EXTENDED TOTALLY EXTRAPERITONEAL (eTEP) VENTRAL HERNIA REPAIR: INITIAL RESULTS

Abstract Background Extended totally extraperitoneal ventral hernia repair (eTEP-VHR) is gaining increasing popularity due to its improved postoperative outcomes. Recent evidence suggests that minimally invasive retromuscular dissection and mesh placement has better outcomes than other mesh positions, lowering the rates of hernia recurrence and surgical site occurrences. We present the initial results from eTEP-VHR implementation at two non-robotic surgical departments. Method Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients submitted to eTEP-VHR between June 2022 and November 2023 in two centers by the same surgical team. Data were analyzed for operative details and perioperative complications. Results 15 patients underwent eTEP-VHR. 3 cases required a transversus abdominis release. No intraoperative complications were recorded. Median length of stay was 1,5 days. After a median follow-up of 9 months, there were 0 recurrences, 2 cases of uncomplicated seroma, 0 mesh infections and 0 cases of chronic pain. Conclusion Implementation of eTEP seems to be safe and a good alternative to ventral hernia repair in selected cases, allowing for excellent postoperative outcomes, even in non-robotic centers.