Laparoscopic partially extraperitoneal (PEP) mesh repair for laterally placed ventral and incisional hernias

Laparoscopic mesh repair is becoming an increasingly popular method of ventral and incisional hernia repair. Entrapment neuropathy is a recognised complication when tacks are used to fix the mesh, particularly below the inguinal ligament and laterally in the abdominal wall. We describe a novel method of ventral hernia repair, which employs transabdominal extra-peritoneal dissection to create a pocket for mesh placement with complete avoidance of tacks in the postero-lateral abdominal wall. This technique is particularly useful for incisional hernias arising through old stoma wounds or appendicectomy incisions, and for Spigelian and lumbar hernias.