Component Separation in Complex Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair

Description: Designed as an intensive one-day didactic course, reviewing the latest developments in approaches to complicated abdominal wall hernia repair – can include observation of live surgery broadcast directly from the OR and/or hands-on porcine lab. Course objectives include:

  • Understand abdominal wall anatomy as it relates to component separation release
  • Discuss risk factors associated with hernia recurrence and postoperative wound complications
  • Describe patient selection and techniques of open and laparoscopic component separation for ventral hernia repair
  • Discuss biomaterial choices and outcomes after component separation release
  • Understand the complexities of billing and coding procedures related to the component separation operation

Course Director:  Jeffrey Blatnik, MD

Advanced Laparoscopic Ventral and Incisional Hernia Repair

Description: One-day course for the general surgeon interested in advanced instruction in the difficult ventral incisional hernia patient. Observation of a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair at Barnes-Jewish Hospital offered. Includes lectures with video supplementation by Washington University surgery faculty and invited experts in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Provides detailed instruction on abdominal access in the reoperative abdomen, laparoscopic adhesiolysis in patients with intra-abdominal mesh and techniques to perform laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in patients with recurrent ventral hernias and atypical hernias such as suprapubic, flank/lumbar and spigelian hernias. Complication avoidance and management will be detailed.

Course Director: Jeffrey Blatnik, MD

Mini-Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery

Description: Two-day observational fellowship (limited to six surgeons). Participants view advanced laparoscopic surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. A disease-specific approach permits more comprehensive instruction. Includes laparoscopic ventral incisional and inguinal hernia repair, laparoscopic and hand-assisted colectomy, and laparoscopic foregut surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease, paraesophageal hernia and achalasia. Didactic session provides instruction and an evidence-based review. A laboratory session can be coordinated at the request of the course participant.

Course Director:  L. Michael Brunt, MD