Flank incisional hernia after lateral approach spine operations: presentation and outcomes after repair

The flank approach to lumbar spine surgery is considered a new minimally invasive alternative to the anterior abdominal approach. Flank incisional hernia is one complication, but it has been poorly studied.

Retrospective review of patients referred for evaluation of abdominal bulging after Lateral Interbody Fusion (LIF), 2013-2020.

Seventeen patients were evaluated for abdominal bulging after LIF: 14 were diagnosed with incisional hernias. Three with denervation injury without hernia defect were excluded.

This is the largest study addressing incisional flank hernias after LIF, an under-represented complication in the spine literature. We show that the patients present early, within months of their operation, and yet most hernias are not diagnosed for over a year. Although LIF is considered a minimally invasive procedure, the morbidity from hernia complications cannot be overlooked. These flank hernias are difficult to repair with suboptimal outcomes. We prefer robotic approach with primary closure of the defect and extraperitoneal sublay mesh, whenever possible. Prevention is key. To help reduce risk of hernia, we recommend closure of all muscle layers with slowly absorbable suture; this is different than was originally described in the spine literature.