Abstract A 4–18-year follow-up of a series of epigastric incisional hernia repairs by o method using lateral relieving incisions of the anterior sheath of the rectus is presented. The practicality of operating through the repaired abdomen is shown. The possibility of performing this method of repair at the end of an operation through an existing incisional hernia is mentioned. The recurrence rate was less than 20 per cent.