Endoscopic Mini- or Less-Open Sublay operation with transversus abdominis muscle release using a single-port platform...

The Endoscopic Mini- or Less-open Sublay operation (EMILOS) is a transhernial repair that allows endoscopic dissection and mesh placement in the retrorectus/retromuscular space, and simultaneous transversus abdominis release (TAR) for larger hernias. The operative summary is as follows. ¹ A 7-cm longitudinal skin incision was made immediately above the hernial orifice. ² The hernial sac was circumferentially dissected to the border of the defect, and the abdomen was opened. ³ The posterior rectus sheath (PRS) was incised approximately 5 mm lateral to the medial border of the rectus sheath to enter the retrorectus space. ⁴ Exploratory laparoscopy was performed, and the peritoneum was closed. ⁵ A single port platform was attached to the wound, and the abdominal wall was insufflated. The retrorectal space was dissected laterally to the outer edge of the rectus abdominis muscle. The linea alba was incised at least 5 cm cranially and caudally from the border of the hernia defect to obtain sufficient mesh overlap. ⁶ The TAR was added to the left side to facilitate medial advancement of the PRS. (7) The PRS was approximated with continuous suture. A self-gripping mesh was trimmed and implanted in the retrorectus space. The mesh was secured with 3-0 absorbable sutures (8) A closed-suction drain was placed on the mesh, and the wound was trimmed and closed.

The postoperative course was uneventful. No recurrence was observed at 6-month follow-up.

This technique may be advantageous because it allows minimal skin incision with physiological reconstruction of abdominal wall.