Kercher KW

[INTRODUCTION] The evolution of abdominal wall reconstruction has produced multiple effective techniques for hernia repair. Transversus abdominis release and preperitoneal repair allow for the placement of large mesh constructs. The outcome…

[INTRODUCTION] Component separation technique (CST) facilitates anterior fascial closure but can increase wound morbidity and alter abdominal wall anatomy. Preoperative Botulinum toxin A (BTA) relaxes the oblique musculature, potentially re…

[BACKGROUND] Donor site hernias or eventrations are a known complication of DIEP or TRAM flap breast reconstruction. Surgical management of these complex hernias can be challenging due to missing or atrophic rectus muscle. The purpose of th…

[BACKGROUND] Conflicting literature suggests that larger defects in abdominal wall reconstruction both increase the risk of recurrence and have no impact on recurrence. In our prior work, hernias with defect areas ≥100 cm were associated wi…

[BACKGROUND] Ventral hernia repair (VHR) of large defects poses significant technical challenges due to the size of the hernia and complexity of operative techniques required for fascial closure. This study examined clinical outcomes in "gi…

[PURPOSE] The use of component separation results in myofascial release and increased rates of fascial closure in abdominal wall reconstruction(AWR). These complex dissections have been associated with increased rates of wound complications…

[BACKGROUND] Recurrent ventral hernia repairs are reported to have higher recurrence and complication rates than initial ventral hernia repairs. This is the largest analysis of outcomes for initial versus recurrent open ventral hernia repai…

[BACKGROUND] Fascial closure significantly reduces postoperative complications and hernia recurrence after abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR), but can be challenging in massive ventral hernias. [METHODS] A prospective single-institution c…