Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Botulinum toxin helps repair giant belly hernias in cancer remission
By Muñoz-Andrade L et al.·2026·Department of Oncology Surgery·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Case series: oncologic patients in remission with giant ventral hernia treated with botulinum toxin and component separation.
Plain-English summary
In this study, four cancer patients who were in remission had large ventral hernias, which are bulges in the abdominal wall. To help with surgery, they were given botulinum toxin, which helps relax the muscles in the abdomen, making it easier to close the hernia. The surgeries went smoothly without any complications, and the patients had good recovery results. This approach seems to be a safe and effective way to repair these complex hernias in patients who have had cancer, reducing the need for more invasive treatments.
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41608552