Robotic extraperitoneal approaches have expanded the possibilities of minimally invasive abdominal wall reconstruction. The suprapubic preperitoneal eTEP (PeTEP) technique offers an alternative for selected patients with small-to-medium midline hernias, with or without rectus diastasis, in whom preservation of the retrorectus plane is desirable. This article describes the application of PeTEP in a 58-year-old male with a 3-cm primary umbilical hernia and a 5-cm rectus diastasis, using a suprapubic robotic extraperitoneal approach to achieve functional midline reconstruction while maintaining the integrity of the retrorectus space. The procedure includes pretransversalis access, development of the preperitoneal and pretransversalis planes, midline restoration, and placement of a preperitoneal polypropylene mesh. This technique avoids posterior sheath division, neurovascular bundle manipulation, and retromuscular dissection, thereby reducing potential morbidity in selected patients. This case illustrates the feasibility of PeTEP in a carefully selected patient. The authors do not propose this approach as a replacement for open or transabdominal techniques, but rather as an additional option within a broader reconstructive spectrum.
This case describes a 58-year-old man who developed a symptomatic incisional ventral hernia following a trauma laparotomy and left nephrectomy after a motor vehicle collision. The patient presented with multiple midline hernia defects associated with bulging and discomfort. This video demonstrates a robotic transabdominal preperitoneal (rTAPP) repair with mesh. The case highlights practical strategies for managing intra-abdominal adhesions and a prior gastrostomy site, while outlining alternative operative approaches for cases in which preperitoneal flap development is technically challenging.
A 55-year-old female has a history of multiple abdominal surgeries including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, appendectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy, tubal ligations, and multiple cesarean sections through a low transverse (Pfannensteil) incision. Cross-sectional imaging demonstrated multiple midline hernias ranging from 1–3 cm, a rectus diastasis measuring 4 cm wide, and intraparietal cesarean section (C-section) hernia (Zanellato Type II). She underwent a robotic retromuscular extended totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) repair wherein her ventral midline hernias, rectus diastasis, and intraparietal hernia were all repaired and reinforced with wide mesh overlap. This case highlights the strengths of an eTEP approach, the decision making behind considering all of a patient’s abdominal wall pathology, and the considerations with intraparietal hernias post C-section.
Excision of Suspected Chronic Infected Suture Sinus Benjamin S. C. Fung, MD, FRCSC1; Eric M. Pauli, MD, FACS, FASGE2 1North York General Hospital, University of Toronto 2Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
A 65-year-old female with a history of a left deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap for breast reconstruction presented with an incisional hernia and a draining sinus tract overlying the site for her DIEP flap harvest confirmed on physical exam and cross-section imaging. She underwent a wound exploration where the entire suture sinus was excised, and it was confirmed that there was no residual foreign material left in the area. This case highlights the importance of staged abdominal wall reconstruction and addressing chronic infection before proceeding with surgery.
Excision of Infected Onlay Mesh Benjamin S. C. Fung, MD, FRCSC1; Eric M. Pauli, MD, FACS, FASGE2 1North York General Hospital, University of Toronto 2Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
A 73-year-old female has a history of ventral hernia repair with onlay mesh complicated by mesh infection requiring multiple debridement. She later underwent additional laparotomies for other procedures that led to her previous mesh being chronically infected and exposed to air. Multiple office debridement did not successfully remove all of the mesh. She was taken to the operating room where her onlay mesh was completely excised. This case highlights the importance of complete foreign body excision when dealing with infected prostheses of the abdominal wall.
A 58-year-old patient underwent robotic bilateral transversus abdominis release (TAR) for repair of a recurrent incisional hernia following prior hernia repair complicated by mesh infection and subsequent explantation. This approach was selected based on the patient’s surgical history, the size of the hernia defect, and the extent of incarcerated small bowel. A double-docking technique was employed to facilitate bilateral TAR, and a large macroporous polypropylene mesh was placed. This case highlights the operative decision-making involved in complex hernia repair and demonstrates the technical considerations for performing a robotic bilateral TAR.
Pediatric inguinal hernias are indirect, resulting from a persistent patent processus vaginalis (PPV). These hernias will not spontaneously heal and carry a serious, persistent risk of incarceration. Consequently, surgical repair is typically advised soon after diagnosis to minimize the risk of incarceration.
This report details a 4-year-old girl with a reducible left inguinal hernia containing the greater omentum undergoing minimally invasive laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC). LPEC offers improved visualization, superior cosmetic results, and the ability to identify and repair contralateral PPV during the same procedure, which reduces the risk of metachronous hernia—particularly in girls, where the technique is technically straightforward.
Operating room preparation for an open incisional hernia repair requires careful planning to provide surgical efficiency and patient safety. This video serves as a learning resource for those, such as surgical technologists, who are responsible for setting up the OR before the start of a case. Topics covered include the arrangement of instrumentation, how to prepare for and complete an initial count before the surgery, and optimal placement of essential equipment and supplies. These back table setup methods enhance surgical workflow efficiency while maintaining sterility.
This video is a comprehensive step-by-step demonstration of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair using the TEP method. It features a middle-aged male with bilateral inguinal hernias who has experienced left groin pain for several years. This case is significant as it showcases the efficiency of laparoscopic techniques in addressing bilateral hernias, which are relatively common, through a single surgical procedure. The detailed description of the procedure provides valuable insights for surgeons at various stages of their careers. For novice surgeons, it offers a step-by-step guide to the TEP technique, highlighting critical anatomical landmarks and potential pitfalls. Experienced surgeons may benefit from the nuanced discussions on tissue handling, dissection techniques, and mesh placement.
Robotic paraesophageal hernia repair with concurrent LINX device placement represents an evolutionary step in the surgical management of complex hiatal pathology. When performed with appropriate patient selection and attention to technical detail, the procedure offers excellent outcomes with acceptable morbidity. This instructional video will be particularly beneficial for surgeons, surgical trainees, and advanced practice providers seeking to enhance their understanding of the technical aspects of robotic paraesophageal hernia repair with LINX placement, as well as for medical educators teaching complex, minimally-invasive upper gastrointestinal procedures.
