Endoscopic-assisted repair of combined ventral hernias and diastasis recti: minimizing seroma incidence by quilting.

Background: To reduce the incidence of seromas, we have adapted the quilting procedure used in open abdominoplasty to the endoscopic-assisted repair of concomitant ventral hernia (VH) and diastasis recti (DR). The aim of this study was to describe the technique and assess its efficacy by comparing two groups of patients operated on with the same repair technique before and after introducing the quilting.

Methods: This retrospective study included data prospectively registered in the French Club Hernie database from 176 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for concomitant VH and DR via the double-layer suturing technique.

Some Additional Data That Might Be Useful for Diastasis Recti Assessment.

Diastasis recti (DR) is characterized by separation of both rectus muscles and protrusion of the median bulging, but besides median bulging DR can also entail global abdominal bulging. On other note, DR classification is based on the width of divarication, but measurement values are different at rest and at effort due to muscle contraction. Aim of the study is to provide additional features concerning the type of bulging and the width of divarication.

Minimally invasive bilayer suturing technique for the repair of concomitant ventral hernias and diastasis recti.

Background: According to EHS guidelines, mesh repair is recommended in case of concomitant diastasis recti (DR) and ventral hernia more than 1 cm in diameter. Since in this situation, the higher risk of hernia recurrence may be attributed to the weakness of aponeurotic layers, in our current practice, for hernias up to 3 cm, we use a bilayer suture technique. The study aimed at describing our surgical technique and evaluating the results of our current practice.

Mid-term results of VTEP (Ventral hernia repair by Totally ExtraPeritoneal approach).

Background: Techniques of retromuscular repair of ventral hernias aim at avoiding complications linked to intraperitoneal patch. Aim of the study was to evaluate results of the VTEP technique.

Methods: On 187 patients who underwent a VTEP, evaluation was carried out on 128 patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year.

Are the relative benefits of open versus laparoscopic intraperitoneal mesh repair of umbilical hernias dependent on the diameter of the defect?

Background: The aim of this study was to assess whether the respective values of open and laparoscopic intraperitoneal repairs of umbilical hernias are related to the European Hernia Society diameter of defects.

Methods: This registry-based study compared the early and 2-year outcomes of 776 open versus 1,019 consecutive laparoscopic intraperitoneal repairs performed from 2011 to 2019.

Results: Intraperitoneal mesh repair, either laparoscopic or open, was found to be a safe procedure at the 2-year follow-up.