Results of treatment of incisional hernias with extractable prostheses

A series of 80 patients with an incisional ventral hernia were treated with an extractable prosthesis in the period 1 January 1965--1 January 1974. The results are discussed. After a description of the advantages of an extractable prosthesis, attention is given to a number of factors which are possibly of importance in the development of such a hernia. This is most probably a multifactorial process, in which suturing technique, wound infection, obesity and postoperative rise of intra-abdominal pressure may play a part. The technique of inserting the extractable prosthesis is accurately described and illustrated with drawings and photographs. Success was ultimately obtained in 86.25% of the cases. The failure rate was 13.75%. In comparison with the data from the literature, this is a low percentage, the more so because the author's series consisted mainly of large incisional hernias. Recurrences can be treated successfully several times with an extractable prosthesis. This is, in general, easy in view of the smaller dimensions of the hernial orifices. The extractable prosthesis is recommended both for the treatment and prevention of incisional ventral hernia.