Perineal hernia repair after abdominoperineal resection (APR) with the laparoscopic-peritoneal dual fixation technique.

PURPOSE

Perineal hernia (PH) following abdominoperineal resection (APR) is a rare but challenging problem. Although different techniques have been described in literature, the recurrence rate is still remarkable, and there is no consensus regarding the optimal repair approach. In the present study, we reported our experience based on a consecutive series of ten cases.

METHODS

Ten symptomatic large perineal hernias were repaired exclusively with the same laparoscopic-perineal dual fixation technique. Key steps consist laparoscopic adhesiolysis, hernia contents reduction, open excess perineal hernia sac resection, and mesh placement and dual fixation. Frist, a coated mesh was fixed to the sacrum and pelvic sidewalls with the metallic tacks in the laparoscopic step, second, the mesh was fixed anteriorly to urogenital diaphragm and laterally to the sacrotuberous ligament with permanent sutures in the perineal step.

RESULTS

Ten symptomatic PHs were repaired by the same laparoscopic-perineal dual fixation technique, 6 males and 4 females, median age at the time of repair was 69.5 years (range 66-77 years), the BMI was 24 ± 1. Four concomitant procedures were performed, including bilateral inguinal hernia repair with the transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP) in one case, and laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair in two patients. The average operative time was 171 ± 45 min; the postoperative average hospital stay was 14 ± 4 days. There was no perineal hernia recurrence during the follow-up period (the median follow-up was 42 months; range 1-63 months).

CONCLUSION

Perineal hernia after APR is a rare and challenging postoperative complication, although many different approaches have been described, the recurrence is still high and the best method cannot be drawn. The present laparoscopic-perineal dual fixation approach proved to be a reproducible, effective and durable technique, and gave excellent results during the medium-long-term follow-up.