Preperitoneal mesh repair of incisional hernias: A seven-year retrospective study

Background : Incisional hernia is a common surgical condition with a reported incidence of 2-11% following all laparotomies. Results of repair have been disappointing. Aim : To evaluate our technique of preperitoneal mesh repair of incisional hernias. Materials and Methods : A seven-year retrospective study was done from January 1994 to December 2000 using a computerized database. Follow-up was initiated by a postal questionnaire on a response card. Our repair was evaluated by clinical examination, response card and telephone. Results were documented and statistically analyzed. Results : In our series of 105 patients, clinical details of 95 (90.5%) patients were available. Females (90.5%, n = 90) outnumbered males (9.5%, n = 10) and the highest incidence was in the 5 th decade of life in females and the 6 th decade of life in males ( P = 0.028). Gynecological operations accounted for 68.4% ( n = 65) of the index operations, with lower midline incisions resulting in 63% ( n = 60) of the incisional hernias. The polypropylene mesh placed preperitoneally varied from 15 \ub4 7.5 cm to 30 \ub4 20 cm. Sixty-five patients (62%) attended our follow-up, ranging from 14 months to eight years. Method of follow-up in outpatients department (OPD): 44.6% ( n = 29), postal: 40% ( n = 26), telephone: 15.3% ( n = 10). No recurrence was noted in the follow-up group. Conclusions : Based on our analyses, we believe that preperitoneal mesh repair is the ideal operation for incisional hernias. There are however, very few publications covering this technique of repair

Preperitoneal mesh repair of incisional hernias: A seven-year retrospective study

Background : Incisional hernia is a common surgical condition with a reported incidence of 2-11% following all laparotomies. Results of repair have been disappointing. Aim : To evaluate our technique of preperitoneal mesh repair of incisional hernias. Materials and Methods : A seven-year retrospective study was done from January 1994 to December 2000 using a computerized database. Follow-up was initiated by a postal questionnaire on a response card. Our repair was evaluated by clinical examination, response card and telephone. Results were documented and statistically analyzed. Results : In our series of 105 patients, clinical details of 95 (90.5%) patients were available. Females (90.5%, n = 90) outnumbered males (9.5%, n = 10) and the highest incidence was in the 5 th decade of life in females and the 6 th decade of life in males ( P = 0.028). Gynecological operations accounted for 68.4% ( n = 65) of the index operations, with lower midline incisions resulting in 63% ( n = 60) of the incisional hernias. The polypropylene mesh placed preperitoneally varied from 15 ´ 7.5 cm to 30 ´ 20 cm. Sixty-five patients (62%) attended our follow-up, ranging from 14 months to eight years. Method of follow-up in outpatients department (OPD): 44.6% ( n = 29), postal: 40% ( n = 26), telephone: 15.3% ( n = 10). No recurrence was noted in the follow-up group. Conclusions : Based on our analyses, we believe that preperitoneal mesh repair is the ideal operation for incisional hernias. There are however, very few publications covering this technique of repair