How to do it: perineal hernia repair
How to do itA perineal hernia is a protrusion of intra-abdominal contents through a defect in the pelvic floor. This is a very rare complication that can occur following operations such as abdominoperineal resection (APR), proctectomy and pelvic exenteration. The available literature suggests that following an open APR, the prevalence of perineal hernias is 0.34%. 1 Whilst most perineal hernias are asymptomatic, those with symptomatic perineal hernias may describe chronic perineal pain, discomfort and pain with sitting and urinary disorders. They may also present acutely as a bowel obstruction if the hernia contains bowel loops. 2 Risk factors for a perineal hernia include modified approaches like an extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE), previous perineal surgery, wound infections, perioperative radiotherapy, the female pelvis and excessive small bowel mesentery. 3 Due to the rarity of perineal hernias, the literature describing surgical repair is limited. Some of the described methods include both laparoscopic and open repair with utilization of either synthetic or biologic mesh. 4 In the video (S1), we present the case of a 74-year-old man with a T2N0 low rectal adenocarcinoma that had invaded the upper anal canal. He completed 10 weeks of preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and proceeded for an APR with formation of an end colostomy. Unfortunately, he developed a perineal wound infection requiring a long course of antibiotics and subsequently was found to have a perineal hernia about 9 months after the original surgery. Most perineal hernias present within the first year after an APR. 5 Given the discomfort this was causing him when sitting, he presented for an elective surgical repair of the hernia. His risk factors for a perineal hernia included infection and the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.The video (S1) outlines the necessary steps to perform an elective posterior perineal hernia repair. The patient is first positioned in a modified Kraske ('jack-knife') position which allows for adequate access to the perineal region. 6 A linear incision is made along the length of the skin overlying the hernia. The hernia sac is then identified and with careful dissection, both edges of the sac are teased away from the midline skin incision. The extent of dissection laterally includes the levator ani muscles, proximally as far as the coccyx and as far as possible inferiorly. A small segment of the sac is excised. The levator ani muscles either side of the defect are freed to ensure an approximate area for suture placement. The small bowel and tissue underlying the hernia is then carefully inspected, looking for any enterotomy, serosal tears or adhesions. The peritoneum over the sac is then closed with