P007 COMPLETE FASCIAL CLOSURE IN LARGE HERNIAS AFTER LIVER TRANSPLANT USING BOTOX. (25th November 2021) - Powelson, John
Abstract: Aim: Hernias after liver transplant (HaLT), being transverse, preclude mechanical muscle release for fascial advancement. However, even with large HaLT, complete fascial closure is possible following Botox muscle release. Material and Methods: A retrospective review included 31 consecutive large primary HaLT repairs between 2017 and 2021. Patients were immunosuppressed, with BMI=33+/-5. Fascial defects were 13+/-5cm (range 7.5-28cm) transversely and 11+/-3cm (range 5-17cm) vertically. Botox was administered 29+/-3days preoperatively. After extensive myofascial mobilization, mesh was inserted intraperitoneally and covered with omental flap alone or with posterior components, followed by fascial closure, progressive tension sutures and drains. Results: Operative time was 235+/-69min (range 111-418min), with no enterotomy or blood transfusion. Complete fascial closure was achieved in all. No mortality or abdominal compartment syndrome occurred. Two patients had long ICU stays (135 and 75days, aspiration and caecal necrosis), but were discharged with intact repairs, off dialysis and sound mentally. Other patients had a postoperative hospital stay of 5.8+/-2.2days (range 3-13days). Mean follow-up was 48+/-28.3 months (range 1-84 months). One patient with a mainly left sided repair developed a hernia on the right, beyond the mesh edge. No other recurrence or mesh infection occurred. One wound required open abscess drainage. Two seromas were aspirated. Conclusions: Abdominal wall reconstruction with complete fascial closure is possible following abdominal muscle release with Botox, even in large HaLT. However, these immunosuppressed patients with multiple comorbidities may develop significant medical complications. One recurrence along the mesh edge suggests the need for complete incision mesh coverage, not just hernia coverage.