Endoscopic-Assisted Linea Alba Reconstruction plus Mesh Augmentation for Treatment of Umbilical and/or Epigastric Hernias and Rectus Abdominis Diastasis – Early Results

INTRODUCTION: Symptomatic umbilical and/or epigastric hernias are often seen concomitantly with rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD), and suture repair of such defects has a high recurrence rate. In the literature, there are reports of both endoscopic and open techniques for repair of symptomatic umbilical and/or epigastric hernias in association with RAD. This paper now reports on the early results of a hybrid technique used for reconstruction of the linea alba and mesh augmentation [endoscopic-assisted linea alba reconstruction plus mesh augmentation (ELAR plus)]. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 15 June 2015 and 31 January 2016, 40 patients with symptomatic umbilical and/or epigastric hernia and concomitant RAD underwent reconstruction of the linea alba using a hybrid technique involving a small umbilical incision and the use of video-endoscopic equipment. The patients comprised 29 men and 11 women with a mean age of 53.6 years and mean BMI of 32.6. The mean operating time was 120 min. The mesh had a mean longitudinal extension of 18.6 cm and transverse extension of 9.1 cm. RESULTS: Thirty-day follow-up results are available for all patients. Thirty-seven out of 40 patients (92.5%) experienced no postoperative complication. Two cases of discrete impaired umbilical wound healing and one seroma were successfully managed with conservative treatment. On 30-day follow-up, 3 out of 40 patients (7.5%) complained of intermittent pain on exertion, and 2 out of 40 patients (5%) still took painkillers when required. CONCLUSION: ELAR plus is a novel minimally invasive procedure for repair of symptomatic umbilical and/or epigastric hernias with concomitant RAD. Reconstruction of the linea alba via a minimally invasive access route is able to restore the normal anatomy of the abdominal wall.