Retromuscular Mesh Repair Using Extended Totally Extraperitoneal Repair Minimal Access: Early Outcomes of an Evolving Technique-A Single Institution Experience

Background: Enhanced-view extended totally extraperitoneal repair (eTEP) technique for laparoscopic retromuscular ventral hernia (VHR) repair is a novel application recently described by some authors. We present our early single institution experience on this technique. Methods: Retrospective review of the eTEP technique for laparoscopic retromuscular VHR repair cases at our institution from October 2018 to June 2019 with 1 month follow-up was evaluated. Data analyses include patients characteristics, operative details, and complications. Results: A total of 18 patients were treated with eTEP. One patient was reoperated using the same procedure and hospital stay was 6 days. The same patient who had undergone transversus abdominis release developed a seroma that could be observed 20 days after surgery. Conclusion: Our short-term experience with eTEP access suggests feasibility of this approach in accordance with results from other authors. We do not think the technique is challenging, but it is necessary for it to be performed by surgeons with skills in laparoscopic abdominal wall reconstruction.