TÉCNICA DE RIVES-STOPPA EN LAS EVENTRACIONES DE LA LÍNEA MEDIA: PRESCINDENCIA DE LA FIJACIÓN PERIMETRAL DE LA MALLA

Abstract

Rives-Stoppa repair without mesh fixation for midline incisional hernias. Long term follow up Background: The Rives-Stoppa technique for midline incisional hernias places a Mersilene mesh in the retro rectal space, which is kept in place with transcutaneous sutures. Other forms of fixation have been pro posed. Aim: To assess the long term results of the surgical technique without fixation of the mesh. Material and Methods: An observational, descriptive, prospective study performed in 64 patients aged 26 to 85 years (48 women) consecutively operated between 1995 and 2002. The standard Rives-Stoppa technique was used, except for the usage of a Prolene mesh without fixation. Ambulation was started on the first postoperative day and patients were discharged after removal of drains. Results: Eighty percent of patients were obese, 25% had high blood pressure and 9% were diabetic. Patients were discharged at a median of four (range two-16) days after surgery. Four superficial infections, one case of thromboembolic disease, one case of prolonged ileus and two pulmonary infections were recorded as complications. A long term follow-up was carried out in 48 patients (75%). Five patients had small recurrences (10%), localized at the cephalic or caudal borders of the mesh, and six patients (13%) reported slight abdominal pain. In spite of recurrences, 97% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment. Conclusions: These results are similar to those obtained using mesh fixation. Increasing distal and proximal mesh overlap should enhance these results.