Outcomes after ventral hernia repair using the extended totally extraperitoneal approach: Initial experience from the Philippines.

Introduction: Newer extraperitoneal techniques of laparoscopic ventral/incisional hernia repair (LVIHR) have been continually introduced since the popularity of the laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh technique began in 1993. One of which is the extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) approach allowing wide mesh augmentation, concurrent repair of diastasis recti, and performance of transversus abdominis release (TAR) for large/complex hernias. However, minimally invasive/laparoendoscopic ventral hernia repair is not yet widely adopted in the Philippines. We aim to share our preliminary experience with LVIHR using the eTEP approach.

Methods: This was a retrospective review of all consecutive eTEP repairs for ventral hernia between January 2019 and September 2023. The clinical profiles of all patients were gathered. Hernia characteristics, operative profile, and postoperative outcomes were reported.

Results: Thirty-five patients were included in the study with a mean age of 54.7; 60% were incisional hernias, and the most common hernia location was the umbilical area. A defect size between 4 and 10 cm was reported in 54.3%. eTEP-TAR was necessary in 12 patients. At a median follow-up of 16 months, two patients developed seroma, one hematoma, and two surgical site infections. All were successfully managed conservatively. Only one patient developed recurrence.

Conclusion: eTEP approach is safe and feasible for repairing ventral hernias. Our preliminary experience showed acceptable outcomes similar to the published literature. Surgeons interested in this technique should be familiar with the abdominal wall anatomy, carefully select patients during preoperative planning, and undergo mentorship with hernia surgeons experienced with the technique to shorten the learning curve.