The short-term clinical outcomes and technical experience with the enhanced-view totally extraperitoneal approach for ventral and incisional hernia repair.

Abstract

<h4>Purposes</h4>The enhanced view totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) technique offers the advantage of preserving peritoneal integrity by utilizing an extraperitoneal dissection plane, thereby avoiding visceral-mesh contact and reducing the risk of complications. This study presents our initial experience and outcomes of using the eTEP technique to repair various ventral and incisional hernias.<h4>Methods</h4>This prospective cohort study included adult patients with abdominal wall hernias classified according to the European Hernia Society (EHS) system. The eTEP approach was used for the hernia repair. Trocar placement was tailored to the size and location of the hernia defect. The surgical techniques are described in detail, and the outcomes that were assessed included both intraoperative and postoperative complications.<h4>Results</h4>This prospective study included 72 patients who underwent an eTEP hernia repair between 2023 and 2024. Intraoperative conversion was required in 10 (13.9%) patients. The mean operative time was 156.6 ± 80.6 min. The overall postoperative complication rate was 12.9% and the average hospitalization length was 3.2 days. The postoperative pain scores decreased from 3.6 to 0.1 at 3 months, and no recurrence was observed.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The eTEP technique offers a minimally invasive extraperitoneal approach for abdominal wall hernia repair. Our findings demonstrated its feasibility, efficacy, and safety profile.