The combination of AM with very large PM in the same retromuscular position in AWR seems to be safe. The efficacy with recurrence rates below 4% in complex midline and lateral IH may be explained by the use of larger PMs that are extended and configured with the support of AMs. Reoperations on patients have confirmed the previous experimental reports on the use of the AM.

This novel modification allows a simpler dissection of the preperitoneal retromuscular space and makes the TAR technique easier to perform. It also enables to incise only the insertion of the transversalis fascia cranially.

To support the global restart of elective surgery, data from an international prospective cohort study of 8492 patients (69 countries) was analysed using artificial intelligence (machine learning techniques) to develop a predictive score for mortality in surgical patients with SARS-CoV-2. We found that patient rather than operation factors were the best predictors and used these to create the COVIDsurg Mortality Score (https://covidsurgrisk.app). Our data demonstrates that it is safe to restart a wide range of surgical services for selected patients.

No abstract

Temporary abdominal closure with ePTFE mesh is an effective alternative in some circumstances. We observed a higher survival rate than the predicted figure and there were no cases of enteroatmospheric fistulae using this particular surgical technique. ePTFE facilitates definitive abdominal wall closure, once the patient is in a stable condition.