ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the indications for the TAR Posterior Component Separation (PCS) technique. It highlights some of the potential pitfalls, summarizes the evidence for its use. PCS, even in expert hands, is a highly co-morbid procedure with wound infection rates ranging from 3% to 26%, and there is a causal relationship between surgical site occurrences – wound infection, seroma, dehiscence and fistulation – and hernia recurrence. The major advantage of PCS over conventional sublay and laparoscopic repair is its ability to deal with large defects that are away from the midline and/or close to bony promontories. PCS is a single technique and depending on the operative findings and the individual needs of the patient, it may be necessary to alter that technique accordingly. There is a lack of good-quality evidence about the technical efficacy of PCS, complication rates and long-term outcomes.
