[Long-term results of 186 patients with large incisional abdominal wall hernia treated by intraperitoneal mesh]

Massive incisional abdominal wall hernias are frequent and difficult to repair, especially when they are large, multiply recurrent and when associated high with risk factors. We report the long-term results of 192 hernia repairs (in 186 patients) by non-resorbable mesh placed intraperitoneally and fixed by fascia stapler. We describe the details of the technique. There were no deaths. Early and late wound infections occurred in 11.7%, late occlusions in 6.3% and recurrence in 16%. Four percent of patients required removal of the mesh. The main caracteristic of this study was the long follow-up period (mean duration = 77 months). In view of the good results (70%), simplicity and quite execution of this technique, intraperitoneal mesh placement should be considered in the repair of large hernias when a prothesis is required.