A simplified incision of the external oblique aponeurosis during the components separation technique for the repair of large incisional hernias.

Incising the external oblique muscle aponeurosis is an important part of the components separation technique for the repair of large incisional hernias. Endoscopically assisted section has been suggested to prevent complications of extensive skin flap formation. We used a simplified method for incising the external oblique aponeurosis, using a modified Collin Hartmann retractor, in 14 patients for the repair of large incisional hernias. Eight women and 6 men, with a mean (± standard deviation) age of 61.9 ± 14.9 years, underwent surgery. The median transverse diameter of the defect was 8.6 ± 3.0 cm. No postoperative morbidity occurred except 1 case of skin necrosis. One patient had a recurrence. Sectioning the external oblique aponeurosis during the components separation method using the technique described is a simple, safe, and economic approach that can prevent the complications described after the original techniques.