[Umbilical and inguinal hernioplasty in cirrhotic patients].

The overall results of surgical treatment of abdominal wall hernias in patients with hepatic cirrhosis were assessed by a retrospective study in 41 cirrhotic patients. They underwent 22 umbilical and 22 inguinal herniorrhapies between 1982 and 1992. Sixteen patients were classified as Child-Pugh A, 16 as B and 9 as C. Clinical evidence of ascitis was documented in 19 patients. The operative mortality was 5% (two Child-Pugh C cases). Postoperative complications occurred in 10 patients, most of them related to the surgical wound. We recommend herniorraphy in symptomatic cirrhotic patients but with fairly good hepatic function.