We aimed to report long-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes of transversus abdominis release (TAR) with permanent synthetic mesh performed in a high-volume abdominal wall reconstruction practice.

Despite increasing utilization of TAR in abdominal wall reconstruction, long-term clinical and patient-reported outcomes remain uncertain.

Prospectively collected registry data from the Cleveland Clinic Center for Abdominal Core Health were analyzed retrospectively. Patients undergoing elective, open VHR with TAR and permanent synthetic mesh implantation between August 2014 and March 2020 with 30-day clinical and ≥1 year clinical or patient-reported outcome follow-up were included. Outcomes included composite hernia recurrence, characterized by patient-reported bulges and recurrent hernias noted on physical exam or imaging, as well as hernia-specific quality of life and pain.

A total of 1203 patients were included. Median age was 60 years [interquartile range (IQR): 52–67], median body mass index was 32 kg/m2 (IQR: 28–36), median hernia width was 15 cm (IQR: 12–19), and 57% of hernias were recurrent. Fascial reapproximation was achieved in 92%. At a median follow-up of 2 years (IQR: 1–4), the overall composite hernia recurrence rate was 26%, with sensitivity analysis yielding best-case and worst-case estimates of 5% and 28%, respectively. Patients experienced improved hernia-specific quality of life and pain regardless of recurrence outcome; however, those who did not recur experienced more substantial improvement.

TAR with permanent synthetic mesh remains a valuable, versatile technique; however, surgeon and patient expectations should be tempered regarding long-term durability. Despite a high rate of recurrence, patients experience measurable improvements in quality of life.