Background: Large ventral incisional hernias are frequently repaired either by open or by laparoscopic mesh technique. The technique recommended by Nuttall has been used for the repair of large subumbilical incisional hernias but has not been popularized.
Materials and methods: From 1991 to 2005, 21 patients, mean age 64.6 +/- 13 (44-86) years, underwent repair of large subumbilical incisional hernia with the Nuttall technique by which the rectus muscles are detached from the symphysis pubis and transposed to the opposite side. The exerted tension is minimal to the underlying tissues, and no prosthetic material is required to reinforce the abdominal wall.
Results: Morbidity was recorded in five patients (23.8%). The median follow-up time was 84 months, and the recurrence rate was 4.8% (one patient).
Conclusions: Although a small number of patients have undergone repair with the Nuttall technique, the long-term results of the method seem to be encouraging for the repair of large subumbulical incisional hernias.