Subcutaneous endoscopic surgery for plicating divarication of recti and epigastric hernia repair in a child

Abstract

Abstract Epigastric hernia with divarication of recti is uncommon in children, and the aetiology remains incompletely understood – as does the optimal management strategy – whether to repair epigastric hernia alone or both defects. We present an innovative technique utilising subcutaneous endoscopic surgery to address both epigastric hernia and divarication in children. Our approach yields excellent cosmetic outcomes, avoids the need for a larger laparotomy scar and mitigates the risks associated with the transperitoneal laparoscopic approach. It is a viable option with all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery for repairing epigastric hernia and divarication of recti in symptomatic cases, particularly when the aetiology is uncertain and multiple defects are anticipated. Its use may be extrapolated to isolated diastasis recti as working in subcutaneous space involves lesser risk with excellent cosmesis.