Open Transversus Abdominis Release Research Articles

Outcomes after open posterior component separation via transversus abdominis release (TAR) for incisional hernia repair. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Given its potential advantages, open Transversus Abdominis Release (oTAR) has been proposed as a durable solution for complex AWR. However, its applicability in different scenarios remains uncertain. We aimed to analyze the current available evidence and determine surgical outcomes after oTAR. We performed a systematic electronic search on oTAR in PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Postoperative morbidity and recurrence rates were included as primary endpoints and Quality of life (QoL) was included as secondary endpoint. A random-effect model was used to generate a pooled proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) between all studies. A total of 22 studies with 4,910 patients undergoing oTAR were included for analysis. Mean hernia defect and mesh area were 394 (140-622) cm2 and 1065 (557-2206) cm2, respectively. Mean follow-up was 19.7 (1-32) months. The weighted pooled proportion of recurrence, overall morbidity, surgical site occurrences (SSO), surgical site infection (SSI), surgical site occurrences requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI), major morbidity and mortality were: 6% (95% CI, 3-10%), 34% (95% CI, 26-43%), 22% (95% CI, 16-29%), 11% (95% CI, 8-16%), 4% (95% CI, 3-7%), 6% (95% CI, 4-10%) and 1% (95% CI, 1-2%), respectively. A significant improvement in QoL after oTAR was reported among studies. Open TAR is an effective technique for complex ventral hernias as it is associated with low recurrence rate and a significant improvement in QoL. However, the relatively high morbidity rates observed emphasize the necessity of further patients' selection and optimization to improve outcomes.

Limitations of Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR)-Additional Bridging of the Posterior Layer And/Or Anterior Fascia Is the Preferred Solution in Our Clinical Routine If Primary Closure is Not Possible.

Background: By separating the abdominal wall, transversus abdominis release (TAR) permits reconstruction of the abdominal wall and the placement of large mesh for many types of hernias. However, in borderline cases, the mobility of the layers is inadequate, and additional bridging techniques may be required for tension-free closure. We now present our own data in this regard. Patients and Methods: In 2023, we performed transversus abdominis release on 50 patients as part of hernia repair. The procedures were carried out using open (n = 25), robotic (n = 24), and laparoscopic (n = 1) techniques. The hernia sac was always integrated into the anterior suture and, in the case of medial hernias, was used for linea alba reconstruction. Results: For medial hernias, open TAR was performed in 22 cases. Additional posterior bridging was performed in 7 of these cases. The ratio of mesh size in the TAR plane to the defect area (median in cm) was 1200cm2/177cm2 = 6.8 in patients without bridging, and 1750cm2/452cm2 = 3.8 in those with bridging. The duration of surgery (median in min) was 139 and 222min and the hospital stay was 6 and 10 days, respectively. Robotic TAR was performed predominantly for lateral and parastomal hernias. These procedures took a median of 143 and 242min, and the hospital stay was 2 and 3 days, respectively. For robotic repair, posterior bridging was performed in 3 cases. Discussion: Using the TAR technique, even complex hernias can be safely repaired. Additional posterior bridging provides a reliable separation of the posterior plane from the intestines. Therefore, the hernia sac is always available for anterior reconstruction of the linea alba. The technique can be implemented as an open or minimally invasive procedure.

Anterior versus posterior component separation technique for advanced abdominal wall reconstruction: a proposed algorithm.

The precise indications for employing the anterior component separation technique (ACST) and the Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR) in abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) remain uncertain, despite the undeniable value of both techniques. The aim of this study was to analyze the anterior fascial closure rate, postoperative wound morbidity, and hernia recurrence rate for both procedures according to the algorithm used for complex AWR. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was carried out. Patients undergoing AWR for midline incisional hernias using either open or endoscopic ACST (E-ACST) or TAR between March 2013 and August 2022 were included. Patients with lateral hernia components were excluded. The surgical technique was depending on the pre- and intraoperative findings regarding hernia width and on the estimated traction to achieve anterior fascial closure (see algorithm). Initially, intermediate hernia defects ranging from approximately 10-14cm in width were repaired using E-ACST. However, as the study advanced, TAR became the preferred method for addressing these types of defects. Open ACST was consistently employed for defects wider than 14-15cm throughout the entire study duration. Outcomes of interest were anterior fascial closure, surgical site occurrences, and hernia recurrence rate. Follow-up was performed at 1month, 1year, and 2years. A total of 119 patients underwent AWR with CST: 63 patients (52.9%) were included in the ACST group and 56 patients (47.1%) in the TAR group. No significant differences were observed in patient and hernia characteristics. The use of botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection and preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP) was more frequently used in the ACST group (BTA 19.0%, PPP 15.9% versus BTA 5.4%, PPP 1.8% for TAR patients). Anterior fascial closure was achieved in 95.2% of the ACST group and 98.2% of the TAR group (p = 0.369). The TAR group demonstrated a significantly lower SSO rate at one month (44.3% versus 14.3%, p < 0.001) and required fewer procedural interventions (SSO-PI) (31.1% versus 8.9%, p = 0.003). The recurrence rate at one year was low and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (ACST 1.8% vs TAR 4.5%, p = 0.422). Following a proposed algorithm, the anterior fascial closure rate was high and similar for both techniques. As postoperative wound morbidity is significantly increased after ACST, our findings support recommending TAR for defects up to 14cm in width, while favoring open ACST for larger defects.

Open transversus abdominis release in incisional hernia repair: technical limits and solutions.

Incisional hernias with a defect width of more than10cm are considered complex. The European Hernia Society guidelines recommend that such hernias should only be repaired by surgeons with experience of component separation. The standard component separation technique now is posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release (PCSTAR). Questions are raised about the limits of this technique. A literature search of publications on PCSTAR was performed for any references to the limits of this technique in open incisional hernia repair. We found 26 publications relevant to answer this research questions. The standard PCSTAR can generally be used for a defect width of up to 15-17cm. For defects greater than 17cm problems must be expected with procedural tasks involving closure of the posterior layer and anterior fascia. No data are available in the literature on the bridging rate for the posterior layer. However, our own experiences show that gaps (holes) occur in the very thin peritoneum/fascia transversalis during dissection and these must be carefully closed. Furthermore, bridging with an absorbable synthetic mesh is needed not so rarely. Closure of the anterior fascia is successful in 81.0-97.2% of cases. In addition to a further mesh for anterior fascial closure, the hernia sac bound with multiple, accordion-like stitches can also be used. For a defect width greater than 17cm, the limits of PCSTAR become increasingly evident and can be overcome through special technical solutions for closure of the posterior layer and the anterior fascia.

Comparison of open and endoscopic posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release: a propensity score-matched study.

Posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release (TAR) is considered to be the optimal technique for large incisional ventral hernia repair. Endoscopic TAR (eTAR) that gets all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) gives a possibility to enhance results of the treatment. The aim of our study was to make the comparison between open and endoscopic TAR procedures with an emphasis on frequency and severity of postoperative complications in comparable groups. All patients had midline incisional hernia and underwent either open (open TAR group) or endoscopic (eTAR group) Rives-Stoppa repair in combination with bilateral transversus abdominis release in Moscow City Hospital №1 from January 2018 to December 2022. A propensity score matching (PSM) was used to make groups comparable. Postoperative complications were classified according to Clavien-Dindo Classification, and Comprehensive complication index was calculated. We performed 133 open and endoscopic TAR separation for midline incisional hernia. After PSM analysis 51 patients were matched to each group. Overall surgical morbidity in the open TAR group (56.9%) was statistically significantly higher than in the eTAR group (29.4%) (p = 0.009). There were more severe complications (Clavien IIIa-V) in the open TAR group (11.8% vs. 0%, p = 0.027). Length of hospital stay after surgery was shorter in eTAR group (p < 0.001). The Comprehensive complication index in the open TAR group was significantly higher than in eTAR group, 8.7 (0-20.9) vs. 0 (0-8.7) (p = 0.011). Based on the data from our study, the entire MIS procedure including endoscopic TAR is a safe and optimal technique for surgery of midline incisional ventral hernia, requiring TAR separation in terms of reducing the rate of postoperative complications, their severity and hospital length of stay, compared to open TAR procedure.

Comparison of open anterior component and open transversus abdominus release in repair of large subcostal hernias.

Large subcostal incisional hernias are considered as complex defects, and a few different approaches have been described for repair. The purpose of this comparative cross-sectional study is to evaluate the outcomes of patients with large subcostal incisional hernias treated with either the open anterior components separation technique (ACS) or with the open transversus abdominis release technique (TAR). From the database of patients with large complex incisional hernias who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with open techniques between April 2007 and October 2022 at our institution, on May 25th, 2023 we identified those whose hernias were located in the subcostal areas and who underwent reconstruction with a components separation technique and mesh. Perioperative variables and outcomes were compared between the patients with large subcostal hernias who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction with either the ACS or the TAR techniques. Thirty-one patients with large subcostal hernias were included in the study. ACS and intra-abdominal mesh was used in 11 patients; TAR and retro-muscular mesh was performed in 20 patients. More postoperative local abdominal wall complications were seen in patients who had ACS as opposed to TAR (55% vs 15%, p = 0.02). Hernia recurrence was more common in patients who had ACS as opposed to TAR (55% vs 5%, p = 0.008). More post-operative complications and recurrences were seen in patients who had ACS as opposed to TAR.

Is weight trajectory a better marker of wound complication risk than BMI in hernia patients with obesity?

Complex ventral hernias are frequently repaired via an open transversus abdominis release (TAR). Obesity, particularly a BMI > 40, is a strong predictor of wound morbidity following this procedure. We aimed to determine if preoperative weight loss may still be beneficial in patients with persistently elevated BMIs. A retrospective chart review of patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) who underwent open TAR at a tertiary academic medical center from January 2018 to December 2021 was completed. Demographics, medical history, operative details, and postoperative data were analyzed. Weight and BMI were recorded at three time points: > 6months prior to initial surgical consultation, surgical consultation, and day of surgery. In total, 182 patients with obesity underwent an open TAR. Twenty-seven patients (14.8%) underwent surgery with a BMI > 40; they did not have any significant differences in surgical site occurrences (SSO, 48.1% vs 32.9%, p = 0.13) or surgical site infections (SSI, 25.9% vs 23.2%, p = 0.76) compared to those with a BMI ≤ 40.The average timeframe analyzed for preoperative weight loss was 592days. Patients who had at least a 3% weight loss (n = 49, 26.9%) had decreased rates of SSI compared to those who did not have this weight loss (12.2% vs 27.8%, p = 0.03), despite the groups having similar BMIs at the time of surgery (36.4 vs 36.0, p = 0.50). Patients who only had a 1% weight loss did not see a decrease in SSI rate compared to those who did not (20.6% vs 25.4%, p = 0.45). Weight loss may be a better indicator of a patient's risk for wound morbidity following TAR than BMI alone, as weight loss of at least 3% resulted in fewer SSIs despite similar BMIs at time of surgery. Further research into optimal timing and amount of weight loss, as well as effects on long-term outcomes, is needed to confirm these findings.

Endoscopic Anterior Component Separation and Transversus Abdominus Release are not Associated with Increased Wound Morbidity Following Retromuscular Incisional Hernia Repair.

Traditional anterior component separation during incisional hernia repair (IHR) is associated with a high rate of postoperative wound morbidity. Because extensive subcutaneous dissection is avoided by endoscopic anterior component separation (eACS) or open transversus abdominis release (TAR), we hypothesized that these techniques did not increase the incidence of surgical site occurrence (SSO) compared to IHR without component separation (CS). This was a retrospective single-center cohort study of patients undergoing open retromuscular IHR comparing patients with or without the use of CS. Retromuscular mesh repair was performed in all patients, and CS was obtained by eACS or TAR. The primary outcome was 90-day incidence of postoperative SSO. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), 90-day readmission, 90-day reoperation rate and 3-year recurrence rate. A total of 321 patients underwent retromuscular repair, 168 (52.3%) of whom received either eACS or TAR. The addition of eACS or TAR was associated neither with development of SSO (odds ratio: 1.80, 95% confidence interval: 0.94-3.46, P = 0.077) nor with hernia recurrence (hazard ratio 0.77, 0.26-2.34, P = 0.648). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the frequencies of 90-day readmission or 90-day reoperation. eACS or TAR as adjuncts to open retromuscular IHR were not associated with increased wound morbidity or hernia recurrence.

Assessing Textbook Outcome After Implementation of Transversus Abdominis Release in a Regional Hospital.

Background: The posterior component separation technique with transversus abdominis release (TAR) was introduced in 2012 as an alternative to the classic anterior component separation technique (Ramirez). This study describes outcome and learning curve of TAR, five years after implementation of this new technique in a regional hospital in the Netherlands. Methods: A standardized work up protocol, based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, was used to implement the TAR. The TAR technique as described by Novitsky was performed. After each 20 procedures, outcome parameters were evaluated and new quality measurements implemented. Primary outcome measure was Textbook Outcome, the rate of patients with an uneventful clinical postoperative course after TAR. Textbook Outcome is defined by a maximum of 7days hospitalization without any complication (wound or systemic), reoperation or readmittance, within the first 90 postoperative days, and without a recurrence during follow up. The number of patients with a Textbook Outcome compared to the total number of consecutively performed TARs is depicted as the institutional learning curve. Secondary outcome measures were the details and incidences of the surgical site and systemic complications within 90days, as well as long-term recurrences. Results: From 2016, sixty-nine consecutive patients underwent a TAR. Textbook Outcome was 35% and the institutional learning curve did not flatten after 69 procedures. Systemic complications occurred in 48%, wound complications in 41%, and recurrences in 4%. Separate analyses of three successive cohorts of each 20 TARs demonstrated that both Textbook Outcome (10%, 30% and 55%, respectively) and the rate of surgical site events (45%, 15%, and 10%) significantly (p < 0.05) improved with more experience. Conclusion: Implementation of the open transversus abdominis release demonstrated that outcome was positively correlated to an increasing number of TARs performed. TAR has a long learning curve, only partially determined by the technical aspects of the operation. Implementation of the TAR requires a solid plan. Building, and maintaining, an adequate setting for patients with complex ventral hernias is the real challenge and driving force to improve outcome.

Robotic transversus abdominis release for ventral hernia repairs

Background: Robotic transversus abdominis release (roboTAR) is a minimally invasive surgical approach for ventral hernia repairs that builds on the concepts developed by Rives and Stoppa. The Rives–Stoppa procedure incorporates Rives’ retromuscular repair and Stoppa’s concept of giant prosthetic reinforcement of the visceral sac (GPRVS).[1] In an effort to mitigate the limitations of the Rives–Stoppa procedure, Novitsky et al. developed the open transversus abdominis release (TAR). The TAR approach is favorable when repairing large ventral hernia defects, as it provides myofascial advancement to reconstitute linea alba, preserves the neurovascular bundles of the medial abdominal wall, and creates a large extraperitoneal space to allow for mesh reinforcement. Methods: The three main technical components of the roboTAR include the following: bottom-up, Novitsky method, and top-down approach. An understanding of the anatomy and technique involved in the three techniques is critical for performing roboTAR. Results: Within the authors’ practice, the average hernia defect size is 115 cm2. With a n = 200, approximately 1% of our patients has had a surgical site complication. Recurrences are rare and occur in very large complex hernias. The average operative time is approximately 400 min with an average length of stay being 1.2 days. This is consistent with others. Conclusion: Utilizing a minimally invasive approach, as seen in roboTAR, provides additional advantages, including shorter length of hospital stay, reduced wound morbidity, reduced postoperative pain, and expedited return to work and activities of daily living. This article is a comprehensive review of the pertinent anatomy, preoperative evaluation, operative technique, and the postoperative course of roboTAR.

Transversus abdominis release with posterior component separation in patients with previously recurrent ventral hernias: A single institution experience

BackgroundRecurrent hernias pose significant challenges due to violated anatomic planes, resultant scar, and potential prior mesh. Transversus abdominis release has been widely utilized for complex hernias. Transversus abdominis release can provide a novel plane for dissection and mesh placement for recurrent hernias. This study provides our institution’s experience with transversus abdominis release in patients with recurrent ventral hernias. MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with recurrent ventral hernias from January 2018 to September 2020 who underwent transversus abdominis release by 2 fellowship-trained abdominal wall surgeons. Combined procedures (ie, gynecological/urological), robotic totally extraperitoneal, and emergency cases were excluded. Demographics, perioperative, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed. ResultsIn total, 108 patients underwent open-transversus abdominis release and 25 had robotic-transversus abdominis release for recurrent ventral hernias. All patients received a lightweight to midweight nonabsorbable polypropylene synthetic mesh. Mean age was 59, mean body mass index was 34 kg/m2, with mean hernia defect area of 333 cm2. We noted 34 (25.6%) surgical site occurrences and 11 (8.3%) surgical site infections. Mean postoperative follow-up was 15.5 months, with 7 (5%) recurrences (6 open-transversus abdominis release, 1 robotic-transversus abdominis release). A minimum 12-month follow-up was available for 62% of patients, and minimum 6-month follow-up in 80% of patients. ConclusionRecurrent hernias pose significant operative challenges for surgeons due to violated tissue planes and limited repair options. Our experience suggests that transversus abdominis release may provide a durable repair for difficult recurrent ventral hernias. However, long-term postoperative follow-up over multiple years is still needed to establish extended durability of transversus abdominis release in these patients.

P160 ENDOSCOPIC ANTERIOR COMPONENT SEPARATION OR OPEN TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINUS RELEASE ARE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED WOUND MORBIDITY FOLLOWING INCISIONAL HERNIA REPAIR

Abstract Aim Traditional anterior component separation during incisional hernia repair is associated with a high rate of postoperative wound morbidity. Because extensive subcutaneous dissection is avoided by endoscopic anterior component separation (eACS) or open transversus abdominis release (TAR), we hypothesized that these techniques did not increase the incidence of surgical site occurrence compared to incisional hernia repair without component separation. Material and Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing open, retro-rectus incisional hernia repair. Component separation during retro-rectus repair was performed using eACS or TAR. The primary outcome was 30-day incidence of postoperative surgical site occurrence. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, 30-day readmission, 30-day reoperation rate and 3-year recurrence rate. Results A total of 322 patients underwent retro-rectus repair, 168 (52%) of whom received either eACS or TAR. Addition of eACS or TAR was neither associated with surgical site occurrence, (odds ratio: 0.82, confidence interval: 0.40-1.68, P = 0.596) nor with hernia recurrence (hazard ratio 0.80, CI 0.27-2.40, P = 0.693). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the frequencies of 30 day-readmission or 30-day reoperation. Conclusions The addition of eACS or TAR to a retro-rectus incisional hernia repair was not associated with increased wound morbidity or hernia recurrence.

Chronological age does not predict postoperative outcomes following transversus abdominis release (TAR).

Transversus abdominis release (TAR) is an effective procedure for the repair of complex ventral hernias. However, TAR is not a low risk operation, particularly in older adults who are disproportionately affected by multiple age-related risk factors. While past studies have suggested that age alone inconsistently predicts patient outcomes, data regarding age's effect on postoperative outcomes and wound complications following a TAR are lacking. Patients who underwent either an open or robotic bilateral TAR from 1/2018 to 9/2020 were eligible for the study. Patients were stratified by age groups (≥ 60years vs. < 60years and < 60, 60-70, and ≥ 70) and by both age and operative approach. The rates of key postoperative outcomes and wound morbidity were compared between the various cohorts. A total of 300 patients were included: 165 patients were ≥ 60 and 135 patients were < 60. Cohorts stratified by age were well-matched for important hernia factors: defect size (p = 0.31), BMI ≥ 30 (p = 0.46), OR time (p = 0.25), percent open TAR (p = 0.42), diabetes (p = 0.45) and history of prior surgical site infection (p = 0.40). The older cohort had significantly higher rates of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and COPD. On univariate analysis, cohorts stratified by age had similar rates of key postoperative and wound complications including in-hospital complications (p = 0.62), length of stay (p = 0.47), readmissions (p = 0.66), and surgical site occurrences (p = 0.68). Additionally, cohorts stratified by both age and operative approach also had similar outcomes. Multivariate analysis showed that chronological age was not independently associated with surgical site occurrences (p = 0.22), readmissions (p = 0.99), in-hospital complications (p = 0.15), or severe complications (p = 0.79). Open and robotic TARs can be safely performed in older adults and chronological age alone is a poor predictor of patient morbidity following TAR. Further investigation of alternative preoperative screening tools that do not rely solely on age are needed to better optimize surgical outcomes in older adults following TAR.

Early drain removal does not increase the rate of surgical site infections following an open transversus abdominis release.

Intraoperative drain placement during an open transversus abdominis release (TAR) is common practice. However, evidence detailing the optimal timing of drain removal is lacking. Surgical dogma teaches that drains should remain in place until output is minimal. This practice increases the risk of drain-associated complications (infection, pain, and skin irritation) and prolongs the burden of surgical drain maintenance. The objective of this study is to review infectious outcomes following TAR with early or late drain removal. Patients who underwent an open bilateral TAR from 1/2018 to 1/2020 were eligible for the study. Prior to 2019, one of the two intraoperative drains was left in place at discharge. In 2019, clinical practice shifted to remove both drains at hospital discharge irrespective of output. The rate of infectious morbidity was compared between the two cohorts. A total of 184 patients were included: 89 late and 95 early drain removal. No differences in wound complications existed between the two cohorts: surgical site occurrence (SSO): 21.3% vs. 18.9% (p = 0.68); surgical site infection (SSI): 14.6% vs. 10.5% (p = 0.40); abscess: 8.9% vs. 4.2% (p = 0.20); seroma: 6.7% vs. 10.5% (p = 0.36); cellulitis: 14.6% vs. 8.4% (p = 0.19%); or SSO requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI): 5.6% vs. 5.2% (p = 0.92). Rates of antibiotic prescription and 30-day readmission were also similar (p = 0.69 and p = 0.89). Early removal of abdominal wall surgical drains at discharge irrespective of drain output does not increase the prevalence of infectious morbidity following TAR. It is likely safe to remove all drains at discharge regardless of drain output.

Comparing the outcomes of external oblique and transversus abdominus release using the AHSQC database.

Myofascial release techniques at the time of complex hernia repair allow for tension-free closure of the midline fascia. Two common techniques are the open external oblique release (EOR) and the transversus abdominis release (TAR). Each technique has its reported advantages and disadvantages, but there have been few comparative studies. The purpose of this project was to compare the outcomes of these two myofascial release techniques. The Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative (AHSQC) database was queried and produced a data set on 24 May 2018. All patients undergoing open incision hernia repair with an open EOR or TAR were evaluated, and outcomes were compared including hernia recurrence, quality of life, and 30-day wound-related complications. 3610 patients met the inclusion criteria of undergoing open incisional hernia repair (501 undergoing EOR and 3109 undergoing TAR). Seventy surgeons from 50 institutions contributed EOR patients, and 124 surgeons from 89 institutions contributed TAR patients with no differences between the two groups in surgeons' affiliation. Comparing open EOR and TAR showed no significant differences in hernia recurrence, quality of life, or 30-day surgical site infection rate. EOR had a significantly higher rate of surgical site occurrences compared with TAR (p < 0.05); however, this did not result in an increase in surgical site occurrences requiring procedural interventions. Equivalent outcomes were achieved using the EOR or TAR techniques in the open repair of incisional hernias. Both techniques offer consistently good outcomes and are important adjuncts in the repair of complex incisional hernias.

Ventral hernia from routine repairs to abdominal wall reconstruction: our initial experience

Background: Loss of continuity of abdominal wall significantly affects the functions of protection of viscera, postural stabilization, and maintenance of intra-abdominal pressure. The newer understanding of abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) aims at restoring abdominal wall anatomy and function, instead of simply patching the defect. We want to showcase the changing trends and results in hernia repair at a Medical Institution.Methods: This is an observational retrospective study conducted in RRMCH, Bengaluru from July 2018-2019 including all patients with ventral hernia undergoing the specified hernia repairs.Results: A total of 54 patients with ventral hernias undergoing routine hernia repairs/AWR surgeries were retrospectively analysed. The overall mean age was 46.62±12.44 year. Majority subjects were females (n=37; 68.5%), and overweight (Mean BMI=28.07±3.01/m2). 14 patients (25.92%), all males, had history of tobacco consumption. There were 38 (70.37%) primary ventral hernias and 7 recurrent hernias. Overall mean defect size was 10.2±0.4 cm. Most frequently performed was open retro rectus Hernioplasty (n=18; 33.33%), followed by open Preperitoneal Hernioplasty (n=17; 31.48%), laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) (n=16; 29.62%) and open transversus abdominis release (TAR) (n=3; 5.5%). On statistical analysis, it was found that Open repairs had higher post-operative pain (p=0.0005), longer hospitalization (p=0.0002) and higher incidence of surgical site events (p=0.0134) when compared to Laparoscopic repairs.Conclusion: As known already, minimally invasive techniques of hernia surgeries are shown to have acceptable outcomes when compared to radical open surgeries. Newer techniques of AWR are being employed to routine cases in larger numbers, and not just for complex reconstruction, at most centres with acceptable outcomes.

Hybrid robotic transversus abdominis release versus open: propensity-matched analysis of 30-day outcomes.

To examine the hospital length of stay (LOS) and 30day outcomes of hybrid robotic transversus abdominis release (hrTAR) compared with open transversus abdominis release (oTAR). Patients receiving hrTAR were selected from the AHSQC database and propensity matched with a contemporary cohort of oTAR patients. The cohort included 95 hrTAR and 285 oTAR patients. There was a significantly shorter median LOS in the hrTAR cohort (3 vs. 5days, p < 0.001). The rate of surgical site occurrences in the hrTAR cohort was also lower than for oTAR (5% vs. 15%, p = 0.015). Readmission rates were not different between hrTAR and oTAR (6% vs. 8%, p = 0.65). hrTAR demonstrates improved LOS compared to oTAR as well as fewer surgical site related occurrences. Further studies are needed to investigate the etiology behind the improved LOS and to confirm appropriate long-term outcomes from hybrid robotic TAR.

Robotic versus open transversus abdominis release and incisional hernia repair: A case-control study

ObjectiveTransversus abdominus release (TAR) is often required to achieve apposition of the rectus muscles and achieve wide mesh reinforcement of the abdominal wall. Traditionally, TAR has been done with an open technique (oTAR), and the benefits of the newer robotic approach (rTAR) has not been well established in the Australian setting. The aim of this study was to compare the results of oTAR with rTAR to demonstrate its safety and efficacy. MethodsA retrospective review of patients who underwent rTAR and oTAR at two tertiary hospitals was conducted between January 2018 and January 2020 in New South Wales, Australia. Patient demographics, perioperative and postoperative outcomes were compared in both groups. ResultsThere were 26 patients identified to have undergone TAR (13 rTAR, 13 oTAR). Both groups were comparable in regards to age, sex and defect size. oTAR was associated with a higher American Society of Anaesthesiologist score. rTAR was associated with significantly longer average operative time (260.0 ± 78.9 min vs. 185.7 ± 64.5 min, p = 0.017) but found to have a significantly shorter length of stay (3.6 ± 2.1 d vs. 6.9 ± 3.6 d, p = 0.007) with a comparable complication rate. ConclusionsrTAR is associated with shorter length of hospital stay with comparable postoperative outcomes when compared to oTAR. We are seeing increasing evidence supporting the safety and benefits of robotics, however larger scale studies are required to fully understand this approach.

An early experience with transversus abdominis release for complex ventral hernias: a retrospective review of 100 cases.

Transversus abdominis release (TAR) is a relatively recent surgical technique for ventral hernia repair which allows placement of a large prosthesis in the retro-muscular plane with considerable myofascial medialization. A retrospective review of 100 cases who underwent TAR for complex ventral hernias was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TAR in a series of large ventral hernias. Between March 2016 and May 2019, 100 consecutive patients who underwent open TAR were identified from our prospectively maintained database. A retrospective review was performed to analyze patient demographics, peri-operative events, adverse outcomes and recurrence. 12 primary and 88 incisional hernia cases underwent TAR with prosthetic mesh repair during the study period. Mean age was 52.5years, mean BMI was 30.87kgs/m2, mean ASA class 1.95. In our series, 41% were diabetic, 11% had COPD. All patients underwent preoperative CT scans. The mean defect was 140.18cm2. Average mesh area was 1344cm2. Average blood loss was 245mL. Defects were bridged in 19% cases despite bilateral component separation. Readmission rate at 1month was 3%, for wound complications. We recorded 9 surgical site infections, 17 surgical site occurrences, 10 of which needed procedural interventions. We recorded no recurrences at a mean follow-up duration of 20.2months. Our early results with TAR are encouraging. We have demonstrated that the repair allows anatomical reconstruction with a large sublay mesh while inflicting minimal morbidity. TAR can be a valuable tool in complex ventral hernia repair.

Comparison between transversus abdominis release and anterior component separation technique in complex ventral hernia

INTRODUCTION: Transversus abdominis release (TAR) is the new revolution in hernia surgery and hernia surgeons are passionately doing it all over the world. With the increase in the popularity of TAR technique, there seems a decrease in anterior component separation technique (ACST) popularity. ACST despite gone modification such as endoscopic and perforator preserving method is seen as an inferior procedure to TAR. Is TAR better than ACST? What are its theoretical limitations? We have done a literature review to compare the postoperative outcomes and technicality of open ACST and open TAR procedure. METHODS: We performed a search in the database of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library for articles that have compared ACST with TAR procedure for postoperative outcomes and technical superiority. The search was limited to human studies and in the English language with cadaveric studies included. RESULTS: We found seven studies that have compared ACST and TAR for various outcomes. They are three systemic reviews with meta-analysis, one multicentric prospective randomized controlled trial, one prospective study, and two cadaveric studies. They have compared the surgical site infection and surgical site occurrence rates, recurrence rate, quality of life (QOL), and extent of mobilization of the rectus muscle. Most of the studies found no significant difference between ACST and TAR; however, the overall quality of the studies may be limited. CONCLUSION: Open ACST is comparable to open TAR procedure and has equally acceptable outcomes. In ACST, it seems to be essential to preserve the perforator vessels; however, altogether further studies are needed to gain more clarity in the daily decision-making process in the repair of complex ventral hernias.