[Preperitoneal Umbilical Hernia Mesh Plasty (PUMP): Indications, Technique and Results]

Case Report: 21 Cases of Umbilical Hernia Repair Using a Laparoscopic Cephalic Approach Plus a Posterior Sheath and Extraperitoneal Approach

Purpose: In this study, a novel surgical technique was developed for umbilical hernias, in which a laparoscopic cephalic approach plus a posterior sheath and an extraperitoneal approach was employed. The aim of this study was to determine the results of this new technique. Methods: From 2019 to 2020, 21 patients (81.8% men) with an umbilical hernia underwent a laparoscopic cephalic approach plus a posterior sheath and extraperitoneal approach, performed by two surgeons specializing in abdominal wall surgery, in two academic hospitals. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, operation time, blood loss, and hernia recurrence were assessed. Results: Twenty-one cases of umbilical hernia were successfully completed. The size of the hernia ring was 1.5-3 cm², with an average of 2.39 ± 0.47 cm². The operation time was 120-240 min (average, 177.3 ± 42.15 min), and the blood loss volume was 30-40 ml (average, 33.73 ± 3.55 ml). The mean follow-up period was 6 months, and there were no short-term complications and no cases of recurrence. Conclusion: A laparoscopic cephalic approach plus a posterior sheath and extraperitoneal approach is a safe alternative for the repair of an umbilical hernia. The intraoperative complication rate was low.

Subxiphoid top-down endoscopic totally preperitoneal approach (eTPA) for midline ventral hernia repair

PURPOSE

Midline abdominal wall hernia repair is among the most common surgical interventions performed worldwide. However, the optimal surgical technique remains controversial. To overcome the disadvantages of both open and transabdominal procedures, we developed a totally endoscopic preperitoneal approach (eTPA) with placement of a large mesh.

METHODS

From December 2019 to October 2020, 20 consecutive patients with small to medium-sized midline ventral hernias underwent repair using a completely preperitoneal subxiphoid top-down approach. The preperitoneal space was entered directly below the xiphoid, and careful endoscopic development of the plane between the peritoneum and posterior sheath of the rectus fascia was then performed behind the linea alba. The hernia sac and its contents were identified and reduced. The hernia defect was closed with sutures, and a mesh with an adequate high defect: mesh ratio was placed in the newly created preperitoneal space.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were enrolled in this study, including 14 with primary umbilical hernias, 4 with primary epigastric hernias, and 2 with recurrent umbilical hernias. 15 patients suffered from a mild concomitant diastasis recti. All operations were successfully completed without conversion to open repair. The mean operative time was 105.3 min (range, 60-220 min). Postoperative pain was mild, and the mean visual analog scale score for pain was 1.8 on the first postoperative day. The average postoperative hospital stay was 1.8 days (range, 1-4 days). One patient developed a minor postoperative seroma, but it had no adverse impact on the final outcome. No patients developed recurrence during the 3- to 10-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

The subxiphoid top-down totally endoscopic preperitoneal approach (eTPA) technique is feasible and effective. It may become a valuable alternative for the treatment of primary small- (defect size < 2 cm) and medium-sized (2-4 cm) midline ventral hernias, particularly in presence of a concomitant diastasis recti.