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BackgroundSmall bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common surgical emergency, causing high morbidity and healthcare costs. The majority of SBOs are caused by adhesions that result from previous surgeries. Bowel obstruction, however, also occurs in patients without previous operation or known pathology, a so called virgin abdomen. It is unknown if small bowel obstruction in the virgin abdomen (SBO-VA) can be managed according to the same principles as other cases of small bowel obstruction. The aim of this position paper is to evaluate the available evidence on etiology and management of small bowel obstruction in the virgin abdomen.MethodsThis is a narrative review with scoping aspects. Clinical topics covered in this review include epidemiology and etiology of SBO-VA, diagnosis and imaging, initial assessment, the role of surgical management in SBO-VA, and the role of non-operative management in SBO-VA.ResultsOur scoping search revealed seven original studies reporting original patient data related to SBO-VA. All the included studies are retrospective cohorts, with populations ranging between 44 and 103 patients with SBO-VA. Adhesions were found to be the cause of the obstruction in approximately half of the reported cases of SBO-VA. A relatively high number of cases of SBO-VA were managed surgically with studies reporting 39–83%. However, in cases where a trial of non-operative management was started, this was generally successful.ConclusionThe data available suggest that etiology and treatment results for patients with SBO-VA are largely comparable to the results in patients with SBO after previous abdominal surgery. We therefore propose that patients with a virgin abdomen could be treated according to existing guidelines for SBO and adhesive small bowel obstruction.

Introduction: Cesarean section (CS) is a surgical procedure that often saves the lives of both the mother and the baby, while a previous CS is one of the main indications for cesarean delivery in current pregnancy. Aim: Our aim was to determine the surgical and obstetrical outcomes and complication for the mother and the neonate after 4 or more CSs and compare it with mothers who had less than 4 previous CSs. Methods: This case-control study was conducted by reviewing the records of all women who underwent multiple CSs from 2013 to 2018. Our study group comprised of 394 women who had 4 or more CSs, and our control group comprised of similar number of women who had previous history of two or three CSs. Results: A total of 788 patients were enrolled in our study. We found that adhesions were the most common complications in our study group with a considerable increase in number of both moderate and severe adhesions in the study group compared to the controls with p-value of

Background and Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate a potential association between previous childhood appendectomy, tube pathology, and female infertility. Methods: We reviewed patients seeking care at the fertility clinic of our university medical center between 2006 and 2016. The history of previous appendectomy was extracted from hospital documentation and by telephone follow-up. Tubal patency was assessed by diagnostic laparoscopy and chromopertubation. Results: In our study cohort (N = 237), 24.9% (n = 59) had a history of previous appendectomy. Previous appendectomy, therefore, was about 3-fold more prevalent in women seeking fertility treatment than in the general population. Patients with previous appendectomy had more intra-abdominal adhesions (P < .001) and patients with adhesions tended to have compromised tubal patency (P = .05). However, there was no direct correlation between a previous appendectomy and tube pathology (P = .727). Conclusion: Because previous appendectomy was associated with intra-abdominal adhesions, and these were in turn associated with tube pathology, but appendectomy was not directly associated with compromised tubal patency, previous appendectomy may indirectly affect female fertility through mechanisms other than direct tubal obstruction. This is one of the largest study analyzing laparoscopic chromopertubation in association with previous childhood appendectomy.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a disease characterized by inflammation of the paranasal sinus mucosa for a duration of more than 12 weeks. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed chronic diseases that is encountered in everyday practice with an overall prevalence ranges from 7% to 27% Objective: To evaluate our long-term experience using wedge-shape middle meatal Merocel packing after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods: charts and electronic records of consecutive adult CRS patients who failed to respond to medical treatment and underwent endoscopic sinus surgery using wedge-shaped middle meatal Merocele packing were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, presence and absence of nasal polyps and/or asthma, postoperative bleeding, middle meatal adhesions and/or lateralization, and requirement of adhesiolysis were reviewed. Results: 697 patients (1394 nasal sides) were included. The mean age was 34 years. CRS with nasal polyps was observed in 224 patients (32%) and 185 (27%) had associated asthma. Postoperative pain and discomfort while the pack in place were tolerable and no patient required pre-scheduled pack removal. All packs were removed in the clinic with tolerable discomfort. No major bleeding that required re-packing was seen, but mild oozing or minor bleeding was encountered in some cases which was controlled by small cotton packs soaked with diluted adrenaline. Thirty-four patients (4.9%) had middle meatal adhesions. Right side adhesions were seen in 13 patients (38.2%), left side adhesions in 12 patients (35.3%), and bilateral in 9 patients (26.4%). Significant severe lateralized middle turbinate was observed in 2 cases. No infectious complications related to the pack have happened. Conclusion: Wedge-shaped Merocel pack is an effective middle meatal pack after FESS. It is easy to shape, widely available, and economical. It can decrease early postoperative bleeding and also it provides support to the middle turbinate preventing lateralization and adhesions.

Highlights • Patients undergoing relaparotomies are underrepresented in clinical trials. • The study has three steps: health care research, translational research, and RCT. • The clinical course will be followed prospectively. • Main outcomes are postoperative complications, incisional hernias and adhesions. • The ReLap study will gain evidence for best care in relaparotomies., Background Patients undergoing relaparotomies are underrepresented in clinical trials. Standard of care, relative outcomes compared to primary laparotomy, and the ideal fascial closure technique are unknown. Objective The ReLap study has three objectives: First, to determine standard of care and gain evidence of intra-/postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing relaparotomy compared to patients undergoing primary laparotomy. Second, to gain evidence of an association between biomarkers and adhesion grade in a clinical-translational approach in patients undergoing relaparotomy or primary laparotomy. Third, to gain evidence of the feasibility and comparative effectiveness of fascial closure after relaparotomy using the small stitches technique with Monomax 2–0 versus the large stitches technique with PDS 1 loop. Methods The ReLap study is a monocentric, prospective, mixed-methods, exploratory study with three steps: health care research, translational research, and randomized controlled trial. All patients scheduled for elective laparotomies or relaparotomies at the University of Heidelberg will be screened for eligibility. There will be five study visits during the hospital stay and one study visit one year after surgery. The clinical course will be followed and outcomes necessary to answer the study objectives will be captured prospectively. Relaparotomy patients eligible for closure with the small and large stitches technique will be randomized intraoperatively to one technique. Discussion The ReLap study will bridge a significant knowledge gap regarding patients undergoing relaparotomy. Differences in the standard of care between relaparotomies and primary laparotomies will be determined. The relation between biomarkers and manifestation of adhesions will be explored and evidence for the comparative effectiveness of fascial closure after relaparotomy will be gained.

A b s t r a c t Introduction: Peritoneal adhesions, the fibrotic bands that form between the surfaces in the peritoneal cavity follow - ing surgery, still pose a difficult clinical challenge. Aim:To evaluate the SprayShield™ Adhesion Barrier System (PEG ester amine solution and a buffer solution) in reduc - ing post-operative adhesion formation. Material and methods: This was a prospective, multi-center, randomized, single blind study. A total of 11 subjects diag - nosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) were randomized: 8 to the SprayShield™ arm and 3 to the control arm. SprayShield™ was applied on the viscera directly under the midline peritoneal incision and at the site of ileostomy. During the follow-up surgery, the incidence, extent, and severity of post-operative adhe - sion formation were evaluated, as well as the time required to mobilize the ileal loop. Results: In patients who received SprayShield™ the time required to mobilize the ileal loop at the ileostomy closure was slightly shorter and the incidence and severity of adhesions were somewhat lower vs. control subjects (NS). Conclusions: SprayShield™ was found to be easy to use, safe, and quick to apply, and performed well in adherence and conformity. The incidence and severity of adhesions were lower for SprayShield™ subjects vs. control subjects, but due to the limited number of patients there are not enough data to confirm the effectiveness of the SprayShield™ Adhesion Barrier System in prevention of adhesions.

Ventralight ST with SorbaFix fixation exhibited more favorable strength of tissue ingrowth and histologic response with similar mesh contracture and adhesion characteristics compared with Physiomesh fixed with Securestrap., Background and Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare mesh contracture, adhesion characteristics, tissue ingrowth, and histologic response of Ventralight ST/SorbaFix (C.R. Bard/Davol, Warwick, RI, USA) with Physiomesh/Securestrap (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA) in a porcine model of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Methods: Standard laparoscopic technique was used to bilaterally implant meshes in 10 female Yorkshire swine. Each animal received either two Ventralight ST meshes (oval shaped, 10.2 × 15.2 cm) or two Physiomesh meshes (oval shaped 10 × 15 cm), one on either side of the midline. The meshes were fixated to the intact peritoneum with either SorbaFix (for animals receiving Ventralight ST) or Securestrap (for animals receiving Physiomesh). There were 5 animals in each group, yielding 10 of each mesh-fixation combination. Mesh contracture, adhesion characteristics, tissue ingrowth, and histologic response were evaluated after 14 days by image analysis, mechanical testing, and histologic staining (hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome, picrosirius red, and von Willebrand factor). Results: Ventralight ST/SorbaFix and Physiomesh/Securestrap exhibited a similar percentage of mesh contracture, percentage of adhesion coverage, adhesion tenacity, collagen deposition, and levels of necrosis (P > .05 in all cases). However, Ventralight ST/SorbaFix exhibited significantly less inflammation (P = .0001), fibrosis (P = .0017), hemorrhage (P = .0001), and angiogenesis (P = .0032) and significantly greater strength of tissue ingrowth (P = .0003) than Physiomesh/Securestrap after the 14-day implantation period. Conclusions: Ventralight ST/SorbaFix exhibited more favorable strength of tissue ingrowth and histologic response and similar mesh contracture and adhesion characteristics compared with Physiomesh/Securestrap over a short-term 14-day implantation period in a preclinical porcine model.

Objective: Abdominal wall adhesions at laparoscopy may predispose infertile patients to access-related injuries and increase the complexity of the procedure. We have observed concern from referring physicians regarding the safety of surgical laparoscopy in infertile patients who previously underwent surgery because of the risk of abdominal adhesions. To assess the risk of intraabdominal adhesions at laparoscopy, a retrospective cohort study was performed. Methods: All infertile patients who underwent a reproductive laparoscopic procedure in a 6-year period at our institution were included in this study. A chart review was performed to obtain demographic/surgical data and identify preoperative risk factors for intraabdominal adhesions. Operative videotapes were reviewed to determine the presence and location of adhesions. Standard statistical analyses were performed. Results: During the study period, 254 infertile patients underwent reproductive surgical laparoscopy, and videotapes on 164 (65%) were available for review. A total of 88 patients (54%) were identified with preoperative risk factors for intraabdominal adhesions (group 1), while 76 (46%) had no risk factors (group 2). The relative risk of adhesions was 1.34 (95% CI, range 0.89 to 2.01, P=0.18) when risk factors were identified. There were no differences in the groups regarding patient age, operative time, access technique, conversion to open surgery, or complications. Estimated blood loss was significantly higher in group 2, likely due to the predominance of laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometriomata and complexity of the cases rather than the presence or absence of intraabdominal adhesion risk factors. Conclusions: No difference existed in the risk of intra-abdominal adhesions in infertile patients with and without identifiable preoperative risk factors. Preoperative risk factors for intraabdominal adhesions should not contraindicate the surgical laparoscopic approach for reproductive procedures.

Background and Objectives: Laparoscopic ventral incisional hernia repair involves intraabdominal placement of a synthetic mesh, and the possibility of formation of severe visceral adhesions to the prosthesis is a principal concern. Little clinical information based on reoperative findings is available about adhesions to biomaterials placed intraabdominally. We conducted a multi-institutional study of adhesions to implanted expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) mesh at reoperation in patients who had previously undergone laparoscopic incisional hernia repair done with the same mesh implantation technique. Methods: Nine surgeons retrospectively assessed the severity of adhesions to ePTFE mesh at reoperation in 65 patients. For each case, adhesions were assigned a score of 0 to 3, with 0 indicating no adhesions and 3 severe adhesions. Results: The mean time from mesh implantation to reoperation was 420 days (range, 2-1739 days). No adhesions were observed in 15 cases. Forty-four cases received an adhesion score of 1, and 6 cases a score of 2; no scores of 3 were assigned. Thus, 59 patients (91 %) had either no or filmy, avascular adhesions. No enterotomies occurred during adhesiolysis. Conclusions: In this large series of reoperations after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, no or minimal formation of adhesions to implanted ePTFE mesh was observed in 91% of cases, and no severe cohesive adhesions were found. Comparative analyses of newer materials based on clinical reoperative findings are warranted to assess the safety of intraabdominally placed meshes.

Background: Adhesions commonly result from abdominal and pelvic surgical procedures and may result in intestinal obstruction, infertility, chronic pain, or complicate subsequent operations. Laparoscopy produces less peritoneal trauma than does conventional laparotomy and may result in decreased adhesion formation. We present a review of the available data on laparoscopy and adhesion formation, as well as laparoscopic adhesiolysis. We also review current adjuvant techniques that may be used by practicing laparoscopists to prevent adhesion formation. Database: A Medline search using “adhesions,” “adhesiolysis,” and “laparoscopy” as key words was performed for English-language articles. Further references were obtained through cross-referencing the bibliography cited in each work. Discussion: The majority of studies indicate that laparoscopy may reduce postoperative adhesion formation relative to laparotomy. However, laparoscopy by itself does not appear to eliminate adhesions completely. A variety of adjuvant materials are available to surgeons, and the most recent investigation has demonstrated significant potential for intraperitoneal barriers. Newer technologies continue to evolve and should result in clinically relevant reductions in adhesion formation.

This study was conducted to determine if lysis of bowel adhesions has a role in the surgical management of adhesions for treating complex abdominal and pelvic pain syndrome., Abdominal pains secondary to adhesions are a common complaint, but most surgeons do not perform surgery for this complaint unless the patient suffers from a bowel obstruction. The purpose of this evaluation was to determine if lysis of bowel adhesions has a role in the surgical management of adhesions for helping treat abdominal pain. The database of our patients with complex abdominal and pelvic pain syndrome (CAPPS) was reviewed to identify patients who underwent a laparoscopic lysis of adhesion without any organ removal and observe if they had a decrease in the amount of abdominal pain after this procedure. Thirty-one patients completed follow-up at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. At 6, 9, and 12 months postoperation, there were statistically significant decreases in patients' analog pain scores. We concluded that laparoscopic lysis of adhesions can help decrease adhesion-related pain. The pain from adhesions may involve a more complex pathway toward pain resolution than a simple cutting of scar tissue, such as “phantom pain” following amputation, which takes time to resolve after this type of surgery.

In this experimental study, we aimed to examine the ability of absorbable oxidised regenerated cellulose (Interceed, TC-7, Johnson & Johnson, USA) to inhibit the formation of peritendinous fibrotic adhesions after tendon repair in rats. Both Achilles tendons of 23 female Wistar-Albino rats weighing between 350 and 450 grams were cut and repaired. On the right side, Interceed absorbable adhesion barriers were wrapped around the repaired tendon (group I). On the left, the same procedures were applied except for the Interceed wrapping and these were grouped as control (group II). Animals were sacrificed at postoperative day 28 and macroscopic and histological examination was performed. All the animals survived and no tendon rupture was observed. No wound dehiscence, wound infection or exposure of repaired tendons occurred. Macroscopically, there were three (13.1%) tendons without adhesion formation and 20 (86.9%) tendons with inferior adhesion formation in group I; on the other hand, there were 16 tendons (69.5%) with medium grade adhesion formation and seven tendons (30.5%) with severe peritendinous adhesion formation in group II (control group) (p

Background: The use of prosthetic materials to reinforce the abdominal wall is associated with a low index of recurrence; however, intraperitoneal placement of a foreign body may lead to adhesions. The present investigation was designed to determine adhesion formation with commercially available meshes implanted laparoscopically in rabbits. Methods: Three different meshes were implanted laparoscopically in 24 rabbits: polypropylene (mesh A), polypropylene and sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose (mesh B), and polypropylene and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (mesh C). Sites of implantation for each mesh (the left lower quadrant, right lower quadrant, and lower midline) were randomly determined so that every rabbit had all 3 meshes implanted. All animals underwent diagnostic laparoscopy after 28 days to grade adhesions and histological analysis of inflammation. Results: Adhesions were noticed in 46 of the 72 meshes implanted (64%). The number of adhesions was higher for mesh C (87.5%) compared with meshes A (62.5%) and B (41.6%). The severity of adhesions was also higher for mesh C (grade I in 14, II in 6, and III in 1) compared with mesh A (grade I in 10, II in 4, and III in 1 case) and B (all of them grade II). Histological inflammatory reaction was classified as mild in 23 cases of mesh A, 15 of mesh B, and 23 of mesh C. A moderate reaction was found in 1 case of mesh A, 4 cases of mesh B, and 1 case of mesh C. Severe reaction was induced in 5 cases of mesh B. Mesh B induced a higher inflammatory reaction compared with the other meshes. Conclusions: All meshes induced adhesions of different grades. Mesh B had fewer adhesions and more intense inflammation them did the others.

Objectives: We sought to define the role of laparoscopy in identifying the clinical significance, cause, and association between adhesions and chronic pelvic pain. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted from October 2004 to July 2005, at the Kiel School of Gynecological Endoscopy, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany. Included in the study was the analysis of 462 laparoscopic procedures; 275 (59.5%) of the patients undergoing these procedures had pelvic or abdominal adhesions. Of these, 84 (30.5%) patients were admitted with the main complaint of chronic pelvic pain. Further evaluation and assessment of this group was carried out. Results: Among those patients with adhesions, the second most frequent reason for admission was chronic pelvic pain (30.5%) (P

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of intraabdominal adhesions to the umbilicus following gynecologic laparoscopy through an umbilical incision. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all gynecologic laparoscopic procedures in a private practice setting to identify patients with a repeat laparoscopy who had a history of a previous laparoscopy through an umbilical incision. Patients with a history of other surgeries were excluded. All repeat laparoscopies used a left upper quadrant entry technique where the abdominal cavity was surveyed for adhesions. We also reviewed adverse events attributable to the left upper quadrant entry approach. Results: We identified 151 patients who underwent a second laparoscopy and had a previous umbilical scar. Thirty-two of the 151 (21.2%) patients with a history of a laparoscopy had evidence of adhesions to the umbilical undersurface. No adverse events or injuries were attributed to the left upper quadrant entry technique. Conclusions: Adhesions to the umbilical undersurface occur in 21.2% of patients who have undergone a prior laparoscopy through an umbilical incision. For this reason, we recommend an alternate location for entry in patients with an umbilical scar from a previous laparoscopy.

Background and Objectives: To determine if surgery using ultrasonic energy for dissection results in less adhesion formation than monopolar electrosurgical energy in the late (8 weeks) postoperative period. Methods: Injuries were induced in rabbits by using ultrasonic energy on one uterine horn and the adjacent pelvic sidewall and using monopolar energy on the opposite side. Eight weeks postoperatively, the rabbits underwent autopsy and clinical and pathologic scoring of adhesions was performed by blinded investigators. Results: There was no significant difference in clinical adhesion scores between the two modalities. The mean clinical score for monopolar cautery was 1.00 versus 0.88 for the Harmonic device (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, Ohio) (P = .71). Furthermore, there was no significant difference found in the pathologic adhesion scores between the ultrasonic scalpel and monopolar energy. The mean pathologic score for monopolar electrosurgery was 4.35 versus 3.65 for the Harmonic scalpel (P = .30). Conclusion: Neither monopolar electrosurgery nor ultrasonic dissection is superior in the prevention of adhesion formation in the late postoperative period.

Background and Objectives: The contemporary results of open incisional and ventral hernia repair are unsatisfactory because of high recurrence rates and morbidity levels. Laparoscopic repair of ventral and incisional hernias (LIVH) can be accomplished in a simple, reproducible manner while dramatically lowering recurrence rates and morbidity. Methods: One hundred consecutive patents underwent laparoscopic repair of their ventral and incisional hernias over a 27-month period. Composix mesh and Composix E/X mesh (Davol Inc., Cranston, RI) were utilized for the repairs. Transfixion sutures were not used. Results: All repairs were completed laparoscopically. No conversions to open techniques were necessary. No postoperative infections have been observed. One recurrent hernia was identified and subsequently repaired with the same technique. Conclusions: LIVH can be accomplished with a dramatic reduction in recurrence rates and morbidity. The technique for this repair is still in a state of evolution. The construction and handling characteristics of this particular type of mesh have allowed us to eliminate transfixion sutures and to simplify the repair technique while maintaining a very low recurrence rate.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common and sometimes life-threatening clinical condition, usually caused by post-operative adhesions. The aims of this thesis were to investigate the outcome after SBO surgery (Paper I), cost of SBO surgery including follow-up (Paper II), incidence of SBO after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery (Paper III), and to assess the safety of using the adhesion preventing substance icodextrin in CRC surgery (Paper IV). Paper I, a population-based retrospective study on all patients operated for adhesive SBO (n=402) in the Uppsala and Gävleborg counties between 2007 and 2012. The SBO mechanism was a fibrous band in 56%. Complications and reoperations were recorded in 48% and 10% of patients, respectively. Complications, ICU care and early mortality were associated with age and ASA class. Seventy two patients had a recurrence of SBO, 26 of whom were re-operated. Previous laparotomies, diffuse adhesions, and complicated surgery (bowel injury, longer operation times and bleeding) were predictors of recurrent SBO. Paper II used the same cohort as in Paper I with an extended follow-up (8 years in median). Mean total cost estimates per patients were €40,467 during the study period. Diffuse adhesions and complications were associated with increased costs for SBO in a multivariable analysis (p