Posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release (TAR) for repair of complex incisional hernias after orthotopic liver transplantation

Outcomes after open posterior component separation via transversus abdominis release (TAR) for incisional hernia repair. A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Given its potential advantages, open Transversus Abdominis Release (oTAR) has been proposed as a durable solution for complex AWR. However, its applicability in different scenarios remains uncertain. We aimed to analyze the current available evidence and determine surgical outcomes after oTAR.

METHODS

We performed a systematic electronic search on oTAR in PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Postoperative morbidity and recurrence rates were included as primary endpoints and Quality of life (QoL) was included as secondary endpoint. A random-effect model was used to generate a pooled proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) between all studies.

RESULTS

A total of 22 studies with 4,910 patients undergoing oTAR were included for analysis. Mean hernia defect and mesh area were 394 (140-622) cm2 and 1065 (557-2206) cm2, respectively. Mean follow-up was 19.7 (1-32) months. The weighted pooled proportion of recurrence, overall morbidity, surgical site occurrences (SSO), surgical site infection (SSI), surgical site occurrences requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI), major morbidity and mortality were: 6% (95% CI, 3-10%), 34% (95% CI, 26-43%), 22% (95% CI, 16-29%), 11% (95% CI, 8-16%), 4% (95% CI, 3-7%), 6% (95% CI, 4-10%) and 1% (95% CI, 1-2%), respectively. A significant improvement in QoL after oTAR was reported among studies.

CONCLUSION

Open TAR is an effective technique for complex ventral hernias as it is associated with low recurrence rate and a significant improvement in QoL. However, the relatively high morbidity rates observed emphasize the necessity of further patients' selection and optimization to improve outcomes.

Hernia Correction After Liver Transplantation Using Nonvascularized Fascia

Background

Liver transplantation is an increasingly frequent surgical procedure, with elevated rates of postoperative incisional hernias ranging from 5% to 46%. There are numerous known risk factors for incisional hernia, including the type of incision, patient sex, and presence of comorbidities such as diabetes, ascites, older age, and the use of steroids. Most studies on the treatment of incisional hernias in patients who have undergone liver transplantation have shown consistently high rates of complications. Consequently, we propose the use of nonvascular fascia for the symptomatic treatment of incisional hernias in patients with concomitant liver transplantation.

Methods

We performed our new technique on 8 patients, who had previously undergone liver transplantation, between January 2019 and January 2023. The patients were examined using imaging techniques during the follow-up period.

Results

Of the 8 patients, 7 were liver transplant recipients and 1 was a combined liver-kidney transplant patient. The median donor age was 57 y (5-66 y), whereas the mean recipient age was 58 y (31-66 y). The median patient height and weight were 163 cm (117-185 cm) and 76 kg (17-104 kg), respectively. Immunosuppression did not change in fascia recipients. The median time between transplantation and hernia repair surgery was 41 mo (5-116 mo). The sizes of the aponeurotic defects varied from 6 × 6 to 25 × 20 cm. Two patients experienced complications: one experienced bulging that required reintervention and the other experienced surgical site seroma. There was no mortality related to the use of the technique, and none were reported during follow-up.

Conclusions

With its promising results, nonvascularized fascial transplantation can be a successful treatment for incisional hernias in patients who had previously received a liver transplant.

Delphi consensus statement for understanding and managing the subcostal hernia: subcostal hernias collaborative report (scholar study)

INTRODUCTION

Subcostal hernias are categorized as L1 based on the European Hernia Society (EHS) classification and frequently involve M1, M2, and L2 sites. These are common after hepatopancreatic and biliary surgeries. The literature on subcostal hernias mostly comprises of retrospective reviews of small heterogenous cohorts, unsurprisingly leading to no consensus or guidelines. Given the limited literature and lack of consensus or guidelines for dealing with these hernias, we planned for a Delphi consensus to aid in decision making to repair subcostal hernias.

METHODS

We adopted a modified Delphi technique to establish consensus regarding the definition, characteristics, and surgical aspects of managing subcostal hernias (SCH). It was a four-phase Delphi study reflecting the widely accepted model, consisting of: 1. Creating a query. 2. Building an expert panel. 3. Executing the Delphi rounds. 4. Analysing, presenting, and reporting the Delphi results. More than 70% of agreement was defined as a consensus statement.

RESULTS

The 22 experts who agreed to participate in this Delphi process for Subcostal Hernias (SCH) comprised 7 UK surgeons, 6 mainland European surgeons, 4 Indians, 3 from the USA, and 2 from Southeast Asia. This Delphi study on subcostal hernias achieved consensus on the following areas-use of mesh in elective cases; the retromuscular position with strong discouragement for onlay mesh; use of macroporous medium-weight polypropylene mesh; use of the subcostal incision over midline incision if there is no previous midline incision; TAR over ACST; defect closure where MAS is used; transverse suturing over vertical suturing for closure of circular defects; and use of peritoneal flap when necessary.

CONCLUSION

This Delphi consensus defines subcostal hernias and gives insight into the consensus for incision, dissection plane, mesh placement, mesh type, and mesh fixation for these hernias.

Outcomes of Ventral Hernia Repair After Orthotopic Liver Transplant Using Component Separation and Onlay Biologic Mesh

INTRODUCTION

The management of ventral hernias (VHs) after orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) can be uniquely challenging because of immunosuppression coupled with large laparotomy size that can compromise the quality of the abdominal wall. The component separation with multipoint suture onlay acellular dermis fixation technique has proven to be effective in high-risk abdominal wall reconstructions. The goal of this study was to elucidate the factors that affect safety and efficacy of VH repair in post-OLT patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 345 patients who underwent repair of VH with compartment separation and onlay acellular dermal matrix reinforcement from a single surgeon from 2012 to 2020 was conducted. Of these, 27 patients were identified with a history of OLT and were stratified based on whether the defect was a initial or recurrent hernia repair. The majority of patients had a standard chevron incision (70%). Data abstraction was performed for preoperative risk factors, hernia characteristics, surgical site complications, and postoperative course including hernia recurrence.

RESULTS

A majority of cases in the study period were initial hernia repairs (59%) with no significant differences in the patient demographics and size of VH defects (190 ± 112.69 cm 2 ). Comorbidities were similar between the groups with the exception of a significantly higher baseline creatinine levels and higher history of smoking in the recurrent hernia repair group ( P < 0.05). Of the 27 cases, there were no demonstrable hernia recurrences noted and an overall 11% complication rate. Univariate analysis noted a statistically significant difference in surgical site complication rate ( P = 0.017), with the initial hernia repair group having the lowest rate of surgical site complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In complex post-OLT patients with large VH, modified component separation with onlay acellular mesh was shown to have acceptable medium-term results. Further studies investigating the factors leading to postoperative complications are necessary to reduce recurrence in this evolving patient population.

Incisions in Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery: Surgical Anatomy and its Influence to Open and Close the Abdomen

Incisions performed for hepato-pancreatic-biliary (HPB) surgery are diverse, and can be a challenge both to perform correctly as well as to be properly closed. The anatomy of the region overlaps muscular layers and has a rich vascular and nervous supply. These structures are fundamental for the correct functionality of the abdominal wall. When performing certain types of incisions, damage to the muscular or neurovascular component of the abdominal wall, as well as an inadequate closure technique may influence in the development of long-term complications as incisional hernias (IH) or bulging. Considering that both may impair quality of life and that are complex to repair, prevention becomes essential during these procedures. With the currently available evidence, there is no clear recommendation on which is the better incision or what is the best method of closure. Despite the lack of sufficient data, the following review aims to correlate the anatomical knowledge learned from posterior component separation with the incisions performed in hepato-pancreatic-biliary (HPB) surgery and their consequences on incisional hernia formation. Overall, there is data that suggests some key points to perform these incisions: avoid vertical components and very lateral extensions, subcostal should be incised at least 2 cm from costal margin, multilayered suturing using small bites technique and consider the use of a prophylactic mesh in high-risk patients. Nevertheless, the lack of evidence prevents from the possibility of making any strong recommendations.

Midterm Results of the Open and Minimally Invasive Transversus Abdominis Release Technique for the Treatment of Abdominal Wall Hernias in an Academic Center

Introduction: Large hernia defects are a challenge for general and specialized hernia surgeons. The transversus abdominis release (TAR) technique has revolutionized the treatment of complex hernias since it allows the closure of large midline hernias, as well as hernias in different locations. This study aims to report the experience with the TAR technique and mid-term results in the first 101 patients. Methods: Non-concurrent cohort review of our prospectively collected electronic database. All patients submitted to a TAR (open or minimally invasive eTEP-TAR) from 2017 to 2020 were included. Demographic data, comorbidities, hernia characteristics, preoperative optimization, intraoperative variables, and clinical outcomes were gathered. The main outcomes of this study are hernia recurrences and surgical morbidity. Results: A total of 101 patients were identified. The median follow-up was 26 months. Mean age and body mass index was 63 years and 31.4 Kg/m2, respectively. Diabetes was present in 22% of patients and 43% had at least one previous hernia repair. Nineteen patients had significant loss of domain. Mean hernia size and area were 13 cm and 247 cm2, respectively. Ninety-six percent of cases were clean or clean-contaminated. The mean operative time was 164 min and all patients received a synthetic mesh. We diagnosed two hernia recurrences and the overall (medical and surgical) complication rate was 32%. The hernia-specific complication rate was 17%, with seven surgical site infections and seven surgical site occurrences requiring procedural interventions. Notably, weight loss was associated with a lower risk of SSOPI and reoperations. Conclusion: We show an encouraging 2% of recurrences in the mid-term follow-up in the setting of clinically complex hernia repair. However, we observed a high frequency of overall and hernia-specific complications pointing to the complexity of the type of surgery itself and the patients we operated on.

Pathways of the preperitoneal plane: from the “fatty triangle” in Rives to the “fatty trident" in extended retromuscular abdominal wall reconstruction. A tribute to Prof. Schumpelick

PURPOSE

Extended retromuscular dissection performed for abdominal wall reconstruction in complex abdominal wall repair has progressively exposed the anatomy between the peritoneal layer and abdominal wall muscles. This study aimed to assess the morphology and distribution of preperitoneal fat in a cadaveric model and its influence in retromuscular preperitoneal dissections.

METHODS

Thirty frozen cadaver torsos were dissected by posterior component separation. The shape of the preperitoneal fat was identified, and the dimensions and more significant distances were calculated.

RESULTS

The results showed that the preperitoneal fat resembles a trident, exists along the midline under the linea alba, and expands in the epigastric area into a rhomboid shape. The fatty triangle was found to be a part of this rhomboid. Caudally, the midline preperitoneal fat widened under the arcuate line to reach the Retzius space. Laterally, the Bogros space communicated the root of the trident with the paracolic gutters, Toldt's fascia, and pararenal fats, forming the lateral prong of the trident. The peritoneum not covered by the preperitoneal fatty trident was easy to break. Three pathways could be tracked following the distribution of this fat that facilitated the dissection of the preperitoneal space to prepare the landing zone of the meshes in hernia repair.

CONCLUSION

The concept of preperitoneal fatty trident may be of practical assistance to perform various hernia procedures, from the simple ventral hernia repair to the more complex preperitoneal ventral repair or posterior component separation techniques. The consistency of this layer allows us to follow three specific pathways to find our plane between the peritoneum and muscle layers to extend the preperitoneal dissection.

Feasibility of using a tailored mesh in laparoscopic Sugarbaker parastomal hernia repair

BACKGROUND

In parastomal hernia (PH) repair, laparoscopic Sugarbaker technique (LS) is considered the best practice; however, meshes specific for LS repairs ceased to be available.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate feasibility of using a physician-modified mesh (tailored mesh: TM) in LS.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients who underwent LS for PH between June 2012 and September 2021 were examined to compare surgical outcomes between LS with TM (n = 11) and with a ready-made specific mesh (SM, n = 22). All meshes were coated plastic meshes. Statistical analysis was performed with the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test. P < .05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

We compared the outcomes of TM with SM in LS for similar hernia types during median follow-up periods of 23 (range, 2-29) and 74 (range, 36-110) months (P < .0001), respectively. The median operation times were 146 (range, 45-423) for TM and 193 (range, 65-386) minutes for SM (P = .2301). Perioperative complications were observed in one TM patient (9%) and two SM patients (9%) (P = 1.0000). The lengths of postoperative stay were similar. Recurrence was observed in two cases in the SM group (9%) within 1 year after the operation.

CONCLUSION

In LS, TM seems to be a feasible mesh comparable to SM within short- and mid-term follow-up.

Early and late effects of absorbable poly(vinyl alcohol) hernia mesh to tissue reconstruction

Hernia is a defect of the abdominal wall. Treatment is principally surgical mesh implantation. Non-degradable surgical meshes produce numerous complications and side-effects such as inflammatory response, mesh migration and chronic pain. In contrast, the biodegradable, poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based polymers have excellent chemical, mechanical and biological properties and after their degradation no chronic pain can be expected. The toxicology of PVA solution and fibers was investigated with Human dermal fibroblast- Adult cell line. Implantation tests were observed on long-term contact (rat) and large animal (swine) models. To measure the adhesion formation, Diamond and Vandendael score were used. Macroscopical and histological responses were graded from the samples. In vitro examination showed that PVA solution and fibers are biocompatible for the cells. According to the implantation tests, all samples were integrated into the surrounding tissue, and there was no foreign body reaction. The average number of adhesions was found on the non-absorbable suture line. The biocompatibility of the PVA nanofiber mesh was demonstrated. It has a non-adhesive, non-toxic and good quality structure which has the potential to be an alternative solution for the part of the hernia mesh.

Does immunosuppression use increase perioperative wound morbidity in patients undergoing transversus abdominis release?

BACKGROUND

Transversus abdominis release is an effective procedure for complex ventral hernias. As wound complications contribute to hernia recurrences, mitigating risk factors is vitally important for hernia surgeons. Although immunosuppression can impair wound healing, it has inconsistently predicted wound occurrences, and its effect on wound morbidity after a transversus abdominis release is unknown.

METHODS

Patients undergoing either an elective open or robotic bilateral transversus abdominis release with permanent synthetic mesh were retrospectively stratified by perioperative immunosuppression and secondarily by procedure type (open versus robotic) and immunosuppression.

RESULTS

A total of 321 patients were included for analysis. Overall, 63 (19.6%) patients were on chronic immunosuppression, with history of solid-organ transplant being the most common indication (43 patients). Patients stratified by perioperative immunosuppression were well-matched with similar defect size (P = .97), body mass index ≥30 (P = .32), diabetes (P = .09), history of surgical site infection (P = .53), surgical approach (P = .53), and tobacco use history (P = .33). No differences between cohorts were elicited for any wound event when stratified by immunosuppression use. Similarly, no differences were elicited when cohorts were further stratified also by procedure type.

CONCLUSION

Chronic immunosuppression is often viewed as a notable risk factor for wound occurrences after surgery. However, our data suggest immunosuppression may not significantly increase the risk of perioperative wound morbidity follow transversus abdominis release as previously predicted.

Stepwise transversus abdominis muscle release for the treatment of complex bilateral subcostal incisional hernias

BACKGROUND

Management of subcostal incisional hernias is particularly complicated due to their proximity to the costochondral limits in addition to the lack of aponeurosis on the lateral side of the abdomen. We present our results of posterior component separation through the same previous incision as a safe and reproducible technique for these complex cases.

METHODS

We presented a multicenter and prospective cohort of patients diagnosed with bilateral subcostal incisional hernias on either clinical examination or imaging based on computed tomography from 2014 to 2020. The aim of this investigation was to assess the outcomes of abdominal wall reconstruction for subcostal incisional hernias through a new approach. The outcomes reported were short- and long-term complications, including recurrence, pain, and bulging. Quality of life was assessed with the European Registry for Abdominal Wall Hernias Quality of Life score.

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients were identified. All patients underwent posterior component separation. Surgical site occurrences occurred in 10 patients (22%), with only 7 patients (15%) requiring procedural intervention. During a mean follow-up of 18 months (range, 6-62 months), 1 (2%) case of clinical recurrence was registered. Also, there were 8 (17%) patients with asymptomatic but visible bulging. The European Registry for Abdominal Wall Hernias Quality of Life score showed a statistically significant decrease in the 3 domains (pain, restriction, and cosmetic) of the postoperative scores compared with the preoperative score.

CONCLUSION

Posterior component separation technique for the repair of subcostal incisional hernias through the same incision is a safe procedure that avoids injury to the linea alba. It is associated with acceptable morbidity, low recurrence rate, and improvement in patients' reported outcomes.

How-we-do-it: the repair of postoperative ventral hernias after a Mercedes abdominal incision

PURPOSE

To describe the abdominal wall reconstruction technique with an Ultrapro mesh and outcome for the repair of postoperative ventral hernias after the use of a Mercedes incision during the initial abdominal operation.

METHOD

A retrospective review of all the patients undergoing elective postoperative ventral hernia repair between 2013 and 2019. The cohort of these patients that had an initial Mercedes incision was used for this study.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients met the criteria for this study. Thirteen of the patients were transplant patients (10 liver transplant and 3 combined pancreas and kidney transplant), and one patient was after a hepatectomy. Fifty-seven percent of these hernias were multiple defects. All the patients underwent the same repair of a modified Rives-Stoppa, transversus abdominis release, and a bilateral transverse plication. A partially absorbable Ultrapro mesh was used for all the patients, with two of the patients needing an additional Symbotex mesh in order to bridge a portion of the posterior fascia. There were 6 minor early postoperative complications (hematoma, superficial wound infection, and seroma) that did not require reoperation. Two patients were readmitted for observation of a wound hematoma, and two patients (14.2%) had recurrence during the follow-up period. The average length of hospitalization was 5.6 days.

CONCLUSION

This technique, with the use of an Ultrapro mesh, was found to be safe and effective for the repair of a postoperative ventral hernia due to an initial Mercedes incision.

Risk Factors for Surgical Site Occurrence or Infection and Recurrence After Incisional Hernia Repair in Abdominal Transplant Population

PURPOSE

To investigate risk factors for hernia recurrence, surgical site occurrence/infection (SSO/I) and those requiring procedural intervention (SSOPI) after incisional hernia repair (IHR) following abdominal transplantation.

METHODS

Patients undergoing IHR following abdominal transplant were retrospectively identified in the Americas Hernia Society Quality Collaborative database. Primary outcome measures were SSO/I, SSOPI and hernia recurrence.

RESULTS

There was a total of 166 patients. Seventeen patients (10%) had an SSO/I at 30 days. Overall complication rate was 26%, and there was 1 mortality (1%). Composite recurrence rate was 28% (21/75) over 2 years. In univariate analysis, history of diabetes (DM), body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m², and history of open abdomen were associated with SSO/I (P < .05). Immunosuppression had a negative correlation with SSO/Is and SSOPIs. BMI >35 kg/m² was associated with 180-day recurrence, whereas history of hypertension remained significant for recurrence at 2 years (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

History of an open abdomen, DM, and obesity are risk factors for SSO/I, and obesity and hypertension are associated with short-term and long-term recurrence after IHR following abdominal organ transplantation. Immunosuppression had negative correlation with SSO/I. However, long-term outcomes and those related to immunosuppression should be interpreted cautiously in view of the small sample size and low follow-up rates. Baseline comorbidities seem to be the main drive for hernia outcomes for transplant population, similar to the general population. Larger cohorts and longer follow-up are necessary to delineate preventable risk factors for SSO/Is and hernia recurrences after organ transplantation.

Right Colectomy with Absorbable Mesh Repair as a Salvage Solution for the Management of Giant Incisional Hernia with Loss of Domain: Results of a Bicentric Study

BACKGROUND

Incisional hernia (IH) may occur in 20% of patients after laparotomy. The hernia sac volume may be of significance, with reintegration of visceral contents potentially leading to repair failure or abdominal compartment syndrome. The present study aimed to evaluate a two-step surgical strategy comprising right colectomy for hernia reduction with synchronous absorbable mesh repair followed by definitive non-absorbable mesh repair in recurrence.

METHODS

Patients operated between 2012 and 2017 at two university centers were retrospectively included. Volumetric evaluation of the IH was performed by CT imaging.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were included. The mean BMI was 43 kg/m² (23-52 kg/m²). Progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum was performed in 82% of patients, with complications in 22%. The mean volumetric ratio of the volume of the hernia to the volume of the abdominal cavity was 70% (48-100%). The first parietal repair was performed using an synthetic absorbable mesh (36%), a biologic mesh (27%), or a slowly absorbable mesh (36%). No patients died as a result of the procedure. Seven (64%) patients developed grade III-IV complications, including one case of an anastomotic fistula. Recurrence occurred in eight (73%) patients after the first repair. Of these, four (50%) patients were reoperated using a non-absorbable mesh, leading to solid repair in 75% of cases. After 27 ± 18 months of follow-up, the residual IH rate was 46%.

CONCLUSIONS

Right colectomy for volume reduction in IH with loss of domain potentially represents an appropriate salvage option, supporting bowel reintegration and temporary hernia repair with absorbable material.

Short- to Midterm Results After Posterior Component Separation with Transversus Abdominis Release: Initial Experience from India

PURPOSE

Posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release is a new procedure and is quickly gaining popularity. It has shown promising results in terms of low recurrence rates for large and complex hernias. However, there are very little Indian data available on this to date. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of the technique at three centers in India.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected data. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 3 months who underwent open or minimal access posterior component separation were included.

RESULTS

A total of 72 patients (open = 44, minimal access = 25, and hybrid = 3) were included in the analysis. At a follow-up ranging from 3 months to 35 months, there were two recurrences (2.78%). Surgical site occurrences were seen in 23/72 (31.9%), and surgical site infection was seen in 7/72 (9.7%). Surgical site occurrence requiring procedural intervention was 3/72 (4.2%). There were two (2.78%) mortalities in the open group due to myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSION

Posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release may have advantages in terms of low recurrence in large hernias in the Indian population and can be used in carefully selected patients.

Outcomes of abdominal wall reconstruction in patients with the combination of complex midline and lateral incisional hernias

BACKGROUND

The best treatment for the combined defects of midline and lateral incisional hernia is not known. The aim of our multicenter study was to evaluate the operative and patient-reported outcomes using a modified posterior component separation in patients who present with the combination of midline and lateral incisional hernia.

METHODS

We identified patients from a prospective, multicenter database who underwent operative repairs of a midline and lateral incisional hernia at 4 centers with minimum 2-year follow-up. Hernias were divided into a main hernia based on the larger size and associated abdominal wall hernias. Outcomes reported were short- and long-term complications, including recurrence, pain, and bulging. Quality of life was assessed with the European Registry for Abdominal Wall Hernias Quality of Life score.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were identified. Almost 70% of patients presented with a midline defect as the main incisional hernia. The operative technique was a transversus abdominis release in 26 patients (45%), a modification of transversus abdominis release 27 (47%), a reverse transversus abdominis release in 3 (5%), and a primary, lateral retromuscular preperitoneal approach in 2 (3%). Surgical site occurrences occurred in 22 patients (38%), with only 8 patients (14%) requiring procedural intervention. During a mean follow-up of 30.1 ± 14.4 months, 2 (3%) cases of recurrence were diagnosed and required reoperation. There were also 4 (7%) patients with asymptomatic but visible bulging. The European Registry for Abdominal Wall Hernias Quality of Life score showed a statistically significant decrease in the 3 domains (pain, restriction, and cosmetic) in the postoperative score compared with the preoperative score.

CONCLUSION

The different techniques of posterior component separation in the treatment of combined midline and lateral incisional hernia show acceptable results, despite the associated high complexity. Patient-reported outcomes after measurement of the European Registry for Abdominal Wall Hernias Quality of Life score demonstrated a clinically important improvement in quality of life and pain.

Transversus abdominis release (TAR): what are the real indications and where is the limit?

PURPOSE

To review literature surrounding transversus abdominis release (TAR) for incisional hernia repair, with the aim of describing key preoperative and technical considerations for this procedure.

METHODS

Existing literature on TAR was reviewed and synthesized with the clinical experience and approach to TAR from a high-volume hernia center.

RESULTS

Recommendations regarding patient selection, optimization and technique for TAR are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

While published outcomes of TAR from expert centers are favorable, potentially devastating complications may result when TAR is performed incorrectly or in suboptimal clinical situations. Appropriate patient selection, optimization, and surgeon expertise are necessary if TAR is to be performed.

Other Surgeries in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) will often require abdominal surgical intervention for indications not directly related to their IBD. Because these patients often have a history of multiple previous abdominal operations and/or ostomies, they are at increased risk for incisional and parastomal hernias. They may also have develop symptomatic cholelithiasis, chronic pain, or desmoid disease. All of these potentially surgical issues may require special consideration in the IBD population.