Background: Large midline ventral hernias, diastasis of
recti and the associated laxity and abdominal shape deformity,
represent aesthetic and functional problems for the patients.
So, the surgical treatment of both pathologies at the same
time is highly recommended if the patient's general condition
permits. This can be achieved by a comprehensive technique
incorporating abdominoplasty performed by a transverse lower
abdominal incision into any of the hernia repair techniques.
Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional
and aesthetic outcome of the combined abdominoplasty
and anterior component separation technique in the management
of midline ventral abdominal hernias.
Patients and Methods: This study is a prospective case
control study that evaluates both functional and aesthetic
outcome of performing abdominoplasty on patients with large
midline ventral hernias. This study was conducted between
December 2020 to March 2022 at the Plastic Surgery Department,
Demerdash University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Study
consisted of fifteen female patients with different presentations
of abdominal wall laxity and ventral hernias. Patients were
evaluated regarding their age, BMI, degree of rectus diastasis,
Pre-operative radiological findings, post Operative complication
and hernia reoccurrence, and patients' satisfaction.
Results and Conclusion: The current study showed that
Abdominoplasty can be combined with complex hernia repair
by anterior component separation technique within the same
setting in high-risk patients safely with an excellent functional
outcome and acceptable satisfactory aesthetic results. Although,
this can be associated with minimal risk of postoperative
surgical site complications such as; skin necrosis and wound
infection. Patient characteristics associated with the development
of complications following anterior component separation
combined with abdominoplasty include obesity, previous
abdominal procedures and previous pregnancies.