Publications by authors named "Thomas Marten Rolfs"

Background: The value of single-port totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (STEP) when compared to the conventional multi-port approach (TEP) is still a matter of controversy. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the feasibility and safety of the above-mentioned techniques.

Methods: A systematic literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the outcome STEP and TEP in patients with inguinal hernia was conducted.

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Construction of diverting loop ileostomy has become a common adjunct to low anterior resection for rectal cancer because it substantially reduces the severity of postoperative morbidity. Various trials have compared hand-sewn with stapled anastomotic techniques, but the existing evidence regarding different configurations of hand-sewn anastomoses is scarce. The aim of this study is to compare the early postoperative outcomes of loop ileostomy reversal using the hand-sewn end-to-end or side-to-side configuration.

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Background: Previous lower abdominal surgery is generally considered as a relative contraindication for laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. Our objective was to investigate the feasibility and safety of TEP repair in patients with a history of lower abdominal surgery.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis of 301 patients with inguinal hernia who underwent elective laparoscopic TEP repair between August 2010 and August 2014 was conducted.

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Introduction: The definitive treatment of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is surgical. There is still no consensus as to the most appropriate off-midline primary closure technique. The aim of this meta-analysis has been to compare Karydakis flap reconstruction (KF) to Limberg flap transposition (LF) with regard to short- and long-term postoperative outcomes.

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Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is considered to be the standard approach for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Various trials have assessed the outcome of the operation performed in high-volume centers, but the existing evidence regarding peripheral, low-volume hospitals is scarce. The purpose of this study is to investigate the late outcome of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with regard to symptom control and postoperative quality of life in a community-hospital setting.

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Transanal intestinal evisceration is an extremely rare pathologic condition. Its presentation is quite dramatic as it involves the small bowel eviscerating through a rectal wall defect intraluminally and exiting transanally. We present the case of a 91-year-old female with history of rectal bleeding due to local ischemia of the anterior rectal wall, who presented to us with intestinal loops extruding through the anus.

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Purpose: The study objective is to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic to tally extraperitoneal repair using the standard-weight polypropylene mesh or a lightweight titanium-coated mesh.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 138 adult patients with unilateral inguinal hernias, who underwent totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair between 2010 and 2013 using either a standard-weight polypropylene mesh (Prolene mesh, 80 g/m) or a lightweight titanium-coated mesh (Ti Mesh light, 35 g/m).

Results: There was no difference in reported pain at 24 hours postoperatively.

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Introduction: Giant hiatal hernia is a rare clinical entity with possibly serious complications, diagnosed mostly among older patients. The laparoscopic repair of such hernias is a therapeutic option, performed mostly in specialized centers by experienced surgeons.

Methods: From 1997 to 2012 fifty-five patients with giant hiatal hernia (median age of 72) were primarily treated by laparoscopic surgery at the surgical department of the Catholic Clinic Oberhausen.

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