Closure of midline contaminated and recurrent incisional hernias with components separation technique reinforced with plication of the rectus muscles

Abstract

Purpose: Midline incisional hernia reconstruction by defect closure and reinforcement with either prosthetic or biologic materials has shown to significantly decrease recurrence rates even for complex cases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes regarding large incisional hernia reconstruction with components separation technique using rectus muscle plication as a reinforcement method.

Methods: Thirteen patients having large midline incisional hernias and either history of abdominal wall contamination or recurrence in the presence of mesh were treated between January 2007 and December 2011 with closure using components separation technique reinforced by rectus muscle plication.

Results: Average hernia square was 222 cm(2), and mean follow-up was 24 months. Complications occurred in 6 patients with a mean time to resolution of 59 days. One recurrence was present.

Conclusions: When use of mesh or biologic materials is not desired, rectus muscle plication is a feasible tool as a reinforcement method after large hernia closure with components separation.