Using the Alfapump® to control ascites enabling elective umbilical hernia repair: A case report
Natasha A Sioda1, Hugo E Vargas2, Jill L Weidknecht3
1Department of General Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, 5777 East Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA. sioda.natasha@mayo.edu.
Purpose:
Umbilical hernia repair in patients with medically refractory ascites poses a significant challenge for clinicians. Optimization of ascites prior to surgical intervention is recommended due to improved post-operative outcomes. The alfapump® is a battery-operated device that directs ascites into the bladder for excretion and can be utilized in patients with medically refractory ascites. We present a patient with medically refractory ascites that underwent implantation of the alfapump® allowing for elective umbilical hernia repair.
Methods:
A 70-year-old male with medically refractory ascites in the setting of a recurrent symptomatic umbilical hernia underwent implantation of the alfapump®.
Results:
The patient was followed in the outpatient setting and maintained adequate control of his ascites following implantation of the alfapump® device. He subsequently underwent a robotic repair of his umbilical hernia. Post-operatively, the patient did not experience a recurrence or complications related to the hernia repair.
Conclusion:
Hernia repair in the setting of medically refractory ascites pose a challenge for surgeons. The implantation of the alfapump® may be a viable option to control medically refractory ascites allowing for elective hernia repair.
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