LAUSR

Rectus diastasis (RD) is a common pathology, usually associated with midline hernias. Preaponeurotic surgical repairs have been described with complications derived from extensive subcutaneous dissection or suprafascial mesh placement. Other techniques place preperitoneal mesh but midline plication is not performed, with aesthetic disadvantages. We describe a new technique for the correction of ventral hernias associated with RD with midline plication and preperitoneal mesh (MPPM) and report our initial experience. We reviewed patients with RD and associated hernia surgically treated using the MPPM technique at our hospital from June 2021 to July 2022. The minimum follow-up time was 6 months. Forteen patients with RD and associated hernia were surgically treated with MPPM technique, with an average age of 64.1 years (range 38–82 years), 71.4% male and 28.6% female. The mean BMI was 28.8 Kg/m2 (range 18.6–40.0 Kg/m2). Three women (21.3%) had a mean of 1,3 previous pregnancies (range 0–2 pregnancies). The most common types of associated hernia with RD were primary midline hernia (50%), incisional hernia (21.4%), and recurrent midline hernia (28.6%). Half of the RD (50%) were M1-3 and the other half M2-3 (50%) as well as W1 (50%) and W2 (50%). The mean diameter of associated hernia was 3,2 cm (range 1–6 cm). Hematoma was observed in one patient (7,1%) in the first 30 postoperative days. No reccurence was recorded in the follow-up time. The MPPM technique is a safe, reproducible and effective alternative for patients with abdominal wall hernia associated with RD.