Abdominoscrotal hydrocoeles (ASH) are infrequently reported in children. The presence of bilateral ASH is even rarer, with fewer than five cases reported to date. ASH are present at birth and tend to be progressive in nature. Spontaneous resolution has not been documented. The pathogenesis is uncertain and their presence in the neonatal period suggests a preformed abnormality of the processus vaginalis. Diagnosis is suspected on clinical examination and confirmed by ultrasonography, which is a reliable diagnostic tool. Undescended testes frequently coexist. Early surgery is the preferred management, and complications are frequent if left unattended. Surgery is simply an extension of a hernia operation, without the need for a laparotomy.

BACKGROUND Biosynthetic mesh may represent an improvement on biological and large pore synthetic meshes for high-risk complex ventral hernia repair. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of polyglycolic acid (PGA):trimethylene carbonate (TMC) biosynthetic mesh for reinforcement of the midline fascial closure in a single-stage repair of complex ventral hernias in high-risk patients. METHODS A retrospective review was undertaken for patients who underwent a planned open single-stage complex ventral hernia repair with a single unit of PGA:TMC biosynthetic mesh between May 2013 and August 2017. Data on outcome variables were recorded and quality of life assessed using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) instrument. RESULTS Overall, 56 patients underwent abdominal wall reconstruction for complex ventral hernias. All meshes were placed in the retrorectus position. Some 39% underwent component separation. The majority of patients (86%, n = 48) had high risk (grade 2 or 3) hernias according to the Ventral Hernia Working Group classification. Overall hernia recurrence rate was 3.6% (n = 2). Postoperative surgical site infection occurred in 26.8% (n = 15). Median follow-up by clinical examination was 6 months (range 4–17). Median telephone follow-up was 21 months (range 4–54). Pre- and post-treatment SF-12 quality of life assessments demonstrated significant improvements in both the physical and mental components. CONCLUSION This study reports a large series of abdominal wall reconstructions using biosynthetic mesh in complex ventral hernia. The findings indicate promising early outcome data associated with use of biosynthetic mesh. Larger well-controlled studies with longer follow-up are needed for confirmation of these findings.

Non-permanent, non-woven options for the closure of an open abdomen have previously been limited to biologics such as Permacol or Strattice. Gore Bio-A is constructed from biocompatible synthetic fibres, the use of which has only been described in the repair of inguinal hernia, hiatal hernia and fistula-in-ano. A 60-year-old male underwent emergency laparotomy, partial gastrectomy and formation of a feeding jejunostomy for a strangulated and perforated intrathoracic hiatus hernia. His abdominal wall subsequently dehisced for which he underwent laparostomy and subsequent early closure with a Gore Bio-A mesh, secured in an onlay manner with 2/0 vicryl. Functional and cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory and the patient was discharged home. The use of Gore Bio-A is a safe, feasible and cost effective alternative to traditional biologics for the closure of a laparostomy, deployment of which is safe within a contaminated field. Further prospective data is needed to clarify its role.

Prosthetic mesh is now used routinely in inguinal hernia repairs, although its fixation is thought to be a potential cause of chronic groin pain. The Parietene ProGrip™ (TYCO Healthcare) mesh, which is semi-resorbable and incorporates self-fixing properties, has been shown to provide satisfactory repair in open surgery. We describe the use of this mesh in TAPP hernia repair, which has not previously been reported in the literature. A prospective study of 29 patients showed a mean operative time to be 47.6 min, with 96% of patients discharged home on the day of surgery or the day after. Visual analog pain scales (out of 10) reduced from 4 preoperatively to 0 at 6 months, and only 1 patient suffered a minor wound complication. The use of this mesh in transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair is therefore feasible, safe, and may reduce postoperative pain.

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