Perineal hernia formation following extralevator abdominoperineal excision

AIM: Extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) has become increasingly used because of some evidence of improved oncological outcome. It is, however, thought to be associated with a higher incidence of perineal hernia formation, although the exact incidence is not known. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of perineal hernia after ELAPE. METHOD: The case notes of patients over a 54-month period were reviewed. The perineal closure technique, perineal complications and management plan were recorded. RESULTS: During the study period, 56 patients underwent ELAPE, of whom 24 (44%) developed a perineal wound complication. Primary perineal closure was performed with (eight patients) and without (32 patients) insertion of a biological mesh or myocutaneous flap. Perineal hernia was the commonest complication (26%) and occurred in nine (45%) of 20 patients who had a laparoscopic ELAPE. CONCLUSION: Perineal hernia formation was the commonest perineal complication of ELAPE and occurred in nearly half of patients having a laparoscopic ELAPE.