A case series of laparoscopic components separation and rectus medialization with laparoscopic ventral hernia repair

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair has been shown to offer improved patient recovery, when compared to open repair. It has also been shown to offer a lower complication rate. However, in patients with high body-mass index and large defects, the intraperitoneal on-lay technique of laparoscopic repair is criticized for an increased incidence of failure. In 1990, a study introduced the technique of open-component separation, hence enabling the medialization of the rectus muscle and decreasing the incidence of recurrence associated with primary repair. Open-component separation is associated with increased wound problems due to extensive dissection. Different laparoscopic and endoscopic modifications to the open-component-separation technique have been tried to minimize wound problems. In this article, we present our case series of 4 patients involving the laparoscopic component-separation technique of rectus medialization and, laparoscopic ventral hernia combined. This is one of the first series ever reported to involve both modalities of hernia repair in using an exclusive laparoscopic technique.