Open Retromuscular Ventral Hernia Repair

Published on 09/04/2015 by admin

Filed under Surgery

Last modified 09/04/2015

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Chapter 5 Open Retromuscular Ventral Hernia Repair image

1 Clinical Anatomy

2 Preoperative Considerations

3 Operative Steps

image Incision of the Posterior Rectus Sheath (Rives-Stoppa-Wantz Technique)

image To dissect the retromuscular space to the linea semilunaris, the posterior rectus sheath is incised sharply about 0.5 cm from its edge (Fig. 5-2, A). This typically is initiated at the level of the umbilicus. The retromuscular plane is then developed using a combination of blunt dissection and electrocautery. The lateral extent of this dissection is the linea semilunaris, confirmed by visualizing the junction between the posterior and anterior rectus sheaths (Fig. 5-2, B). Careful identification of the intercostal nerves and vessels is critical to maintaining an innervated functional abdominal wall (Fig. 5-2, C).
image Exposure of Cooper’s ligaments/pubis is shown in Figure 5-3. Inferiorly, the space or Retzius is entered to expose the pubis symphysis and both Cooper’s ligaments. This dissection is blunt in what is typically a bloodless plane. Since this area is below the arcuate line, posterior layer includes peritoneum and transversalis fascia only. Because both of these layers are very thin, fenestrations are not uncommon and should be repaired. Care should be taken to identify and preserve inferior epigastric vessels that course along the deep surface of the rectus muscles. The urinary bladder may be filled with saline to facilitate its identification and dissection. This is particularly prudent in patients with a previous history of pelvic surgery.
image Exposure of the subxiphoid space is shown in Figure 5-4. The retromuscular plane can be extended cephalad to the costal margin and to the retroxiphoid/retrosternal areas.