[Postoperative abdominal hernia and its treatment. Results in 438 patients]

The postoperative incisional hernia can be found after any incision, any suture, and also when the technique was as subtle as possible. The frequency ranges from 1--5%. The causes, the frequency, the suture-techniques, and the methods for reparation of an incisional hernia are described. In our clinic in 18 years (1.5. 1960--30.4. 1978) 438 patients were operated with an incisional hernia. The localizations, preoperative diseases, and the methods of operations applied are described and discussed. We were able to get postoperative information of 277 patients, information by letters and own investigations as well. The results are discussed. As far as we know our figures represent the greatest number of cases published. The own late results of operated hernias are described. In other publications a frequency of 15--20% of recurrencies is quoted. In respect to this our own results with "edge-to-edge-technique" and "doubling of the fascia" are satisfacotry.