Transabdominal Preperitoneal (TAPP) for the Treatment of Spigelian hernias

Spigelian hernias (SH) are a rare variant of abdominal wall defects that require prompt surgical intervention. With the advancement of abdominal wall surgery capabilities, there are several possible approaches of repairing SH. The aim of the study was to present our experience in performing laparoscopic or robotic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repairs of SH and discuss the advantages of TAPP in such hernias.

Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of SH TAPP repairs between February 1, 2015 and February 29, 2020. Data included clinical details, size and location of fascial defect, presence of concomitant hernias, surgery duration, length of stay (LOS), mesh type, mesh size, and fixation method. Follow up visits at 1 month postoperative and telephone survey for pain assessment and subsequent hernia-related treatment.

During the study period 16 patients underwent TAPP SH repairs, 13 laparoscopically and 3 robotic. Seven (44%) patients had a concomitant inguinal hernia with 1 patient having bilateral inguinal defects. Mean surgery duration and mean LOS were 78 (range 41 - 120) minutes & 1.6 (range 1 - 3) days, respectively. Immediate postoperative complications included 2 seromas and 1 port-site hematoma. Mean telephone survey follow up was 17 months (range 3 - 49). Mean visual analogue scale scores were significantly lower at follow-up compared to discharge (1.9 vs 0.5, P = 0.0015).

Advantages of TAPP SH repair include low postoperative chronic pain, potential low wound complications, intra-abdominal visualization of hernia contents, and repairing of concomitant inguinal hernias simultaneously.