Transperitoneal laparoscopic repair of a dorsal lumbotomy incisional hernia

Hernias are a rare complication following muscle-splitting dorsal lumbotomy surgery. At our centre, before the introduction of laparoscopic surgery, donor nephrectomy for renal transplantation was performed via a dorsal lumbotomy approach. We present a case of transperitoneal laproscopic repair of a dorsal lumbotomy incisional hernia following donor nephrectomy using a quilted 2-sided expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) mesh. The procedure was uncomplicated and required 2 hours operating time to complete. A 2-day stay in hospital was observed for convalescence and the patient quickly returned to routine activity after discharge. Advantages of the laparoscopic approach include excellent visualization and wide coverage of the hernia defect under direct vision. This case illustrates the benefits of laparoscopic repair of a rare lumbotomy complication.