Abstract
BackgroundIncisional hernias (IH) following abdominal surgery are frequent and morbid. Prophylactic mesh augmentation (PMA) has emerged as a technique to reduce IH formation. We aim to report patient selection, techniques and early outcomes after PMA. MethodsRetrospective chart review identified descriptive characteristics, risk factors, operative technique, and early post-operative outcomes for PMA patients and matched non-PMA patients between January 1, 2016 and October 31, 2017. Results18 consecutive PMA cases were performed (55.6% female, mean age 54.3 years and mean BMI = 29.5 kg/m2). 88.9% of patients had at least two high-risk features for IH. Zero PMA patients developed IH compared to 5.3% non-PMA patients (p = 0.314) (6-months mean follow-up). No difference in surgical site occurrences (SSO) were identified between the two groups. ConclusionsEarly results are encouraging, demonstrating PMA is safe with equivocal SSO. Further studies are needed to assess if the reduction in IH formation is statistically significant with longer follow-up.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have