Robotic eTEP-TAR abdominal wall reconstruction for complex post-liver transplant incisional hernia with concomitant inguinal hernia repair: a video vignette.

INTRODUCTION

Complex incisional hernias after major upper abdominal surgery are technically challenging because of altered anatomical planes, multiple fascial defects, and expected adhesions. Robotic enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal repair with transversus abdominis release may provide a minimally invasive option for selected patients by enabling retromuscular dissection, fascial closure, and wide extraperitoneal mesh reinforcement while limiting intraperitoneal manipulation.

CASE PRESENTATION: This video vignette presents an 84-year-old man with multiple incisional hernia defects along a previous Mercedes incision after liver transplantation and a concomitant left direct inguinal hernia. Preoperative imaging demonstrated a wide subxiphoid abdominal wall defect and a fat-containing left inguinal hernia.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A robotic eTEP-TAR approach was performed. Bilateral retromuscular dissection was completed, the inguinal and incisional hernia contents were reduced, and bilateral transversus abdominis release was performed to facilitate medial fascial advancement and lateral extension of the working space. The fascial and peritoneal defects were closed intracorporeally, and wide mesh reinforcement was achieved using a 30 × 30 cm polypropylene mesh, with additional meshes placed for the inguinal and lower quadrant defects. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 2. At postoperative day 7 follow-up, he had no complaints, and the wounds were clean.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates the feasibility of robotic eTEP-TAR abdominal wall reconstruction with concomitant inguinal hernia repair in a selected post-transplant patient with complex abdominal wall defects.