Elective repair of abdominal wall hernias in decompensated cirrhosis

Abdominal wall hernia is a common feature of decompensated cirrhosis. However, literature on elective hernia repair in these patients is limited. Here we report the experience of our center.

Eleven hernias (seven umbilical, three inguinal and one incisional) in nine patients with decompensated cirrhosis were repaired. The indication for operation was repeated incarceration in two patients and significant pain in four; three patients with umbilical hernias had ulceration and necrosis of the overlying skin. Pre-operatively, medical therapy of ascites was conducted at the hepatology unit. Umbilical hernias were treated with the classic Mayo repair; in all cases but two, this was buttressed with a prolene graft. One inguinal hernia was repaired with the plication-darn technique; the other two and the incisional hernia were repaired with prolene grafts.

There was no mortality. One patient had a scrotal hematoma; two patients had leakage of ascites into the wound. Seven patients were followed up. Four patients died without recurrence after a median period of 12 months (range 6-22). The other patients have no recurrence at 1, 10 and 40 months post-operatively.

Umbilical and inguinal hernias in patients with decompensated cirrhosis may be repaired safely on an elective basis. Control of ascites is vital for success.