Is repair of incisional hernias by polypropylene mesh a safe procedure?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety of the intraperitoneal mesh repair procedure and to assess the complications that develop after the procedure.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We reviewed the records of 25 patients who underwent intraperitoneal mesh repair procedures. Data on age, sex, size and cause of the hernia, postoperative mortality, and morbidity with special attention to complications were obtained from the medical records.

RESULTS

Of the 25 patients (7 males, 18 females), the original operation was cholecystectomy in 15 cases (60%), gynaecological surgery in 2, gastric surgery in 2, and umbilical hernia in 2. Incisions were midline in 20 cases (80%), transverse in 2 and laparoscopic port sites in 3 patients. The average size of the hernia was 150 cm(2). Local complications occurred in 4 (16%) patients. Postoperative complications included wound infection in 3 patients and haematoma in 1 patient. Postoperative hospital stay ranged from 3 to 25 days with a mean of 6 days. No recurrence developed during 28-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The tension-free repair of incisional hernia with polypropylene mesh in intraperitoneal position is a safe and easy procedure with acceptable morbidity and no recurrence.