Case series: oncologic patients in remission with giant ventral hernia treated with botulinum toxin and component separation.

Abstract

Giant ventral hernia represents a surgical challenge, particularly in oncologic patients in remission, due to large fascial defects and loss of domain. Botulinum toxin has been incorporated as an adjuvant to facilitate fascial closure through chemical relaxation of the abdominal wall. We describe four oncologic patients in remission with giant ventral hernia treated with preoperative botulinum toxin and repair using component separation with retromuscular polypropylene mesh placement. The procedures were performed without intraoperative complications or early recurrence. The technique allowed tension-free fascial closure with favorable postoperative outcomes. Botulinum toxin appears to be a useful and safe tool for the repair of complex ventral hernias in oncologic patients in remission, promoting fascial approximation and reducing the need for more invasive procedures.