Combined fascia and mesh repair of incisional hernias

Incisional hernia is a relatively common complication following abdominal operations. Due to high recurrence rates following primary suture, a prosthetic mesh is now usually used to repair the hernia. Several different types of repair are described. A combined fascia and mesh technique avoids opening the peritoneal cavity and potential damage to bowel. This study describes results of this technique. Consecutive patients undergoing the operation were contacted to assess freedom from recurrence and satisfaction with results. Some 34 patients underwent 36 incisional repairs. Of the 34 patients 21 were men and 13 were women with a median age of 69 years (range 31-86 years). The causative incisions were midline (30), Kochers (2), Pfannesteil (2) and transverse (2). The median time spent in hospital was three nights (range 1-14 days). Two patients developed seromas, another complained of pain soon after operation, one patient developed a superficial wound infection another developed a tender drain site which required exploration. One patient with significant co-morbidity died 13 days postoperatively from multiorgan failure. Freedom from recurrence of the hernia was 91% at 5 years. However patient survival was only 70% at 5 years. This technique is associated with low postoperative morbidity and a low recurrence rate. Patients presenting with incisional hernias have a poor long-term prognosis which needs to be borne in mind when planning intervention.