New approach in surgical management of complicated umbilical hernia in the cirrhotic patient with ascites.

A total of 23 consecutive patients operated upon on emergency basis for the treatment of complicated umbilical hernias associated with liver cirrhosis and ascites. The hernia was complicated by strangulation in 11 and ascitic fluid leak in twelve of the patients. Patients were assigned randomly in two groups. In the first group (GI, n = 12) peritoneal drainage at the conclusion of their surgery was done but no drainage was applied in the second group (GII, n=12). All patients were operated upon and when closed system peritoneal drainage was done, it was brought to outside of the abdomen through a separate stab. No negative pressure was applied. The main outcome measures were postoperative wound healing, control of ascites, complications, and hernia recurrence rate at follow up. The male/female ratio, Child's class, ascites severity, and mode of hernia complication were almost matched in both groups. Postoperative wound dehiscence occurred in four patients in G II (23.5%) but in none of GI. Control of ascites was achieved in all patients of GI. The overall mean hospital stay was significantly lower in-patient of GI than those of the G II (P < 0.0 1). Recurrences of the hernia occurred in one patient only of the G I and in three of the G II on a mean follow- up of 19+/-3 months. So, postoperative closed peritoneal drainage in the management of complicated umbilical hernias associated with liver cirrhosis and ascites safe and effective in assuring postoperative wound healing, control of ascites and the prevention of hernia recurrence. It is specifically indicated in cases with bowel resection anastomosis and in patients with low preoperative serum albumin and history of rapid ascites re-accumulation under medical therapy.