutional experience with BTA for giant inguinal hernias in two patients and present a review of the literature. In one case, a 77-year-old man with a substantial cardiac history presented with a giant left inguinal hernia that was interfering with his activities of daily living. He had BTA six weeks prior to inguinal hernia repair. Repair was performed via an inguinal incision with a favorable return of the viscera into the peritoneum. He was discharged on the same day of the operation. A second patient, 78 years of age, had a giant right inguinoscrotal hernia. He had a significant cardiac history and was treated with BTA six weeks prior to inguinal hernia repair via a groin incision. Neither patient had complaints nor recurrence at 7- and 3-month follow-ups. While the literature on this topic is scarce, we found 13 cases of inguinal hernias treated with BTA as an adjunct. BTA might be a promising adjunct for the management of giant inguinoscrotal hernias in addition to or in place of current strategies. Full article

Currently, groin hernia repair is mostly performed with application of mesh prostheses fixed with or without suture. However, views on safety and efficacy of different surgical approaches are still partly discordant. In this multicentre retrospective study, three sutureless procedures, i.e., mesh fixation with glue, application of self-gripping mesh, and Trabucco’s technique, were compared in 1034 patients with primary unilateral non-complicated inguinal hernia subjected to open anterior surgery. Patient-related features, comorbidities, and drugs potentially affecting the intervention outcomes were also examined. The incidence of postoperative complications, acute and chronic pain, and time until discharge were assessed. A multivariate logistic regression was used to compare the odds ratio of the surgical techniques adjusting for other risk factors. The application of standard/heavy mesh, performed in the Trabucco’s technique, was found to significantly increase the odds ratio of hematomas (p = 0.014) and, most notably, of acute postoperative pain (p < 0.001). Among the clinical parameters, antithrombotic therapy and large hernia size were independent risk factors for hematomas and longer hospital stay, whilst small hernias were an independent predictor of pain. Overall, our findings suggest that the Trabucco’s technique should not be preferred in patients with a large hernia and on antithrombotic therapy. Full article

Most abdominopelvic structures can find their way to a groin hernia. However, location, and relative fixation are important for migration. Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) from a stomach-containing groin hernia (SCOGH) is exceedingly rare. In the current report, we present a 77-year-old man who presented with GOO from SCOGH to our facility. We performed a review of the literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) of patients presenting with SCOGH since it was first reported in 1802. Ninety-one cases of SCOGH were identified (85 inguinal and six femoral) over the last two centuries (1802–2023). GOO from SCOGH occurred in 48% of patients in one review and 18% in our systematic analysis. Initial presentation ranged from a completely asymptomatic patient to peritonitis. Management varied from entirely conservative treatment to elective hernia repair to emergent laparotomy. Only one case of laparoscopic management was documented. Twenty-one deaths from SCOGH were reported, with most occurring in early manuscripts (1802–1896 [n = 9] and 1910–1997 [n = 10]). In the recent medical era, outcomes for patients with this rare clinical presentation are satisfactory and treatment ranging from conservative, non-operative management to surgical repair should be tailored towards patients’ clinical presentation. Full article

A total of 10–15% of children undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair develop a metachronous contralateral inguinal hernia (MCIH) that necessitates second anesthesia and surgery. Contralateral exploration can be performed to prevent MCIH development. This study investigates (1) factors that promote or hinder the adoption and (de-)implementation of contralateral groin exploration in children ≤ 6 months undergoing unilateral hernia repair and (2) strategies to overcome these barriers. A qualitative interview study was conducted using 14 semi-structured interviews and two focus groups involving healthcare professionals, stakeholders involved from a patients’ perspective and stakeholders at the organizational/policy level. The results show that the effectiveness of surgical treatment and stakeholders’ motivation and attitudes towards the intervention were reported as barriers for implementation, whereas patient and family outcomes and experience and strategies to overcome these barriers were identified as facilitating factors for future implementation. This study is unique in its contributions towards insights into facilitators and barriers for (de-)implementation of contralateral groin exploration in children with a unilateral inguinal hernia. In case the HERNIIA trial shows that contralateral exploration is beneficial for specific patient and family outcomes or a subgroup of children, the results of this study can help in the decision-making process as to whether contralateral exploration should be performed or not. Full article

Groin hernia is one of the most common surgical diagnoses worldwide. The indication for surgery in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients is discussed. Some trials have demonstrated the safety of a watchful waiting strategy. During the pandemic, waiting lists for hernia surgery dramatically increased the opportunity to evaluate the natural history of groin hernias. The present study aimed to evaluate the incidence of emergency hernia surgery in a large cohort of patients that were selected and were waiting for elective surgery. This is a retrospective cross-sectional cohort study including all patients evaluated and selected for elective groin hernia surgery at San Gerardo Hospital between 2017 and 2020. Elective and emergency hernia surgeries were recorded for all patients. The incidence of adverse events was also evaluated. Overall, 1423 patients were evaluated, and 964 selected patients (80.3%) underwent elective hernia surgery, while 17 patients (1.4%) required an emergency operation while waiting for an elective operation. A total of 220 (18.3%) patients were still awaiting surgery in March 2022. The overall cumulative risk levels for emergency hernia surgeries were 1%, 2%, 3.2%, and 5% at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, respectively. There was no association between longer waiting periods and an increased need for emergency surgery. Our study indicates that up to 5% of patients with groin hernia require emergency surgery at 48 months from the evaluation; the increased waiting time for surgery for elective groin hernia repair was not associated with an increased incidence of adverse events. Full article