BARS Study Published in the European Journal of Plastic Surgery

Those suffering recurring or serious hernias benefit from a procedure pioneered by the reconstructive surgeons at The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction. They have published an article on the procedure in the European Journal of Plastic Surgery. Read more on the website about the BARS procedure for hernia repair.

Abstract

Background Complex abdominal wall reconstruction and incisional hernia repair have been plagued by high recurrence rates, especially after multiple repair attempts and in those patients with high body mass index. We present an adjunct technique to validate procedures of hernia repair.

Methods This study is a retrospective analysis of 63 patients between January 2006 and August 2012. Patients had bony suture anchoring of synthetic polypropylene mesh to the anterior superior iliac spine bilaterally, and the pubic symphysis after the abdominal fascia was reconstructed.

Results Patient's mean follow-up was 3.1 years (range 6 months to 6 years). None of the 63 patients had recurrent abdominal wall hernias. One patient, from early in the series, had post-operative bulging, which was retreated successfully using the current revised bone anchoring protocol. Five patients developed mesh infections, none of whom required radical debridement or removal of the mesh.

Conclusions The BARS technique for abdominal wall reconstruction provides excellent reinforcement of fascial reconstruction with decreased hernia recurrence rates.