Abdominal Wall Reconstruction for Incisional Hernia Optimizes Truncal Function and Quality of Life: A Prospective...

The aim of the study was to examine abdominal wall function in patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) for incisional hernia.

The literature on abdominal wall function in patients with incisional hernia is sparse. It has been suggested that AWR leads to improvement in function, but it is unknown whether this is specific to the abdominal wall or due to an improvement in overall physical fitness.

We performed a prospective case-control study of 18 consecutive patients with large incisional hernia undergoing AWR with linea alba restoration. Truncal flexion and extension strength, hand grip strength, leg extension power, and quality of life (SF-36 and Carolinas Comfort Scale) were assessed preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Patients were compared with a control group of patients with an intact abdominal wall undergoing colorectal resection (n = 18). The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02011048).

Compared with preoperative measurements, 1-year follow-up after AWR demonstrated an increase of both truncal flexion strength (from mean 505.6 N to 572.3 N, P < 0.001) and truncal extension strength (from 556.7 to 606.0 N, P = 0.005). There was no significant change of either hand grip strength or leg extension power. After AWR, the physical component of overall quality of life improved, whereas the mental component score remained unchanged. In the control group, surgery resulted in a decrease in both truncal flexion and truncal extension.

AWR for incisional hernia specifically improved long-term abdominal wall muscular function and quality of life.