Extra-Levator AbdominoPerineal excision (eLAPE): a complicated postoperative perineal hernia

Abstract

A 75-year-old woman presented with perineal wound dehiscence and small bowel prolapse of a perineal hernia, 6 years after extra-Levator AbdominoPerineal Excision (eLAPE) procedure for rectal cancer. She underwent emergency wound refashioning and perineal hernia repair with Parmacol mesh. Her postoperative recovery was complicated by long-standing ileus, wound infection, and she was discharged to community palliative care services. In this case report, we raise awareness of postoperative eLAPE complications and describe an unfortunate case where a postoperative perineal hernia was not repaired in a patient with multiple comorbidities.