Preoperative Botulinum Toxin Type A Use in Giant Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Scoping Review.

Purpose: Giant inguinal hernias (GIHs) are rare and technically demanding conditions, associated with loss of domain and abdominal wall compliance. Preoperative botulinum toxin type A (BtxA) has been increasingly used in complex ventral hernia repair to facilitate abdominal wall relaxation; however, its role in GIHs surgery remains poorly defined. This scoping review aimed to map the literature on preoperative BtxA use in GIHs repair, focusing on technical protocols, patient selection, and areas of variability.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to 10 October 2025. Studies reporting preoperative BtxA administration in adult patients undergoing GIHs repair were included. Data were extracted descriptively and synthesized narratively.

Results

Seven observational and non-comparative studies published between 2019-2025 were included, comprising a total of 16 patients. Substantial heterogeneity was observed in BtxA protocols, with total doses ranging from 100 to 450 units, injection timing between 2 and 8 weeks preoperatively, and injection sites varying from 6 to 18. In several reports, BtxA was used as part of a multimodal preoperative strategy including progressive pneumoperitoneum. All studies targeted the lateral abdominal wall musculature, employed imaging guidance, and performed bilateral injections. Patient selection criteria and outcome reporting were inconsistent.

Conclusions

Preoperative BtxA use in GIHs repair is limited and heterogeneous. No standardized protocol can be identified. Further anatomically focused and systematically designed studies are required to clarify the role of BtxA and to establish standardized preoperative protocols for this challenging surgical condition.