Laparoscopic mesh repair of transverse rectus abdominus muscle and deep inferior epigastric flap harvest site hernias.
BACKGROUND
The transverse rectus abdominus muscle (TRAM) flap is one of the treatment options for breast reconstruction. TRAM flap reconstruction donor site herniation rates range from 1% to 8.8%. Traditionally, these hernias were treated by an open primary repair with or without the addition of onlay mesh. We report laparoscopic approach to treat TRAM and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) harvest site hernias with mesh.


METHODS
We treated 5 patients, 4 from TRAM and 1 from DIEP flap harvest site hernias during the period of October 2003 to January 2006. Two of these patients underwent previous open mesh repair with recurrence. All of these patients underwent laparoscopic hernia repair using polytetrafluoroethylene dual mesh. Follow-up ranged 6 to 31 months without any recurrences.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic mesh repair of ventral hernias located at TRAM and DIEP flap harvest sites can be performed safely and with a low rate of recurrence.
Ravipati
Nagesh B
NB
Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA.
Pockaj
Barbara A
BA
Harold
Kristi L
KL
D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D046449:Hernia, Abdominal / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013526:Surgical Mesh