Initial UK experience with transversus abdominis muscle release for posterior components separation in abdominal wall reconstruction of large or complex ventral hernias: a combined approach by general and plastic surgeons.

Introduction Large, complicated ventral hernias are an increasingly common problem. The transversus abdominis muscle release (TAMR) is a recently described modification of posterior components separation for repair of such hernias. We describe our initial experience with TAMR and sublay mesh to facilitate abdominal wall reconstruction. Methods The study is a retrospective review of patients undergoing TAMR performed synchronously by gastrointestinal and plastic surgeons. Results Twelve consecutive patients had their ventral hernias repaired using the TAMR technique from June 2013 to June 2014. Median body mass index was 30.8kg/m2 (range 19.0-34.4kg/m2). Four had a previous ventral hernia repair. Three had previous laparostomies. Four had previous stomas and three had stomas created at the time of the abdominal wall reconstruction. Average transverse distance between the recti was 13cm (3-20cm). Median operative time was 383 minutes (150-550 minutes) and mesh size was 950cm2 (532-2400cm2). Primary midline fascial closure was possible in all cases, with no bridging. Median length of hospital stay was 7.5 days (4-17 days). Three developed minor abdominal wall wound complications. At median review of 24 months (18-37 months), there have been no significant wound problems, mesh infections or explants, and none has developed recurrence of their midline ventral hernia. Visual analogue scales revealed high patient satisfaction levels overall and with their final aesthetic appearance. Conclusions We believe that TAMR offers significant advantages over other forms of components separation in this patient group. The technique can be adopted successfully in UK practice and combined gastrointestinal and plastic surgeon operating yields good results.