Precostal top-down extended totally extraperitoneal ventral hernia plasty (eTEP): simplification of a complex...

Retromuscular mesh augmentation is generally considered to be the ideal technique for repairing ventral hernias and can be performed laparoscopically by 'enhanced view totally extraperitoneal plasty' (eTEP)-a technically complex procedure that requires a high level of surgical expertise. We aimed to develop a simplified technical modification.

Thirty-one patients with ventral hernias were operated with a modified precostal, top-down eTEP approach, and prospectively recorded in our hernia registry. We describe this novel standardized precostal access and the bilateral development of both retromuscular compartments with a cylindrical dilating balloon port. Demographic-, hernia-specific-, and perioperative data were analyzed retrospectively.

Twenty-two primary and 9 incisional hernias with an average defect size of 34.5 cm² were repaired. An average implant of 420 cm² always completely covered diastasis recti and/or scars from previous midline laparotomies. Average procedure time was 128 min. One conversion was required due to peritoneal injury. Postoperatively there was one local infection and one patient suffered an interparietal herniation. There were no recurrences during the average 8-month follow-up period.

With technical modification of precostal access and pneumatic balloon dilation of both retro-rectus compartments, the complex procedure can be simplified through time saving and straightforward unidirectional 'top-down' dissection. The better overview facilitates the crossover for connecting both retro-rectus spaces. In addition, the cranial access allows the anterior- and posterior layers to be closed up to the xiphoid.