586 Subxiphoid Incisional Hernias Post Median Sternotomy: A Literature Review

Abstract

Abstract Background Subxiphoid incisional hernias are one of the complications following a median sternotomy, a surgical procedure to provide access to the mediastinum. Incidence has been reported between 1-4%, although the true incidence is not well known due to its asymptomatic nature. Method A comprehensive search was performed on multiple sites. Keywords included “incisional hernia OR Subxiphoid hernia” AND “Median sternotomy OR Cardiac Surgery OR Coronary artery bypass graft OR Transplant OR Valve replacement”. Articles up to 1st of August 2020 were included in this study. Results 8 articles were included in the study, with a total number of 132 patient identified. The incidence ranged from 0.81% to 3.44%. There was a mixture of repair method and follow up period reported. Recurrence post-repair ranged from 10% to 43%. Conclusions Subxiphoid incisional hernias are rare, however, remain challenging to manage. A mixture of open and laparoscopic techniques was reported with a mixed recurrence or failure rate. Further work should be done with a large patient cohort comparing both the open and laparoscopic technique.