Surgery
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Three-dimensional (3D) printing is becoming increasingly important in medicine and especially in surgery. The aim of the present work was to identify the advantages and disadvantages of 3D printing applied in surgery. ⋯ The additional cost and the time needed to produce devices by current 3D technology still limit its widespread use in hospitals. The development of guidelines to improve the reporting of experience with 3D printing in surgery is highly desirable.
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Umbilical and epigastric (umb/epi) hernia repairs are performed commonly in fertile female patients. Recent studies suggest mesh repair to be superior to suture repair; however, evidence is lacking concerning the optimal treatment of umb/epi hernias in female patients who might wish future pregnancies. The aim of this study was to compare the cumulative recurrence rate after mesh versus suture repair of umb/epi hernia in female patients subsequently becoming pregnant. ⋯ Contrary to findings in the general operative patient, mesh repair was not associated with a lesser risk of recurrence compared with suture repair for treatment of umb/epi hernia in female patients with subsequent pregnancy.