[Eventration of the abdominal wall]

Incisional hernia is one of the most common complications after abdominal surgery, secondary to postoperative infection and intraabdominal hyperpressure. The chronicity with gradual increase in size of some of these hernias is such that the hernial ring enlarges resulting in a real parietal defect, the herniated organs can be strangulated and the poor abdominal motility alters the respiratory function. All incisional hernias require surgical repair, except small asymptomatic hernias. Surgical treatment depends on several factors, especially the size of the defect: Simple hernioplasty can be recommended for small hernias (ring < 5 cm); for large hernias, the reinforcement of the abdominal wall with a prosthesis is mandatory for long term successful repair. The type and the site of the prosthesis depend on the surgical technique.