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Semin Plast Surg 2018; 32(03): 120-126
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1666800
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Retromuscular Sublay Technique for Ventral Hernia Repair

Irfan A. Rhemtulla
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
,
John P. Fischer
1   Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
24 July 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Rives and Stoppa described the sublay technique of hernia repair more than half a century ago, but it took almost three decades to become truly appreciated and even longer for its full clinical potential and benefits to be realized. Modifications to the original operation have significantly improved surgical approaches, postsurgical outcomes, and quality of life. The retromuscular approach requires technical expertise and a firm grasp of the anatomy. With constant substitution of the terms sublay, retrorectus, retromuscular, preperitoneal, and Rives-Stoppa throughout the literature, the nuances need to be distinguished to appreciate the surgical planes encountered during the operation. This article explains the origin of the nomenclature while clarifying these terms, describing the technique, highlighting outcomes, and discussing future considerations.

Keywords

sublay - retrorectus - retromuscular - preperitoneal - Rives-Stoppa
 

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