Abdominal wall reconstruction: A case series of ventral hernia repair using the component separation technique with biologic mesh

Background: Sixty-eight consecutive patients from October 2008 until February 2012 were selected for this retrospective review. Methods: A midline fascial closure with component separation was completed using biologic mesh onlay in all cases. Recurrence rates of the hernias, complication rates, patient satisfaction, and time to return to work/normal activities were investigated. Results: The recurrence rate was 1.5% (n = 65) with ongoing follow-ups (mean = 20 months). The average age was 57 years, and the average body mass index was 36 kg/m² (range 22 to 60). The average hernia defect was 20 cm (range 12 to 26) transversely. Wound infection and/or breakdown occurred in 32%, and seroma formation occurred in 9% of patients. Patient satisfaction was 3.63 of 4. The average time to return to work/normal activities was 16 weeks (range 1 to 76 weeks). Conclusions: Large complex ventral hernias can be reliably repaired using the component separation technique. The short-term recurrence rate is significantly reduced in this case series using a biologic mesh onlay.