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Published on: December 23, 2022
Nuttall technique: A method for subumbilical incisional hernia repair revised
Antonios-Apostolos K Tentes1, Athanasios I Xanthoulis, Charalambos G Mirelis
1Surgical Department, Didimotichon General Hospital, Didimotichon, 68300, Greece. atentes@did-hosp.gr
Langenbeck'S Archives of Surgery
|September 18, 2007
Summary
The Nuttall technique offers encouraging long-term results for repairing large subumbilical incisional hernias without mesh. This method involves transposing rectus muscles, minimizing tension and prosthetic material use.
Area of Science:
- Abdominal Surgery
- Hernia Repair
- Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Large ventral incisional hernias are commonly repaired using open or laparoscopic mesh techniques.
- The Nuttall technique, while used for subumbilical hernias, remains less popularized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the Nuttall technique for large subumbilical incisional hernia repair.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 21 patients undergoing repair of large subumbilical incisional hernias using the Nuttall technique between 1991 and 2005.
- This technique involves detaching and transposing rectus muscles from the symphysis pubis without prosthetic material.
- Minimal tension is applied to the underlying tissues during the procedure.
Main Results:
- Morbidity was observed in 23.8% of patients (five individuals).
- The median follow-up period was 84 months.
- A low recurrence rate of 4.8% (one patient) was recorded.
Conclusions:
- Despite a small patient cohort, the Nuttall technique demonstrates promising long-term outcomes for large subumbilical incisional hernia repair.
- The technique's ability to avoid prosthetic materials and minimize tension is a notable advantage.