Extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) treatment for lateral primary and incisional hernias. New approach to old...

To describe the eTEP approach for treating lateral primary and incisional hernia and show its results in a prospective series of cases.

A descriptive prospective study with patients treated surgically for lateral hernias using eTEP approach. Every patient was operated by the same surgeon from November 2018 to December 2021. Inclusion criteria were primary and incisional hernia, lateral and W1 and W2 sized using the EHS classification. Exclusion criteria were W3 hernia, loss of domain, need to remove previous mesh, dystrophic or ulcerative skin, history of previous complex surgery. Details of the surgical technique are described.

34 patients were operated. Median age was 65 years old and BMI, 29.9 (22.1-47.1). There were several locations being the most frequent L3 in 18 patients. The median length was 41 mm (10-129) and width, 44 mm (10-97). The median of defect-mesh ratio was 5.05 (0.9-447.64). TAR was practised in 21 patients (61.8%). Only one patient suffered a clinically relevant complication, being a hematoma (Dindo-Clavien II). 50% of patients were operated in ambulatory surgery. After a median follow-up of 13.5 months, only one recurrence has been reported (2.9%).

eTEP to treat lateral hernias is feasible and reproducible showing good results in terms of hernia recurrence and complications. A further prospective randomized clinical trial is needed to support these results.