[Rectusbanding by polypropylene-mesh--a new method for incisional hernia repair]

We report on a new method of incisional hernia repair applicable to any size. With exception of an area 1 cm medial of the m. rectus abdominis where the strip penetrates the anterior wall of the rectus sheath for a better fixation, the muscle ist looped in a loose way with a 2 cm wide band of polypropylene (Prolene(R)) on both sides at a distance of 2 cm depending on the size of the hernial opening. Different models of strips were used in 27 % of the cases adapted to anatomical particularities of the hernial opening. Anterior and posterior wall of the rectus sheath are closed by a continuous panacryl suture which covers the strip. Because of the wide subcutaneous excavation extending to the lateral margin of the rectus sheath an extensive drainage by Redon-Drainages as well as compression bandages are important therapeutical procedures until formation of seromas has finished. For perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis we used Cefuroxime (3 x 1,5 i. v.). From 07/1999 until 10/2001 75 patients underwent an operation in our department. The direct postoperative complications observed were: Seroma formation up to 300 ml after discharge in 5 patients (6,6 %) and wound infections in 2 patients (2,8 %). In none of the cases the mesh had to be removed. In a follow-up period of 6 to 24 months we found 2 recurrences in 60 patients (3,3 %). These were related to technical failures of the beginning. 64.9 % of the patients were free of complaints after 6 months and almost 96 % after one year. Only 3 patients (4 %) had to take analgetic drugs occasionally. With regard to the mobility of the abdominal wall we found no measurable limitation. The method of Rectusbanding is easy to learn for every surgeon and with little material the mesh-strip can be fixed safely. It can be cut to individual sizes and shapes adapted to the fascial proportions of the hernial opening.