Open Retromuscular Lateral Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair: Algorithmic Approach and Long-Term Outcomes at a Single Center

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Lateral abdominal wall hernias are relatively rare and present unique challenges to repair. Our group has developed an algorithm for repair based on several anatomic characteristics identified on preoperative imaging. Herein, we report our algorithm and outcomes of a large series of open retromuscular lateral abdominal wall hernia repairs. STUDY DESIGN: Open retromuscular lateral abdominal wall hernia repairs performed at our institution from August 2014 through April 2021 were identified in the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative. Hernia characteristics, etiology, operative techniques, postoperative outcomes, and long-term patient-reported outcomes were extracted from the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative database, chart review, and telephone follow-up. RESULTS: Of 464 patients who underwent hernia repair, 121 with isolated lateral abdominal wall hernias (L1-4) and mean follow-up of 34 ± 24 months had a clinical recurrence rate of 0.9% (n = 1) and bulge rate of 37% (n = 42). The median Hernia-Related Quality of Life Survey and PROMIS pain intensity scores improved 37 and 9 points, respectively. Another 343 patients with lateral (L1-4) and midline (M1-5) abdominal wall hernias and mean follow-up of 29 ± 21 months had a clinical recurrence rate of 6% (n = 20) and bulge rate of 35% (n = 117). The median Hernia-Related Quality of Life Survey and PROMIS pain intensity scores improved by 43 and 16 points, respectively. CONCLUSION: We present an algorithm for open retromuscular lateral abdominal wall hernia repair with relatively low anatomic recurrence rates and substantial improvement in patient-reported quality of life and pain. Notably, postoperative bulging is commonly reported by patients, likely due to underlying denervation injuries from the original incision.