Outcomes of the Rives-Stoppa technique in incisional hernia repair: ten years of experience

Use of the Rives-Stoppa (R-S) technique has markedly diminished recurrence rate. Our aim was to assess the outcomes of Iranian patients undergoing the R-S technique and to determine factors affecting recurrence rate and time.

Over a 10-year period, 86 open abdominal wall incisional hernia repairs were performed using the R-S technique. Prolene and Mersilene meshes were used. Main outcome measures were the rate and time of recurrence and mortality.

Sixty-six women and 20 men underwent the R-S technique (mean age: 51.21 +/- 13.01 years; mean follow up period: 67.60 +/- 32.55 months). The total recurrence rate was 5.8%. Most of these occurred in the first 12 months of follow up. Mersilene was used in 61%. There was no correlation between hernia recurrence and age, gender, defect size, mesh size, mesh type, number of meshes used, type of operation, position of incision, seroma, respiratory complications, ICU admission, or wound complications (P > 0.05). Overall postoperative complication rate was 18.2%. Except for type of operation, there was no correlation between the factors mentioned and recurrence time. Cumulative 5 and 10-year recurrence rate were 4.2 and 12.5%, respectively.

The R-S technique is the most promising open technique, with low recurrence rates, excellent long-time results, and minimal serious morbidity. Age might be an important factor in recurrence rate.