Complex Incisional Hernias Research Articles

P-006 OUR EXPERIENCE WITH TAR FOR COMPLEX INCISIONAL HERNIA REPAIR

Abstract Aim Transverse abdominis muscle release (TAR) enables dissection of the preperitoneal space and the placement of large meshes. We present our experience with TAR in the treatment of complex incisional hernias (IH). Material and Methods Retrospective, descriptive study of patients operated with the TAR technique (October 2019-July 2022). Epidemiological characteristics, comorbidity, prehabilitation, type of IH, bridging, surgical time, hospital stay, morbidity, mortality and recurrence were studied. Results 69 TAR (30 females/39 males); age 64.9 years (24–85), body mass index 31 (19–49), CeDAR 35% (4–92). 66 cases (96%) treated preoperatively with Botulinum Toxin A, 31 (45%), with preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum and 29 (42%) with both. Classification (EHS): M 52 (46%), L 7 (10%), ML 9 (13%), parastomal 1 (1%), tumour 1 (1%). 36 cases R0 (52%), R1 22 (32%), R2 4 (10%) and R3 6 (9%). Median size 17.8 cm(3–30) x13.7 cm (6–25), area 694.3 cm2. Primary fascial closure was achieved in 26 cases (38%), remaining 43 (62%) with bridging (8.7 cm (2–19)x5 cm (1–16)), postoperative area 125.6 cm2 (82% reduction). Surgical time was 242 minutes (140–450). Hospital stay 9 days (3–45). Wound-related complications 35 (50%): infection 15 (21%), seroma 17 (24%), haematoma 15 (7%), skin necrosis 1 (1%). General complications 7 (10%): 2 urinary tract infection, 1 intestinal perforation, 1 pneumonia, 1 haematoma, 1 haemorrhagic shock, 1 heart failure. Mortality 2 (3%). Recurrences 0 (0%). Conclusions TAR is a very useful and effective technique for resolving complex eventrations. It is not exempt from morbidity, therefore adequate patient selection is recommended.

Dumanian Technique for Repair of Complex Incisional Hernias

Incisional hernia is protrusion of tissue at or near the site of an incision from a previous surgery. It is a challenging procedure to repair complex incisional hernias. Most of the numerous reconstructive techniques are unable to achieve goals of hernioplasty owing to various factors being planar mesh impose the risk of pain and infection whereas conventional suture repairs can fail due to suture pull through, rupture or slipping of knot. The open components separation technique (CST) creates large undermining skin flaps especially useful in patients with complex hernias who require judicial approximation of the midline fascia. Another novel technique for repair of such hernias is the Dumanian Technique : using mesh as a suture material and has been shown to improve the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and thus prevent surgical failure. Both the techniques are implemented in our case to achieve successful abdominal closure.

Biological prosthesis, platelet enriched plasma and bone marrow stem cells in complicated incisional hernia reconstruction in emergency surgery: a prospective case control study

Numerous innovations have been aided by abdominal wall surgical repair. Abdominal wall surgery was drastically altered by synthetic materials. Tissue engineering was unquestionably first applied to biomaterials. The purpose of the present study is to compare different repeating approaches with rising tissue engineering complexity in repairing complex incisional hernia in emergency setting. Patients with complicated incisional hernia were prospectively included in the study and divided into 4 groups: DR (Direct Repair) group underwent direct reconstruction of the abdominal wall, BR (Biological mesh Repair) group underwent reconstruction of the abdominal wall with biological mesh (retro-muscular), BPR [Biological mesh and Platelet Enriched Plasma (PEP), gel] group underwent reconstruction of the abdominal wall with Biological mesh (retro-muscular) and PEP, BPSR (biological mesh, PEP gel and Bone Marrow Stem Cells) group underwent reconstruction of the abdominal wall with biological mesh (retromuscular), PEP and Bone Marrow Stem cells (BMSc). Forty patients were enrolled. Patients in the DR group experienced a higher rate of severe complication (p<0.05). Recurrence rates were 60% for DR patients, 20% for BM patients and 10% for the BM+PEP group (p<0.05). Median follow-up period was 64.6, 55.7 and 55.8 months (p<0.05). 7- and 30-days abdominal wall thickness is progressively increased by different techniques: BP, BP+PEP and BP+PEP+BMSc (p<0.05). No mortality was registered. Tissue engineering techniques in abdominal wall reconstruction showed promising results. They seem to reduce the recurrence rate without increasing complication one in complicated incisional abdominal wall hernia. Although many aspects are yet to be determined and standardized, it seems extremely important to continue research and experimentation in this field.

The outcomes of open anterior component separation versus posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release for complex incisional hernias: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The main objective was to assess the prevalence of hernia recurrence, wound complications (surgical site infections [SSI], seroma and hematoma) and mortality after anterior component separation (ACS) and posterior component separation via transversus abdominis muscle release (PCSTAR) in patients with complex incisional hernias. The so-called complex IH is a serious medical and societal challenge due to its direct and indirect costs; it is also hampered by the use of different surgical techniques, different type of meshes, and different results heterogeneously reported and interpreted. According to actual data, the best approach seems to be a mesh reinforcement component separation procedure augmented or not with an adjuvant technique (preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum and/or Botulin toxin type A infiltration). A systematic search of four databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholars) was conducted to identify studies reporting on outcomes of component separation techniques and which were published before December 2021. A systematic review and a meta-analysis of postoperative outcomes were performed. Nineteen studies including 3412 patients (1709 with ACS and 1703 with PCSTAR) were selected. Pooled hernia recurrence rate after a minimum 1-year follow-up was evaluated at 5.15% (odds ratio [OR] 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5-0.9; p = 0.0175). Pooled surgical site infection rate was 10.6% (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.06-1.65; p = 0.0119). Seroma and hematoma were estimated at 9.75% (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.52-2.44; p = 0.0001) and 3.83% (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.26-2.61; p = 0.0012), respectively. ACS was associated with increased wound morbidity, seroma and hematoma. PCSTAR displayed higher recurrence rate (4.27% vs 6.11%). PCSTAR was superior to ACS in terms of wound morbidity, surgical site infections, seroma and hematoma incidence. The procedure should be further evaluated in comparative head-to-head randomized controlled trials.

Simultaneous Treatment of Complex Incisional Hernia and Stoma Reversal.

Purpose: The simultaneous repair of incisional hernias (IH) and the reconstruction of the intestinal transit may pose a challenge for many surgeons. Collaboration between units specialized in abdominal wall and colorectal surgery can favor simultaneous treatment. Methods: Descriptive study of patients undergoing simultaneous surgery of complex IH repair and intestinal transit reconstruction from the start of treatment in a joint team. All interventions were performed electively and with the collaboration of surgeons experts in abdominal wall and colorectal surgery. Results: 23 patients are included. 11 end colostomies, 1 loop colostomy, 6 end ileostomies and 5 loop ileostomies. Seven (30%) patients presented with a medial laparotomy incisional hernia, 3 (13%) with a parastomal incisional hernia, and 13 (56%) with a medial and parastomal incisional hernia. Closure of the hernial defect was achieved in 100% of cases, and reconstruction of the intestinal tract was achieved in 22 (95%). Component separation was required in 17 patients (74%), which were 11 (48%) posterior and 6 (26%) anterior. In-hospital morbidity was 9%, and only two patients presented Clavien-Dindo morbidity > III when requiring reoperation, one due to hemorrhage of the surgical bed and another due to dehiscence of the coloproctostomy. The mean follow-up was 11months, with 20 (87%) patients having no complications. Mesh had to be removed in one patient with anastomotic dehiscence, no mesh had to be removed due to surgical site infection.

The use of botulinum toxin in the acute management of symptomatic complex incisional hernia: a case series.

Complications of incisional hernia are amongst the commonest presentations to the emergency surgical take. Outcomes from emergency hernia repair are poor, particularly for those with complex defects and for the growing population of comorbid, high-risk patients. Attempts to avoid emergency surgery by improving success rates of non-operative management could prove hugely beneficial. Botulinum toxin A (Botox) is already used in the elective management of incisional hernia and this study evaluates if the relaxation produced could be used to augment the outcomes of conservative management of acutely presenting incisional hernia. Patients presenting between October 2020 and April 2022 without evidence of visceral ischaemia,who had been selected for a non-operative approach, were given 300 units of Botox under image guidance to the abdominal wall in addition to standard conservative measures. Twelve patients were eligible for Botox administration. Median age was 75years and median BMI was 36.45kg/m2. All patients were high risk; minimum ASA score was 3, and median frailty score was 5. In ten patients, symptoms resolved following Botox allowing for discharge without further complication. Seven subsequently referred on to the abdominal wall team. Symptoms did not settle in the two remaining patients; one required emergency laparotomy and the second was palliated. Botox may be a useful adjunct to established non-operative measures in patients with acute presentations of incisional hernia. It may improve the acute symptoms, eliminate the need for high-risk emergency surgery, or provide a bridge to abdominal wallreconstruction.

SJLA_2024_A18: Persistent Complex Seroma Treated by Capsulectomy and Argon Beam Coagulator

Background: Seroma formation is one of the most common events following ventral hernia repair. When mesh is used for the repair of larger and more complex incisional hernias, the risk of seroma formation increases. The mesh onlay technique, which requires more extensive dissection, is associated with an even greater incidence of seroma formation. Treatment options for postoperative seromas include observation for spontaneous resolution, percutaneous aspiration, closed suction drainage, abdominal binders, and sclerosant. Methods: The aim of this report is to present a definitive management of a very challenging case of abdominal wall chronic complex seroma following herniorrhaphy with mesh approached by open capsulectomy and scarification of the remnant pseudocapsule. Results: Our patient is a 60 years-old male a status post low anterior resection with covering loop ileostomy for rectal cancer. His diverting stoma was taken off after completing the adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. Seven months later, the patient has developed an enlarging midline incisional hernia. This hernia was subsequently repaired by primary fascial closure with suprafascial onlay polypropylene mesh. Postoperatively, he developed a subcutaneous seroma which was initially treated with an abdominal binder without success. Over the following 3 months of observation, seroma was increasing in size. Discussion: Having recovered his acute condition, surgical intervention was planned. The patient underwent an excision and evacuation of the complex seroma and pseudocapsule. A 12-cm midline incision was made in line with the previous incision used for the hernia repair. The pseudocapsule of the seroma was encountered when the subcutaneous tissue was incised. The incision was carried superior, inferior, and laterally, and the capsule was exposed. The seroma opening sinus was expanded and fluid was evacuated. There were some fibrous dead tissues and coagulated dark blood. The anterior and lateral aspects of the pseudo capsule were excised. Furthermore, the posterior aspect was cleaned carefully using the curettage instrument without affecting the integrity of the mesh which was looking healthy and intact and without causing injury to the intraabdominal contents. Argon beam coagulator was used to scarify the remaining posterior aspect attaching to the mesh. Hemostasis was secured, and the wound was closed over a Jackson–Pratt drain. A pressure dressing and abdominal binder were applied. Conclusion: Factors leading to seroma following incisional herniorrhaphy are poorly understood. Many options are available for treating complicated abdominal wall seroms. capsulectomy and scarification of the remnant pseudocapsule were good option for the treatment of persistence complex seroma.

Two-Stage Abdominal Wall Reconstruction in a Patient with a Complex Postoperative Hernia

Surgical treatment of incisional hernia is an actual problem of abdominal surgery. Despite the improvement of surgical techniques, the results of surgical treatment cannot be considered satisfactory: the recurrence rate continues to be high and is due to failures in the reconstruction of complex ventral hernia. Although there are many works devoted to various aspects of the surgical treatment of patients with complex incisional hernias, the problem is not sufficiently resolved. The treatment of this category of patients is a difficult task for both surgeons and patients due to the high risk of general and local complications. A clinical case of surgical treatment of a patient with a complex incisional hernia is presented, in which it was possible to carry out a complete reconstruction of the anterior abdominal wall in two stages without "components separation" method.

Posterior component separation with TAR: lessons learned from our first consecutive 52 cases.

Patients with complex incisional hernia (IH) is a growing and challenging category that surgeons are facing in daily practice and represent indeed a technical challenge for most of them. The posterior component separation with TAR (PCS-TAR) has become the procedure of choice to repair most complex abdominal wall defects, including those with loss of domain, subxiphoid, subcostal, parastomal or after trauma and sepsis treated initially with "open abdomen" and in those scenarios in which the fascia closure was not performed to avoid an abdominal compartment syndrome. Most recent studies showed that the PCS-TAR represents a valid procedure in recurrent IH. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the reproducibility of the PCS-TAR, describing our experience, our surgical technique and the rate of postoperative complications and recurrences in a cohort of consecutive patients. 52 consecutive patients with complex IH, who underwent PCS-TAR at "Betania Hospital and Ospedale del Mare Hospital" in Naples between May 2014 and November 2019 were identified from a prospectively maintained database and reviewed retrospectively. There were 36 males (69%) and 16 females (31%) with a mean age of 57.88 (range 39-76) and Body mass index (BMI kg/m2) of 31.2 (24-45). More than half of patients (58%) were active smokers. Mean defect width was 13.6cm (range 6-30) and mean defect area was about 267.9cm2. Mean operative time was 228min. Posterior fascial closure was reached in all cases, while anterior fascial closure only in 29 cases (56%). Mean hospital stay was 5.7days. 27% of patients developed minor complications (Clavien-Dindo grade I-II) and one case (1.9%) major complication (Clavien-Dindo III). Seroma was registered in 23% of cases. SSI was reported to be 3.8% with no deep wound infection. Recurrence rate was 1.9% in a mean follow-up of 28months. In Univariate analysis Bio-A surface > 600cm2 and drain removal at discharge were significantly associated with major complications, while in a multivariate analysis only Bio-A surface > 600cm2 was related. Considering univariate analysis for recurrences, number of drains, SSO, Clavien-Dindo score > 2 and defect area were significantly associated with recurrence, while in a multivariate analysis no variables were related. PCS-TAR is an indispensable tool in managing complex ventral hernias associated with a low rate of SSO and recurrence. Tobacco use, obesity and comorbidities cannot be considered absolute contraindications to PCS-TAR. Peri and postoperative management of complications and drainages have an impact on short term outcomes. Based on these outcomes, posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release has become our method of choice for the management of patients with complex ventral hernia requiring open hernia repair in selected patients.

Incisional hernia of giant abdominal wall: a case report

Incisional hernia results from inadequate healing in the area of an operative incision and its diagnosis is clinical or imaging. Complex incisional hernias are difficult to treat and have complications, especially compartment syndrome. Thus, technical care in closing incisions in primary surgeries reduces the risk of developing an incisional hernia. Therefore, the study aimed to present a case report of a patient who performed the present correction of a giant incisional hernia with a double-sided mesh.

P-024 COMPLEX ABDOMINAL WALL RECONSTRUCTION BY RETROMUSCULAR SUBLAY TECHNIQUE: INITIAL EXPERIENCE IN A THIRD-LEVEL HOSPITAL

Abstract Aim Large or complex incisional hernias require more than just mesh placement.There are techniques such as component separation, retromuscular techniques (Rives-Stoppa, transversus abdominis muscle release-TAR), which help to repair the hernia and physiologically rebuild the abdominal wall.However, this type of technique can present a higher incidence rate of complications, such as hematomas, seromas, SSI, skin necrosis.We present our initial experience in complex abdominal wall reconstruction using the retromuscular sublay technique (RST). Methods Retrospective study analyzing our database of patients with complex incisional hernia undergoing abdominal wall surgery using the RST, during November-2018 to October-2020.In addition, we conducted a comparative analysis with patients undergoing hernia repair using the onlay-technique. Results 44 patients underwent RST (male:56.8%, age:66(IQR: 52–73years)). Hospital stay:4(IQR: 2–6days).Pathological history: diabetes mellitus (4.5%), arterial hypertension(20.5%), dyslipidemia(36.4%), smoking(34.1%), alcohol consumption(27.3%), cardiovascular disease(9.1%).ASA-classification:I(9.1%), II(59.1%), III(31.8%). BMI: 29.3±2kg/m2. Hernia location: midline(95.5%), others(4.5%). Preoperative botulinum toxin (PBT): 20.45%. Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP): 9.1%. Type of surgery performed: Rives-Stoppa(68.2%), TAR(31.8%). Postoperative complications: global(13.6%), Clavien-Dindo≥III:0%, clinical seroma(13.6%) and ultrasound-seroma(22.7%), SSI(0%). Hernia recurrence:0%. In the bivariate analysis of patients undergoing hernia repair using the RST compared to patients undergoing onlay repair, we observed that the RST presented lower incidence of global complications, both clinical and ultrasound seromas, surgical site infections and recurrences (13.6% vs 39.1% p=0.004; 13.6% vs 33.3% p=0.019; 22.7% vs 39.1% p=0.07; 0% vs 14.5% p=0.008; 0% vs 5.8% p=0.1; respectively). Conclusions In our enviroment, the management of complex incisional hernias using RST and the use of PBT and PPP is effective and safe, with a lower incidence of complications and recurrences.

P-004 OUR EXPERIENCE WITH POSTERIOR COMPONENT SEPARATION – TAR (TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS RELEASE) IN LARGE COMPLEX INCISIONAL HERNIAS – A SERIES OF 18 PATIENTS

Abstract Background Large incisional hernias represent a challenge for parietal surgeon. Thanks to the modification of the Rives-Stoppa technique introduced by Novitsky, a new era in solving complex defects begun. Posterior component separation (PCS) with unilateral/bilateral TAR has promising results in many studies. Our experience is presented in a retrospective study. Method We present a study on 18 patients (sex ratio=1:1), operated between 2019–2022, with large complex incisional hernias. Mean body mass index was 37.17 kg/m2 (range 31–42). Mean age – 58 years (range 34–70 years). We used PCS with bilateral TAR in 12 cases (66.66%) and unilateral TAR in 6 cases. One of the hernias was a combined midline-large parastomal hernia operated using Pauli technique. 5 of the hernias (27.78%) were lumbar, of which 2 were operated with hybrid technique (open and laparoscopic), using reverse TAR. Mesh used was polypropylene (61.11%) and ePTFE mesh (38.89%). The prothesis size ranged from 20×25 cm to 34×32 cm. Mean operative time was 3.41 hrs (range 2–4 hrs). Average hospitalization time was 5.44 days (range 2–14 days). Results Fascial closure anterior to mesh was achieved in 72.22% of patients. No recurrences were reported in the follow-up (3–12 months). Postoperative morbidity: seromas (33.33%), wound infection (11.11%), hematoma (5.55%). Conclusions Rives-Stoppa technique is the gold standard in VHR. Extending this technique with PCS-TAR in complex incisional hernias seems to be the perfect solution in obese patients with great outcome and low postoperative morbidity. Also the hybrid approach has great results and we hence recommend.

P-138 PREDICTORS OF COMPLICATIONS IN COMPLEX VENTRAL HERNIA REPAIR USING POSTERIOR COMPONENT SEPARATION TECHNIQUE WITH RETRO RECTUS MESH PLACEMENT – AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract Introduction Incisional Hernia has an incidence ranging from 2–20%. Large and complex incisional hernias are difficult to treat with standard procedures. PCS-TAR is a relatively novel procedure. There persists a gap in knowledge regarding its outcomes, especially in the Indian population. Aims & Objective To identify the pre-operative clinical and radiological factors that predict the risk of re-herniation and wound and mesh-related complications after CVH (Complex Ventral Hernia) Methodology In a prospective observational study, patients undergoing open PCS-TAR with retro rectus mesh for Complex Ventral Hernia repair included in the study. The patient demographics, hernia characteristics, radiological details, operative data, post- operative outcomes, and follow-up data were entered in a pre-designed proforma. Data were analyzed with SPSS softwere. Results 35 patients with CVH were included, of which 30 (85%) women and 5 men. The mean age was 51.8 years and the mean BMI was 29.7 kg/m2. The mean size of defect was 12 cm. 83% hernia were midline primary and 255 were recurrent hernias. We observed zero recurrences at six months of follow-up, but a high wound morbidity rate of up to 49%, of which most common was seroma formation. 23% of patients developed SSI. Conclusion In conclusion, PCS-TAR is a promising novel procedure for complex ventral hernias not amenable to primary closure using the traditional retro rectus approach, with excellent short term outcomes. Wound morbidity is a significant concern with this procedure, which can be prevented or reduced by thorough pre-operative optimization on a case-to-case basis.

P-148 EFFECT OF MEDICAL AND SURGICAL WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES FOR PRE-OPERATIVE WEIGHT LOSS PRIOR TO VENTRAL HERNIA REPAIR

Abstract Introduction Obesity is a recognised risk factor for perioperative morbidity in patients undergoing complex incisional hernia repair. Weight reduction can reduce risk of perioperative complications. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the different weight management modalities prior to planned incisional hernia repair upon the Carolinas equation for Determining Associated Risks (CeDAR) score. Method A prospectively maintained database of patients who were referred to the weight management clinic prior to planned incisional hernia repair was reviewed. Patients’ demographics, weight loss outcomes and CeDAR scores were calculated before and after the intervention. Results 9 patients were enrolled onto the weight management programme prior to the planned incisional hernia repair (defect size 4 – 14cm), 3 underwent bariatric surgery whilst 6 had medical weight management in the form of a 12-week pre-operative diet programme. The mean age was 54 ± 9.4 years with a mean weight pre-intervention of 110.5 ± 7.4 kg and the mean BMI was 41.78 ± 1.98 kg/m2. Bariatric surgery was associated with a higher percentage weight loss (22.6%) compared to 12week diet programme (10.4%) with an associated higher reduction of CeDAR score (14% and 4% reduction in risk respectively). Conclusion Formal weight management programmes prior to complex abdominal wall reconstruction leads to clinically significant weight loss with reduced CeDAR score. Patients with raised BMI considering incisional hernia repair should be counselled for this and where possible offered a suitable weight management to reduce peri-operative risk.

OC-024 MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENT OF COMPLEX INCISIONAL/VENTRAL HERNIAS USING BOTULINUM TOXIN COMBINED WITH ROBOTIC SURGERY: ROBOTOX PROTOCOL

Abstract Introduction Incisional/ventral hernia repair has changed in the last 20 years. Posterior component separation like TAR (transversus abdominis muscle release) has increased as a revolutionary technique. On the other hand, the use of botulinum toxin (BT) has allowed better closure defect with no tension. We present a preliminary original protocol named ROBOTOX for complex incisional /ventral hernia repair that combined BT and robotic surgery to minimize the TAR procedure. Material and methods BT (Dysport®) was administered in patients with a complex incisional hernia repair and a transverse defect ≧8cm one month before robotic surgery. Demographic variables (age, sex, BMI), EHS classification, need of TAR, size transverse defect, postoperative complications and recurrence were studied. All patients had a previous CT scan. Results Five patients were included in ROBOTOX protocol, 3 men and 2 women with a median age of 63±8, median BMI of 32±3. Four patients had a M3W3 and one a L3 W2 hernia. Median size defect of 11,2±2. Three of them only needed Rives technique, one a unilateral TAR and one a 5 cm dissection of bilateral TAR. At the moment, with a FU of 6±2 months, no recurrences have been reported. Conclusions Robotic surgery combined with BT would allow a downstaging treatment in patients with complex incisional/ventral hernias. A major cases and long term follow up is needed to better conclusions.

Open Anterior Component Separation for Complex Incisional and Ventral Hernias—When and How? Case Series Analysis

Abstract Closing the midline in patients with incisional hernias is the cornerstone for a functional reconstruction with low morbidity, low recurrence rates, and good cosmetic results, which is the ideal outcome for every hernia surgeon. However, in patients with large hernias (usually over 10 cm width) or in loss of domain cases, this goal is difficult to achieve. Anterior component separation with or without mesh reinforcement has been the procedure of choice for these patients despite its high rate of wound complications. The goal of our study is to evaluate the opportunity and necessity of the anterior component separation in patients with complex incisional or ventral hernias (defects larger than 10 cm, infected meshes). Data of patients with large incisional/ventral hernia operated using anterior component separation technique in the past 10 years were re-visited and analyzed from hospital records between January 2012 and December 2020. Demographic data (age, gender, body mass index, ASA score) and the main steps of the technique were recorded. Data were reported as mean and standard deviation. We used the anterior component separation in 66 cases, mainly for septic conditions (open abdomen, chronic and extended infections of the abdominal wall, chronic-infected meshes). For large parietal defects with aseptic local condition, we used mesh-reinforced anterior component separation (five patients). Mean age was 68.7 years. Among them, 29 patients developed wound complications (hematoma, seroma, infection). Mean hospital stay was 12.6 days. Recurrence was 18% in patients without mesh and zero in patients with mesh reinforcement after a minimum one-year follow-up. Anterior component separation is still a valid procedure in patients with large abdominal defects especially when a septic wound is to be closed. For large parietal defects, if a wide subcutaneous dissection is required, mesh-reinforced anterior component separation remains a valid alternative in abdominal wall reconstruction in certain cases (mainly aseptic conditions).

Use of botulinum toxin in surgical preparation for complex incisional hernias

Abdominal wall defects with incisional hernias after surgery represent a great challenge for surgeons due to their technical complexity for treatment, largely attributed to the retraction of the lateral muscles of the abdominal wall. Reconstruction of the abdominal wall is understood to re-functionalize it with the approximation of the rectus abdominis muscles through its midline. The use of botulinum toxin serotype A (TBA) has shown that its use produces a temporary flaccid paralysis in the abdominal muscles, favoring midline closure, caused by muscle flaccidity and greater complacency caused by the toxin. Abdominal hernias result in increased morbidity due to lung restriction, aerophagia, abdominal pain, constipation, and urinary alterations), with a consequent decrease in quality of life. The objective of this study is describe our initial experience with chemical separation of components using the TBA in Brazil.

Use of botulinum toxin in surgical preparation for complex incisional hernias

Use of botulinum toxin in surgical preparation for complex incisional hernias

AB078. SOH22ABS127. The ‘sandwich’ technique for large and complex incisional hernias: a retrospective review

Background: Repair of large incisional hernias is challenging as primary fascial closure often cannot be achieved. The peritoneal flap hernioplasty, or ‘sandwich’ incisional hernia repair (SIHR), serves to close the fascial gap by utilisation of the thickened hernia sac which also isolates the mesh from intraperitoneal contents and the subcutaneous space. We report outcomes from utilisation of this technique in our institution.

Treatment of patients with large and complex incisional hernia with modified component separation technique and long-term follow-up

Treatment of patients with large and complex incisional hernia with modified component separation technique and long-term follow-up