Abstract
Aim
Posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release (PCS-TAR) represents a good option for challenging complex ventral hernia repairs. We present a case of PCS-TAR for a giant lumbar hernia in a patient with a transplanted kidney.
Material and Methods
The patient is a 46 years old man with a Charlson Comorbidity Index of 2 and a BMI of 27.5 kg/m2 who underwent a kidney transplant in 2005 and a subsequent open repair with mesh implantation for an incisional hernia in 2007. Two years later, he experienced a hernia recurrence, but chose conservative management. In 2019, the patient complained of progressively worsening pain and bulky sensation. Due to the size and location of the defect and the massive relaxation of the muscle fibers, open repair with PCS-TAR was indicated.
Results
In 2019, the patient underwent right-sided PCS-TAR with retromuscular placement of one polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mesh and one biosynthetic mesh. Duration of the procedure was 295 minutes. Two drains were placed, respectively in the subfascial and in the subcutaneous plane. Postoperative course required non-invasive ventilation for respiratory distress, but was otherwise uneventful and he was discharged on postoperative day 8. After 12 months, the patient showed no signs of recurrence.
Conclusions
PCS-TAR is a versatile technique for the repair of complex ventral hernias, with an acceptable rate of postoperative complications and good long-term outcomes.