Long-term results after surgical correction of incisional hernia.

The incidence of incisional hernia following abdominal surgery ranges from 1% to more than 10% and the results of surgical repair are very disappointing. Of the 151 patients who were operated on for incisional hernia, 74 developed recurrences (49%) but there were no specific predisposing factors for these recurrences. However, postoperative wound infection after the primary operation is probably the most important factor in the etiology of incisional hernia. Prevention of incisional hernia can be achieved by prevention of wound infection after the primary operation. Furthermore, there should be greater restraint on the surgical treatment of incisional hernia.