Small bowel perforation into the retro-rectus space following eTEP Rives-Stoppa repair for incisional hernia: a rare and life-threatening complication

The enhanced totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) Rives-Stoppa repair is increasingly adopted for incisional hernia repair due to its minimally invasive approachand favorable outcomes. However, rare but severe complications, such as small bowel perforation into the retro-rectus space, may occur, necessitating prompt recognitionand management.

An 80-year-old male underwent eTEP Rives-Stoppa repair for an EHS L2 incisional hernia, involving retro-rectus dissection, transversus abdominis release, and mesh placement. On postoperative day 1, he developed hypotension and extensive subcutaneous ecchymosis, without abdominal pain or fever. Initial computed tomography (CT) revealed a retro-rectus fluid collection suggestive of hemorrhage. By day 2, repeat CT showed increased free air and enteric content, indicating bowel perforation. Emergency laparotomy confirmed a dehiscent posterior rectus sheath with a perforated small bowel segment protruding into the retro-rectus space. The mesh was removed, the affected bowel resected, and temporary abdominal closure was performed due to severe inflammation and edema. The postoperative course was complicated by recurrent bacteremia and abscesses, requiring prolonged antimicrobial therapy and intensive care. The patient recovered and was transferred to a rehabilitation facility six months later.

This is the first reported case of small bowel perforation into the retro-rectus space following eTEP Rives-Stoppa repair. Contributing factors included advanced age, high tension in the posterior sheath, pre-existing bowel adhesions, and increased intra-abdominal pressure from postoperative coughing. Surgeons should maintain a high index of suspicion for this life-threatening complication, particularly in elderly or frail patients, and consider early imaging for atypical postoperative symptoms to enable timely intervention.