Clinical application of mini/less open sublay approach in ventral hernia repair

Objective To investigate the clinical utility and outcomes of mini/less open sublay (MILOS) approach in ventral hernia repair. Methods Retrospectively studied Forty-nine cases of ventral hernia patients admitted to Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from November 2016 to June 2018. Clinical materials were collected and analyzed. Results Mean width of abdominal defect were (5.27±2.95) cm. Mean length of incisions were (4.89±2.13) cm. Thirty-six cases were incisional hernia, and thirteen cases were umbilical hernias (with 3 cases combined with diastasis recti abdominis). All the patients underwent MILOS surgery with retro-muscular/preperitoneal mesh reinforcement. Closed suction drains were routinely placed above the mesh. The operation time was (114.2±48.8) minutes, and estimated blood loss was (88.7±38.5) cm3. Length of hospitalization were (10.6±2.4) days. We had 2 cases of superficial SSI and 1 case of grade Ⅲ seroma which were cured under non-surgical therapy. No complications like mesh infection, intestinal obstructions, fistula or chronic pain were reported. No recurrence, or postoperative bulging were reported during the follow-up. Conclusion MILOS approach is a minimal invasive sublay repair with wide indications for ventral hernia repair, which worth utilizing in clinical practicing. Key words: Ventral hernia repair; Mini/less open sublay; Minimal invasive