Introduction. Lateral eventrations (those not affecting the midline) may be more difficult to repair owing to the complexity of the dissection of the musculoaponeurotic layers. We have found that the utilization of preperitoneal retromuscular prostheses is especially indicated in most of these cases.
Patients and method. Between January 1990 and December 1997, we have treated 45 cases of lateral eventration by surgical methods. Right subcostal eventrations (cholecystectomy) and those produced by the McBurney laparotomy (appendectomy) predominated. In 15 cases (33.3%), direct closure of each layer was carried out, while prosthesis placement was necessary in the remaining 30.
Discussion. We consider the placement of a preperitoneal retromuscular prosthesis to be indicated in cases of recurrent lateral or suprapubic eventration. As they are usually large, eventrations of the lumbar region are also well managed with this technique. For all others, the approach should be chosen on an individual basis, reserving direct closure (layer by layer) for those measuring less than 5 cm and without muscle atrophy, thus allowing "tension-free" closure.