Immediate changes in intra-abdominal pressure and lung indicators in patients undergoing complex ventral hernia repair with the transversus abdominis muscle release, with and without preoperative botulinum toxin.

Purpose: The current treatment of complex ventral hernias involves muscle closure with components separation techniques and mesh placement. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the immediate postoperative changes in the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), and lung indicators after treatment of complex ventral hernias with the transversus abdominis reléase (TAR) technique.

Methods: All patients with complex ventral hernias treated between November 28th, 2016 and October 6th, 2021 were initially included. We excluded patients with lung and/or heart comorbidities. A total of 43 patients were studied, measuring IAP, lung compliance, pulmonary plateau pressure (PPP), and end-tidal CO before and after surgical treatment.

Results: Median IAP increased from 5 to 9 mmHg (p < 0.0001), and PPP from 11 to 12 mmHg (p = 0.004). Increased body mass index (BMI) was associated to a PPP increase above normal values. Postoperative changes were not different in patients receiving preoperative preparation with botulinum toxin.

Conclusion: After complex ventral hernia closure, there is an immediate impact on IAP and PPP, the latter more frequent in patients with the highest BMI, and this may not be prevented by the preoperative administration of botulinum toxin.