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[Incisional hernia after surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm]
Knut Magne Augestad1, Tom Wilsgaard, Steinar Solberg
1Avdeling for gastroenterologisk kirurgi Regionsykehuset i Tromsø 9038 Tromsø. knut.magne.augestad@rito.no
Summary
Incisional hernia is a common complication after abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. Patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair face a significantly higher risk of developing incisional hernias.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
- Hernia Complications
Background:
- Incisional hernia is a frequent complication in patients undergoing elective abdominal aorta surgery.
- The study focuses on patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm and aorto-iliac occlusive disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and risk factors of incisional hernia after abdominal aorta surgery.
- To compare the occurrence of incisional hernia between abdominal aortic aneurysm and aorto-iliac occlusive disease patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 231 patients operated between 1992-1998.
- Data collected from patient files and a postal questionnaire sent to 172 patients (140 returned).
Main Results:
- 35% of patients (49/140) developed incisional hernia after a mean follow-up of 3.5 years.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair was associated with a 3.1-fold increased risk of incisional hernia (p=0.03).
- Obesity, smoking, and earlier hernia onset in aneurysm patients were noted, with significant patient discomfort.
Conclusions:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm may be linked to connective tissue alterations.
- Incisional hernia represents a significant source of morbidity for patients operated on for abdominal aortic aneurysm.