WE5.3 Emergency laparoscopic “hybrid” IPOM+ repair of incarcerated umbilical hernia in patient with BMI 62 and small bowel obstruction; a case study

Abstract Background Large abdominal incisions in obese patients are associated with considerable rates of systemic and wound complications. Recently published European Hernia Society guidelines recommend laparoscopic intraperitoneal on-lay mesh (IPOM) repair for large hernia defects and patients at higher risk of wound morbidity, ideally with closure of the defect and a 5 cm overlap. Case Presentation: We report on a 69-year-old, morbidly obese (BMI 62), comorbid woman who presented as an emergency with a 5-day history of vomiting and abdominal pain. A pre-operative computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed small bowel obstruction secondary to a ventral abdominal wall hernia. Operative findings confirmed an obstructed paraumbilical hernia containing small bowel and omentum. A laparoscopic “hybrid” IPOM+ repair was performed, with a generous overlap. She recovered uneventfully with no surgical complications. Discussion: Minimally-invasive surgical techniques are preferred for obese patients with evidence suggesting lower perioperative complications and recurrence rates compared with open repair. However, additional challenges must be taken into consideration including; surgeon expertise, timing of operation, surgeon ergonomics, distortion of surface anatomical landmarks, need for higher pneumoperitoneum pressures and the physiological effects of this on the patient. Conclusion With preoperative planning, our case study demonstrates that IPOM ventral hernia repair remains a viable option for severely obese patients even in emergency presentations. The closure of the defect is recommended whenever feasible. Addition of the hybrid approach (excision of the sac with a limited incision after the laparoscopic closure) reduces the risk of postoperative seromas.