Evaluation of retromuscular mesh repair technique for treatment of ventral incisional hernia

Abstract

Introduction Incisional hernia is a common surgical condition with a reported incidence of 2-11% following all laparotomies. Results of tissue repair have been disappointing. The optimal approach for abdominal incisional hernias is still under discussion. Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the retromuscular mesh repair technique in the treatment of ventral incisional hernia as one of the standard techniques for treatment of such cases. Materials and methods This prospective study on 52 consecutive patients was performed from July 2010 to February 2013. Patients were prepared to be operated by the retromuscular mesh repair technique. All patients were evaluated with respect to operative time and postoperative complications. Results were documented and statistically analyzed. Results In this study on 52 patients, there were 37 female patients (71.2%) and 15 male patients (28.8%). The age of the studied patients ranged between 20 and 61 years with mean age of 45.4 years. The mean operative time was 84.88 ± 18.04 min. The mean period of drainage was 3.1 ± 0.9 days. Seroma was not encountered in any patient. No recurrence was reported in the studied patients during the period of follow-up (12-30 months). Conclusion On the basis of this study, we conclude that retromuscular (sublay) mesh repair is the ideal technique for incisional hernia repair.