Perineal incisional hernia following rectal resection.: Diagnostic and management

Postoperative perineal hernia is a rare complication following abdominoperineal excision of the rectum. We report four cases illustrating its clinical presentation and modem management. Surgical technique for rectal excision and perineal closure, making of an epiplooplasty, postoperative infection may contribute to the occurrence of this complication. Mesh repair through an anterior open or laparoscopic abdominal approach is one of the surgical options if not contraindicated by age and/or general condition. Perineal or combined approaches can also be selected to solve this difficult problem. (C) 2003 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.