Posterior component separation/transversus abdominis release

The Rives-Stoppa technique for ventral hernia repair is commonly utilized due to well-proven outcomes with low overall morbidity. However, this approach is limited by the amount of myofascial advancement and sublay space available for a wide mesh overlap. Thus, anterior component separation was developed to allow further myofascial advancement. Some limitations were noted, which led to the subsequent study, utilization, and refinement of the posterior component separation (PCS) technique. PCS continues to demonstrate low hernia recurrence, surgical site occurrences, and improvement in rectus muscle function. Continued adoption of this technique has expanded to minimally invasive approaches for hernia repair. This paper is a comprehensive review of the evolution of PCS, technique, and outcomes.