V-002 Robotic suprapubic eTEP retrorectus repair for incisional hernia

Abstract

Abstract Aim A retrorectus mesh position is often considered the most suitable for the repair of a midline incisional hernia. The minimal invasive extraperitoneal approach is gaining popularity. Material & Methods A 56-year-old female patient, who had a laparoscopic deroofing of a bile cyst in her history, presented with an incisional midline hernia (EHS M2-M3, width 6.6 cm). Preoperative optimization via dietary instructions reduced her BMI from 40 kg/m2 to a BMI of 35 kg/m2. Results A robotic extraperitoneal approach via suprapubic docking was performed. The patient is positioned supine and flexed for 15° at the level of the spina iliaca. An intraperitoneal trocar is placed to explore the abdomen for adhesions. Three trocars are placed in the suprapubic position in the extraperitoneal plane whereafter the robot is docked. A dissection in the cranial direction is performed in the retrorectus plane by incising both posterior rectus fascia in a symmetric way. A preperitoneal plane behind the linea alba is created. At the level of the hernia defect the hernia sac is opened, and adhesions are freed. Once the retrorectus space is dissected up to the xyphoid, the linea alba is reconstructed with a barbed suture size 0. A self-fixating mesh is placed in the retrorectus position. The posterior layer of the peritoneum is closed. The postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusions We present an extraperitoneal minimal invasive approach to the retrorectus plane allowing for an adequate retrorectus dissection and mesh placement like in a classical Rives-Stoppa repair.