Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with and without defect closure: comparative analysis of a single-institution experience with 783 patients.

Background: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) has gained popularity, since it can decrease the incidence of surgical site complications while providing similar recurrence rates as open repairs. The role of defect closure in LVHR has been a subject of controversy and has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to compare outcomes of LVHR with and without defect closure in a contemporary cohort.

Evaluation of antibiotic pressurized pulse lavage for contaminated retromuscular abdominal wall reconstruction.

Background: Despite patient risk factors such as diabetes and obesity, contamination during surgery remains a significant cause of infections and subsequent wound morbidity. Pressurized pulse lavage (PPL) has been utilized as a method to reduce bacterial bioburden with promising results in many fields. Although existing methods of lavage have been utilized during abdominal operations, no studies have examined the use of PPL during complex hernia repair.

Efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block with liposomal bupivacaine during open abdominal wall reconstruction.

Background: Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPb) is an analgesic adjunct used for abdominal surgical procedures. Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) demonstrates prolonged analgesic effects, up to 72 hours. We evaluated the analgesic efficacy of TAPb using LB for patients undergoing open abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR).

Benefits of Multimodal Enhanced Recovery Pathway in Patients Undergoing Open Ventral Hernia Repair.

Background: Use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways have evidenced improved outcomes in several surgical specialties. The effectiveness of ERAS pathways specific to hernia surgery, however, has not yet been investigated. We hypothesized that our ERAS pathway would accelerate functional recovery and shorten hospitalization in patients undergoing open ventral hernia repair (VHR).

Outcomes of Posterior Component Separation With Transversus Abdominis Muscle Release and Synthetic Mesh Sublay Reinforcement.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transversus abdominis muscle release (TAR) with retrorectus synthetic mesh reinforcement in a large series of complex hernia patients.

Background: Posterior component separation via TAR during abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) continues to gain popularity. Although our early experience with TAR has been promising, long-term outcomes have not been reported.

Transversus abdominis muscle release: a novel approach to posterior component separation during complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

Background: Several modifications of the classic retromuscular Stoppa technique to facilitate dissection beyond the lateral border of the rectus sheath recently were reported. We describe a novel technique of transversus abdominis muscle release (TAR) for posterior component separation during major abdominal wall reconstructions.

Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing TAR.

Advantages of the hand-assisted versus the open approach to elective colectomies.

Background: Hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy has been introduced as an alternative to standard laparoscopy. However, to date, it has not been established whether intraabdominal placement of a hand abrogates the benefits of minimally invasive techniques. The authors hypothesized that the hand-assisted approach confers advantages of minimal access surgery over traditional open colectomy.