Component separation technique for giant incisional hernia: A systematic review.

The component separation technique (CST) has gained popularity among general surgeons in the management of giant abdominal hernia. A systematic review of the MedLine and EMBASE databases was performed. 36 observational cohort studies were included for data-analysis and divided in 4 main groups: Open Anterior Approach (OAA), Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR), Laparoscopic Anterior Approach (LAA) and Perforator Preserving Approach (PPA). Surgical Site Occurrences (SSO) occurred in 21.4%, 23.7%, 20.3% and 16.0% respectively. Incidence of recurrence was 11.9% (OAA), 5.25% (TAR), 7.02% (LAA) and 6.47% (PPA) with a significant difference in the advantage of TAR over OAA (p < 0.001). Limitations in this systematic review were a lack of randomized trials, a heterogenous population and non-standardized methods for measuring outcomes, all making it difficult to postulate conclusions about CST and its modifications. Based on pooled results of 36 studies, the prevalence of SSO is comparable between the techniques with an average of one in five and the prevalence of recurrences is highest when using the Open Anterior Approach at 11.9%.