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428
13.3 Complicated Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Fig. 13.3.10 Indirect recurrent inguinal hernia with development of the hernia sac between the deferent duct and the testicular vessels.
Fig. 13.3.11 Right-sided indirect recurrent hernia with displacement of the testicular vessels medially (very rare!)
of the hernia sac and the sac itself do not require lysis. The size of the hernia sac alone usually necessitates time-consuming dissection (Fig. 13.3.12). It is usually possible to dissect the sac off its bed while reliably sparing the spermatic cord and vessels. For this reason we do not recommend leaving the large hernia sac in situ with the subsequent possible development of a hy­drocele. By applying gentle tension to disinvaginate the sac in­wards it is then possible to easily identify and expose the organs of the spermatic cord (Fig. 13.3.13). In cases of a thin hernia sac and dense scarring a complete mo­bilization is not possible. In such cases dissection is continued to the inner inguinal ring and the hernia sac is not completely separated from the cremaster tube. A secure closure is then achieved by approximating the incised side of the polypropy­lene mesh around the cremaster tube.
Fig. 13.3.12 Complete detachment of a large, indirect hernia sac in the
case of a scrotal hernia.
Open Vaginal Process
A feature of this situation is the long hernia sac with a large area of contact to the cremaster tube. The inner inguinal ring is usu­ally only slightly widened and can easily be covered with the polypropylene mesh. The depth of the hernia sac generally makes complete mobilization impossible. The dissection is con­tinued into the inguinal canal as far as possible; then the hernia sac is circumferentially and sharply transected. The in­traabdominal part is dissected sharply and bluntly from the cremaster tube and the spermatic cord organs, respectively. The distal part remains open and problems are not expected.
Reconstruction Difficulties
429
Fig. 13.3.13 View of the hernia sac margin and the deferent duct in a left-sided, indirect hernia.
Irreducible Inguinal Hernia
The laparoscopic procedure is possible for small, irreducible hernias and for freshly incarcerated hernias. In these cases, reduction is achieved by widening the hernia ring (Fig. 13.3.14). For both direct and indirect hernias this is ac-
complished by means of a careful anterosuperior incision using scissors. In the case of indirect hernias the epigastric vessels must first be identified and protected. Reduction of the hernia
after widening of the hernia ring may be facilitated by external, manual compression of the abdomen or scrotum. The mesh re­pair must be sufficient to ensure good coverage of the hernia
defect including the widening incision. In cases of difficult or unsolvable situations we recommend an
additional, transcutaneous exposure or a conventional, open procedure.
Fig. 13.3.14 Scarred ring of an incarcerated or, respectively, irreducible indirect hernia on the left side. The scarred hernia ring is transected.
Reconstruction Difficulties
The principle objective is complete coverage of all hernia de­fects by an exact placement of the polypropylene mesh. In the medial region the identification of Hesselbach’s triangle and its
constituent parts is most important. With the normal gas pres­sure of 10 to 12 mm Hg it is usually possible to expose all essen-
tial structures in the inguinal region reliably and with greater safety than in a conventional procedure.
The size of the mesh must be chosen so that it overlaps all de­fects by at least 3 cm (Fig. 13.3.15). This is generally achieved
using a mesh measuring 10 × 15 cm.
Fig. 13.3.15 Fold-free, secure positioning of an intact prolene mesh.
430
13.3 Complicated Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Fig. 13.3.16 Complete destruction of the posterior wall of the inguinal
canal with large indirect and direct hernial canal.
Fig. 13.3.18 Laparoscopic view of an interparietal hernia.
Fig. 13.3.17 When inserting an incised mesh ensure a clear overlap of the two halves of the mesh which must be securely fixed together with at least two clips.
Combined Direct and Indirect Hernias
This form of hernia often extends from medial to far lateral. It may be necessary for a secure coverage with the necessary mesh overlap to employ an additional piece of mesh (Fig. 13.3.16). This is attached to the standard 10 × 15 cm mesh with a few clips. When a sufficiently large mesh is chosen, addi­tional anchoring superior to the iliopubic tract in the so-called “triangle of doom” is not needed (nerve injury!).
Recurrent Hernias with Multiple Orifices
This constellation may be expected in about one of twenty patients with a recurrent hernia. The orifices are so far apart that coverage with a standard mesh is not possible; this situa­tion demands the use of two separate meshes. For medial hernia orifices the mesh should extend across the symphysis and completely cover Hesselbach’s triangle. If an incised mesh is used to repair the inguinal ring the overlapping sides of the mesh must be fitted around the spermatic cords and securely attached using at least two clips (Fig. 13.3.17). The slit for the spermatic cord is generally positioned vertically so that this weaker section of the mesh does not overlap the hernia orifices.
Combined Procedures in Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
431
Fig. 13.3.19 Mesh with vertical incision. Fig. 13.3.20 When inserting an intact mesh always ensure a wide
parietalization so that the caudal edge of the mesh lies clearly in front of the peritoneal reflexion.
Inguinal Hernia in Combination
with Interparietal Hernia
This situation is rather rare (Fig. 13.3.18). A prerequisite is an ad-
ditional functional disturbance of the musculature of the
abdominal wall due to neural disorders following trauma or previous operation (e. g., appendectomy). Laparoscopic repair in these patients requires subperitoneal
dissection over a wide area from the umbilical fold to well past
the margin of the interparietal hernia. This procedure usually requires introduction of an additional ipsilateral trocar in a me-
dial and superior position; a further contralateral trocar is only rarely needed.
This broad subperitoneal dissection results in a correspondingly higher CO
ventilation or by reduction of the CO
9 mm Hg. To close the defect either two standard size meshes or
a double size mesh (20 × 30 cm) are used.
absorption which must be compensated by hyper-
2
pressure from 12 to 8−
2
spreading of the complaints into the scrotum. A disadvantage is the far more extensive dissection, especially the far proximal dissection of the peritoneum off the spermatic cords (Fig. 13.3.20). This additional measure is required to ensure a flat placement of the mesh on the inner abdominal wall; other­wise it may be lifted off with the spermatic cords on closure of the peritoneum. An alternative attachment of the mesh below the inguinal region (triangle of doom) must be avoided because of the danger of nerve injuries. The mesh for this section is in­troduced into the abdominal cavity through the 12-mm work­ing trocar by folding it like an umbrella over the laparoscopic grasper. It is held in the upper third of the grasper or, if incised, in the lower third (Fig. 13.3.21). It is secured in place with a su­ture (Fig. 13.3.22) or a few clips (4 to a maximum of 6). For larger hernias, the anchoring to Copper’s ligament is particularly im­portant. Since it is difficult to place sutures at this position, the primary use of clips is recommended.
Combined Procedures in Laparoscopic
Further Aspects of Mesh Placement
The former standard procedure to manage hernia orif ices in the region of the inner inguinal ring involves use of a vertically in-
cised mesh (Fig. 13.3.19). Actually, an unincised mesh may be
used. This has the advantage of a higher stability and avoids possible complications from spermatic cords passing through
the mesh in the incised region. These include in particular irri-
tations of the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve with
Hernia Repair
The possibility of treating several organic defects in the course of one operation is a proven procedure provided that the known criteria are respected. A prerequisite is necessary experience, especially the appropriate placement and arrangement of the working trocars. Frequently seen constellations are discussed below.
432
13.3 Complicated Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Fig. 13.3.21 Insertion of the mesh which is folder over a grasper like an umbrella and so can easily be pushed through the trocar.
Fig. 13.3.22 Fixing the mesh with sutures lateral and medial of the epi­gastric vessels.
B
A
Fig. 13.3.23 The “triangle of the doom” (A) and the “triangle of pain” (B).
Fig. 13.3.24 When the anatomic relationships in the region of the inner inguinal ring are not clear begin the dissection caudal/lateral in the vicin­ity of the peritoneal reflexion with exposure of the testicular vessels.
Hematoma and Seroma
433
Bilateral Inguinal Hernia
This is found in about every fifth patient, sometimes as an unex-
pected secondary finding. In contrast to the conventionally
used, sequential procedures in open operations, the bilateral la-
paroscopic hernia repair may be performed through the same
approach with only a small increase in operating time. There are
no disadvantages for the patients with regard to the results or
the risk profile. The laparoscope/camera trocar is always introduced at the su-
perior margin of the umbilicus. The position of the surgeon is
contralateral to the operation site, i. e., it must be changed during the procedure. The patient’s arm with the intravenous access is either placed above the head or a central venous cathe­ter is used.
Postoperative, the periods of hospitalization and convalescence
are not longer than those for a unilateral procedure.
Management of Secondary Intraabdominal Problems
The simultaneous treatment of all secondary complaints that can be managed under aseptic conditions seems reasonable. These include, in particular: lysis of adhesions, closure of abdominal wall hernias, cholecystectomy, vasectomy. Preopera­tive single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended in every case. Careful attention must be paid to the placing of the lateral and epigastric trocars; if necessary further trocars may be used.
The most important prerequisite to avoid these complications is knowledge of the local anatomy and topography as well as of the possible variations in the courses of the mentioned nerves (Fig. 13.3.23). Although all of the nerves in question are usually in the triangle of pain (B), they may also occur as much as 1 cm superior to the inguinal ligament or beneath the fascia. In addition to knowledge of standard anatomy and it variations, the following basic rules should be observed:
1. Never use clips on the iliopubic tract or the inguinal liga-
ment, maintain superior and inferior safety margins of 1 cm.
2. Use only blunt dissection in the region inferior to the iliopu-
bic tract and lateral to the spermatic cords. Control bleeding extremely carefully, using electrocautery only as single bursts.
Intraoperative Bleeding
Intraoperative bleeding can usually be detected and controlled under direct vision. More severe bleeding is possible in particular, from the epiga­stric artery which may be injured during placement of the working trocar, the region of the aberrant arterial branches near Cooper’s ligament, and the spermatic cords. For management, we recommend removal of the working trocars under vision and, after release of pressure, control of the bleeding. If laparoscopic control of bleeding is not possible or not certain, we convert to a conventional, open procedure. Uncontrolled electrocautery or deep penetrating sutures are not recom­mended to control the bleeding.
Prevention of Complications and Hernia Recurrences
Pneumoperitoneum and
Trocar Placement
Reliable measures to avoid complications in these procedures
are, above all, to follow the established rules and safety tests for establishing the pneumoperitoneum and introducing the camera trocar. In cases of doubt and, especially, after previous
surgery the open procedure should be preferred.
The use of the so-called “safety trocar” does not automatically provide protection from feared complications and does not re­lease the surgeon from his or her duty to use proven techniques
and safety procedures. For the working trocars in the right and left mid abdomen we recommend blunt tapered reusable tro-
cars. The procedure for adhesions corresponds to the generally
accepted rules.
Nerve Injuries
Injuries to or irritations of the following nerves and branches
are also possible in laparoscopic procedures: ilioinguinal nerve,
genital and femoral branches of the genitofemoral nerve, and
the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. The spectrum of symptoms ranges from sensory deficits to severe pain in the area supplied
by the respective nerve. Causes of injury may be transection
during dissection, electrocautery, or pressure irritation on use
of clips.
Hematoma and Seroma
Bleedings in the region of the testicular vessels cannot always be avoided on extensive dissection along the spermatic cords.
When extensive scarring is present and the situation in the re­gion of the inner inguinal ring is not clear, we move the dissec­tion inferior to the iliopubic tract along the iliopsoas muscle in order to expose the clearly visible testicular vessels (Fig. 13.3.24). From here the dissection continues superiorly to the inner inguinal ring. Palpable or ultrasonically detected but clinically silent hema­tomas in the region of the spermatic cords may be observed and are left alone. They subside spontaneously. More frequent is the occurrence of serohematomas in the re­gion of previous hernias, especially direct hernias. The causes are probably undetected bleeding in the hernia bed which slips back inward through fine tearing during development of the hernia.
The formation of serohematomas in the hernia sac bed gener­ally does not require active treatment, we recommend a regular sonographic follow-up (Fig. 13.3.25). As a rule, spontaneous ab­sorption can be expected within about 6 weeks. Extensive serohematomas and those that are clearly visible on account of external swelling require treatment by percutaneous puncture. In the rare cases of excessive bleeding a reoperation is needed. The hematoma is cleared through an inguinal access. Regular sonographic follow-ups of the operation site and the scrotum are recommended after laparoscopic hernia repair in order to check for seroma formation and the correct positioning of the mesh coverage (e. g., on the 1 days).
st,3rd
, and 5thpostoperative
434
13.3 Complicated Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Fig. 13.3.25 Postoperative sonographic control of the position of the mesh, showing hematoma anterior and posterior from the mesh.
Fig. 13.3.26 Secure closure of the peritoneum with sutures.
a b
Fig. 13.3.27a Recurrent hernia after laparoscopic hernioplasty, the edge
of the implanted mesh is clearly visible. The hernia region itself is free of adhesions.
b Recurrence after laparoscopic hernioplasty. After exposure of the in-
guinal canal a second mesh is implanted to overlap the old mesh which is left in place.

13.4 Comments on Laparoscopic Hernia Repair

435
Testicular Atrophy
Causes of this complication are transection of the testicular ves­sels or compression of the spermatic cords in the region of pas­sage through the mesh with edema and restricted passage. Postoperative swelling of the testes requires wearing an ath­lete’s support and close sonographic monitoring. In cases of
doubt the opening in the mesh must be enlarged surgically.
Peritoneal Closure and Danger of Ileus
The security of the peritoneal closure can be increased by use of
a Lahodny suture (Fig. 13.3.26). It is preferred over closure with
clips and at the same time helps to avoid possible irritations of nerve branches that can occur when a clip is placed deep in the muscle. If unexpectedly, a rare defect does occur in the peri-
toneal closure there is a danger of bowel incarceration. Primary
clarification and revision should be attempted by laparoscopy.
Hernia Recurrence
The rate of recurrences after laparoscopic repair should corre­spond to the situation after conventional procedures; however, isolated, short-term studies provide indications for the better results. Most situations involve a medial recurrence which is diagnosed
clinically. In cases of firm suspicion laparoscopic correction is
carried out. However, the peritoneal plane may be obliterated and the hernia orifices only become visible after the peri­toneum has been opened. Technically, the dissection is started medially with exact exposure of the local anatomic structures.
Adhesions are rare so the dissection is usually easily performed (Fig. 13.3.27 a + b). The hernia orifices are closed with an addi­tional mesh. This is attached to Cooper’s ligament, to the sym­physis region, and to the edge of the exposed, primary mesh.
The operation site is carefully reperitonealized. The more heavily scarred lateral section of the inguinal region is usually not affected and is left alone.
An open procedure is recommended for recurrent hernias with complications (e. g., incarceration).
The most important steps in avoiding a recurrent hernia in­clude:
1. Precise exposure of the hernia orifices, especially in the me-
dial segment of Hesselbach’s triangle past the symphysis and retrovesical exposure extending to the opposite side.
2. Use of a large mesh, at least 10 × 15 cm, so that all possible
hernia orifices are covered by at least 2−3 cm.
3. In the presence of a large, direct hernia, the mesh must b e
fastened to Cooper’s ligament or to the symphysis pubis.
4. If an incised mesh is used to cover the inner inguinal ring, the
slit should be positioned vertically. Both sides of the mesh should overlap and be securely joined by at least two clips.
5. If an intact mesh is used, the peritoneal sac must be broadly
dissected off the spermatic cords in a parietal dissection so that the mesh will lay flat in the inguinal region and remain so even after closure of the peritoneum.
13.4 Comments on Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
V. Schumpelick
In the last decade, minimally invasive surgery has undergone a
dramatic development. After the initial phase of pioneering in­terventions and the search for innovative methods, today those
procedures with a high degree of standardization, reliability, as
well as medical and economic benefits have become estab-
lished. Typical examples of these include laparoscopic cholecys-
tectomy, laparoscopic fundoplication, laparoscopic sigmoid re­section, and thorascopic therapy for pneumothorax. Less successful procedures are laparoscopic lysis of adhesions, ap­pendectomy, and rectum resection. The latter methods have not
emerged from the shadows of the alternative, open procedures. Important innovations of the currently expanding indication fields are the laparoscopic splenectomy and the retroperitoneal
appendectomy. During this period, laparoscopic hernia operations (Schum­pelick and Wantz, 1995) have remained, at a first glance, simple
but on a second look problematic. The idea of closing the well
visible hernia orifices from the inside was confronted with un-
expected difficulties. At first clips and sutures were used for clo­sure then because of the lack of success the hernia sac was filled
with non-absorbable plastic material. The next stage was to cover the hernia orifice with a mesh which was initially applied intraperitoneally and finally preperitoneally. At first an ab­sorbable mesh material was chosen, only to be changed to a non-absorbable material on account of the high rate of recur­rences. At first the mesh was small—just covering the hernia orifice—later it could not be large enough. For fear of causing in­traperitoneal injuries and placing sutures with their inherent danger of adhesions, in the last few years a change to an ex­traperitoneal procedure has occurred. Now we have reached a technique that utilizes the proven route of extraperitoneal mesh reinforcement according to Stoppa and can for the first time re­port on lasting and reproducible results. Even so, the procedure is as yet only successful in the hands of a few experienced spe­cialists (Schumpelick et al., 1994).
The 10-year journey was tedious, full of complications and not without disappointments for surgeons and patients. By use of the extraperitoneal placement of the mesh, the reservations about safety which have accompanied laparoscopic hernia re­pair from the very beginning and classified it as a risky, unnec-
436
13.4 Comments on Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
essarily transperitoneal intervention have been overcome. A potential standard procedure is in sight, is realizable, relatively low in risk, and is being increasingly employed. One must now ask how reasonable is it? The necessity for general anesthesia and the use of alloplastic meshes remain unsatisfactory. The operation is technically difficult, time-consuming, and still ac­companied by potential complications. Even if these arguments against the method could be tolerated under the aspects of innovation and surgical challenge, laparo-
scopic hernia repair today meets its strongest criticism from the
economic points of view. There are now numerous studies proving that laparoscopic hernia repair is not the method of first choice, also for reasons of cost. The additional costs as com­pared to the conventional, open techniques amount to about $ 1500 due to more expensive materials, apparatus, and longer operation times. The often expressed counter arguments of a
shorter convalescence, shorter period off work, and less pain
have been examined in controlled prospective studies and
shown to be almost negligible in comparison with an open pro-
cedure. On the whole, a certain stratification in hernia surgery seems to be apparent in that small to medium-size hernias (classifica­tion L1−2 and M1−2) are best treated under local anesthesia using the Shouldice technique. Larger hernias (classification L3 and M3) should be more often treated by an alloplastic mesh re-
inforcement which can, as a rule, easily be performed in an open repair technique under local anesthesia (Schumpelick,
1996). Only multiple recurrences with destroyed, scarred ven­tral anatomy are suitable for the retroperitoneal approach which should be applied as an open procedure according to Stoppa or Wantz or alternatively as a laparoscopic procedure. From the viewpoint of current hernia surgery, only this situa­tion constitutes a potential indication for a laparoscopic hernia repair. In summary we may conclude that the excellent possibilities of laparoscopic surgical technique should not be overexploited. Even the most devoted supporter of laparoscopic surgery should admit that the technically possible is often not rea­sonable. Laparoscopy has more important and more valuable fields of application than the extension of a 20-minute, ex­traperitoneal operation under local anesthesia to a higher-risk, abdominal procedure under general anesthesia. “Less is more.”
Bibliography
Schumpelick V, Hernien. 3rdedn. Stuttgart: Enke; 1996. Schumpelick V, Wantz GE. Inguinal hernia repair. Basle: Karger; 1995. Schumpelick V, Treutner KH, Artl G. Inguinal hernia in adults. Lancet 1994;
344:375−379.

14. Closing Commentaries

14.1 Analysis and Prevention of Untoward Ev ents in Laparoscopic Surgery

H. Troidl
437
“As we learn from our errors, our errors be­come increasingly valuable.” Sir Karl Popper
Error Analysis: A Rarely Used Method
Today, there is a wide variety of methods to assess the results and effectiveness of surgical interventions. Controlled clinical studies provide the most reliable data; they
have a recognized higher degree of objectivity. Less reliable al-
ternatives are observational studies without controls, retro-
spective data analyses, and, more recently, “consensus confer-
ences,” “quality assurance measures,” and “quality audits”. The information is then publicized at meetings, symposia, and
in textbooks and journals. High “scientific content” is regarded
as the best sign of quality in a medical journal. A clear listing of positive and negative events of clinical relevance is equally im­portant.
We should keep two facts in mind when considering this sys-
tem:
1. It is rare for colleagues from small and medium-sized surgi-
cal departments to present their experience to a scientific forum, although they perform over 80% of all surgical treat­ments.
2. Most authors prefer to report positive results, particularly at professional meetings and in scientific publications.
Negative results, poor outcomes, or even disasters are rarely presented, and published even more rarely. Scientific publica-
tions seem to thrive on accounts of success. The world of communications—written and spoken—in medi-
cine does not necessarily represent reality. In the sixth principle of his twelve principles of new pro­fessional ethics, Sir Karl Popper writes: “The new fundamental law is that to avoid errors as much as possible we must learn from precisely these errors; covering up errors is thus the
greatest intellectual sin”. He calls for precise and detailed error
analysis as a prerequisite for the continued development of ef­fective art and science in medicine.
A registry of negative events has immense significance for eval-
uating surgical interventions and is part of the basis upon which
therapy is chosen.
The widespread cataloguing of negative events is important for
the systematic analysis of errors. Becoming aware of errors and
complications makes the surgeon more attentive; at the very least, it is the beginning of a systematic error analysis. Publications and textbooks with detailed and clear instructions
on how to correct errors abound. However, I am not aware of
any book that addresses the prevention of errors as its primary
topic in a similarly structured, systematic manner.
There are definite reasons for this, and some of them are cer-
tainly plausible. Yet, the absence of such a text is regrettable.
One can examine the multitude of terms used in different lan­guages to refer to negative events. In English, we speak of “com­plications”, “adverse events”, “critical incidents”, “mishaps”, and “errors.” The word “mistake” is rarely mentioned. Referring openly and candidly to “mistakes” has three negative aspects that should make the surgeon take notice: Open and possibly overly frank discussion of the error can negatively in­fluence the trust that the patient places in the physician. Dis­turbing a patient in a life-threatening situation by discussing or providing information about errors is not conducive to obtain­ing the patient’s consent to treatment. This applies equally to the strong placebo effect in specific situations that surgery has and ought to exploit. For a responsible surgeon, the phrase “ex­cruciating pain” is hardly sufficient to describe honest and clear analysis of an error.
Yet the fact is that error analysis is able to help avoid errors, and particularly those with severe and irreparable consequences, i. e., disasters.
Note: Error analysis makes surgical intervention safer. It repre­sents a tremendous advantage for the patient.
Error Analysis, A Method for Clinical Practice and Research
By error analysis I mean a systematic, rigorous, objective inves­tigation of:
− The medical, clinical, and individual situation.
− The decision-making process.
− The action.
− The general and specific circumstances underlying the un-
desired result.
Careful determination of the cause of an error is important, yet its only purpose is to provide practical, relevant information for avoiding the error next time.
This careful analysis must lead to structured, practical, relevant action and thus to avoiding the error. The individual steps in strategy and technique must be clearly listed in writing or at least suitable for listing.
Note: Avoiding errors on the basis of this information is the core of error analysis. Note that the primary intention of error analysis is not to correct errors.
Concept and Purpose of Error Analysis
(See Fig. 14.1.3 and Table 14.1.1). Error analysis is not a new concept in surgical practice. Every surgeon performs his or her own rigorous analysis, often uncon-