Go Back Up
Lateral hernia_Hero image

IFT in lateral Hernias

Transmuscular placement of pulling sutures in a lateral hernia

Sana Hospital Benrath, Dusseldorf, Germany - December 2022

Drs. Hansjörg Meier and Sandrina Dascalescu successfully performed surgery on a 56-year-old patient (BMI: 24.2, ASA II, smoker) who, two years after undergoing a right-sided nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma, developed an incisional hernia.

Lateral hernia__0000_Standing

Lateral bulging in the old surgical site

The clinical examination revealed a defect measuring approximately 10 x 15 cm a bulging, which was prominent in the standing position.

Lateral hernia__0001_Lying

Flat belly in lying position

However, in the lying position, the swelling was hardly visible.

Lateral hernia__0002_CT Scan

CT scan to confirm lateral hernia

The preoperative CT scan confirmed the presence of an incisional hernia in the old surgical site with a defect width of 11.5 cm.

Lateral hernia_0002_Botox

Pre-treatment with Botox

Four weeks before the operation, 150 units of Botox were injected into the oblique abdominal wall muscles on the right side.

Lateral hernia__0004_Positioning

Lateral positioning for surgery

In preparation for the operation, the patient was positioned on his left side in a vacuum mattress for better exposure.

Lateral hernia__0005_Width

Intraoperative hernia size of 18 x 8 cm width

Intraoperatively, after preparation of the hernia sac, the defect measured 18 cm in the oblique craniocaudal and 8 cm in the lateral direction.

Lateral hernia__0006_Hernia sac

Preparing the preperitoneal space

After opening the hernia sac, bowel loops were seen without any adhesions. The preperitoneal space was widely dissected in all directions from the edges of the hernia sac.

Lateral hernia__0007_Mesh

Preperitonial placement of the mesh

A 35 x 30 cm PVDF mesh was now inserted into the large preperitoneal cavity. In addition, two 14mm redon drainage tubes are inserted.

Lateral hernia__0008_Attaching system

Transmuscular placement of the pulling sutures

On each side of the defect, 6 USP 2 vicryl sutures were inserted transmuscularly passing through the external oblique muscle and the internal oblique muscle using a U-stich technique. These are then crossed and fixed in the clamps of the suture retention frame of the fasciotens®Hernia device under a pretraction of 14 Units (approx. 14 kg).

Lateral hernia__0009_REtightening

Increasing the traction forces gradually

After every 2 minutes, the sutures were retightened manually and each individually. Next, the traction forces were gradually increased to 18 Units (approx. 18 kg) by turning the hand wheel of the traction controller. After 20 minutes, no further stretching of the muscles could be achieved and the defect edges were fully adapted.

Lateral hernia__0010_Closure

Closing the abdominal wall

The internal oblique muscle, the internal oblique muscle and the external aponeurosis are closed using slowly absorbable PDS sutures.

Lateral hernia__0011_No ICU

No stay in ICU needed

The postoperative course was without any complications. A stay in the intensive care unit was not necessary. The pain was successfully managed via an epidural catheter for 4 days and subsequently with Metamizole. The patient was discharged on the 5th postoperative day.

Cosmetic results

Lateral hernia__0015_Result_Post OP_1b
Lateral hernia__0014_Result_Post OP_1a
Lateral hernia__0012_Result_Post OP_2a
Lateral hernia__0013_Result_Post OP_2b

Sandrina Dascalescu successfully demonstrated the efficacy of IFT when applied laterally

This case marked one of the pioneering uses of Intraoperative Fascial Traction in treating a lateral hernia. Sandrina was thrilled to witness the seamless applicability of this technique in such scenarios.

Start with fasciotens yourself

Do you want to use fasciotens®Hernia during your next complex hernia surgery?

Fill out the form and we will get in touch asap.