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Published on: September 11, 2021
Retrorectus polyester mesh repair for midline ventral hernias.
A A Wheeler1, S T Matz, S L Bachman
1Department of General Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
Summary
Retrorectus mesh repair effectively treats midline ventral hernias, showing durability over time. However, this technique is associated with a significant rate of wound complications.
Area of Science:
- General Surgery
- Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
Background:
- Midline ventral hernias are common surgical challenges.
- Mesh repair techniques aim to reduce recurrence rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of retrorectus mesh repair for midline ventral hernias.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 90 patients undergoing retrorectus mesh repair between 1991 and 2005.
- Standardized technique using polyester (Mersilene) mesh with a minimum 5-cm overlap.
Main Results:
- A 7% hernia recurrence rate was observed at a mean follow-up of 53 months.
- Major postoperative complications occurred in 26% of patients, including wound infections and fascial dehiscence.
- Ten percent of patients required reoperation due to complications such as skin flap necrosis.
Conclusions:
- Retrorectus repair with polyester mesh offers an effective and durable solution for midline ventral hernias.
- A notable drawback of this method is the high incidence of wound complications.
