Risk Factors For Incisional Hernia Research Articles

Long-term outcomes after prophylactic use of onlay mesh in midline laparotomy

The prevalence of incisional hernias (IHs) is still high after midline laparotomy (ML). There is an increasing body of evidence that prophylactic mesh placement (PMP) can be safe and efficient in the short-term outcomes, but there still are some concerns about the potential long-term complications of these meshes. This study describes our long-term PMP experience. Observational and prospective study including all patients undergoing the use of prophylactic onlay large-pore polypropylene meshes for the closure of ML since 2008 to 2014. Outcome measures included demographics, perioperative details, wound complications, recurrences, reoperations and chronic complications. A cohort of 172 patients was analysed: 75% elective surgery, 25% emergency cases. Mean age was 68years with mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.6kg/m2. Wound classification: 6.4% clean; 85% clean-contaminated; 1.2% contaminated and 8.1% dirty. Follow-up of patients was up to 8years (mean: 5 ± 1.6). Two meshes were removed due to chronic infection in first six postoperative months. Of the 13 patients (9.02%) who developed IH, 5 of them have been reoperated for IH repair without any difficulty related to previous mesh. During follow-up, 8 patients have been reoperated for other reasons and the integrity of abdominal wall was also checked. After the comparative study, higher BMI and emergency surgery were still risk factors for IH despite PMP. In our setting, the use of polypropylene prophylactic meshes in MLs is safe, efficient and durable.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Incisional Hernias and its Management

Introduction: Incisional hernia is a common problem after abdominal surgery. Patients present with pain, swelling and intestinal obstruction. It may be repaired by either anatomical suturing or mesh repair.Methods: It is a prospective observational study conducted in Western Regional Hospital and Fewa City Hospital, Pokhara from 2013 to 2016. A total of consecutive 100 patients admitted in these hospitals during the study period were included.Results: Incisional hernia is more common in females (M : F = 1 : 3.8), and in 30 - 50 years age group (60%). Major risk factors were wound infection (30%), overweight (25%), and postoperative cough (10%). It is found to be more associated with gynecological (65%), than gastrointestinal operations, and more so with lower abdominal midline incision (65%). It is found to occur mostly within one year (60%) of primary surgery than later. Even 24% of the patients had first symptom within six months. Mesh repair (92%) was the preferred standard surgical treatment for incisional hernia.Conclusion: Overweight females of age range between 30 - 50 years with history of gynecological operations by lower abdominal midline incision are more prone to develop incisional hernia. This incidence increases when there is wound infection. Mesh repair is the choice of operation for incisional hernia. J-GMC-N | Volume 11 | Issue 01 | January-June 2018, Page: 16-20

Study of laparoscopic repair of abdominal incisional hernia

Background: An incisional hernia is defined as any abdominal wall gap with or without bulge in the area of postoperative scar perceptible or palpable by clinical examination or imaging. It occurs in about 3 to 20 percent of patients undergoing laparotomy. Open hernia repair methods have an increased incidence of wound infections and wound-related complications. These problems have been overcome by laparoscopy. The placement of a large mesh by laparoscopy allows for an even distribution of forces along the surface area of the mesh, which account for the strength of the repair and the decreased recurrence rates associated with it. The merits of the laparoscopic approach are decreased rates of recurrence, reduced risks of wound complications. The aims and objective of this study were to evaluate etiological factors of incisional hernia, various techniques of laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia, and to investigate the influence of laparoscopic approach on hospital stay, complications associated with the procedure and recurrence rates.Methods: In this hospital based prospective study, total 40 cases of incisional hernia were studied which were operated laparoscopically and followed up over period of two years.Results: Incisional hernia occurrence was common in females (80%) with commonly observed risk factor was postoperative wound related complications (28 cases) and obesity (22 cases). Infraumbilical midline incision (67.5%) and supraumbilical midline incision (27.5%) was most commonly responsible for incisional hernia occurrence. LSCS was most commonly responsible for incisional hernia occurrence (45%) followed by laparotomy for various indications (27.5%). Intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair of single defect without anatomical repair was most common modality of laparoscopic repair (70%). Early postoperative pain (20%) and prolonged ileus (17.5%) was the most common complication observed. Average hospital stay was 4.22 days.Conclusions: Postoperative wound related complications are important risk factor for incisional hernia. Laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia is better choice in view of reduced wound related complications, post-operative pain and hospitals stay.

Incisional Hernia in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review

Incisional hernia follows midline laparotomy in 8 to 20 per cent of cases, but the rate following lateral incision is not well documented. This systematic review summarizes incisional hernia rate after open renal transplant. We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library databases from January 2000 to November 2016 inclusive. The outcomes included in our analysis were the posttransplant incisional hernia rate, significant patient risk factors for incisional hernia, the definition of incisional hernia used, the method used to detect incisional hernia, and the incision used for transplantation. Eight retrospective case series were identified, three describing renal transplant recipients and five describing incisional hernia repairs postrenal transplant. All reported the incisional hernia rate postrenal transplant at the host institution. The hernia rate ranged from 1.1 to 7.0 per cent, with a mean of 3.2 per cent. Factors associated with incisional hernia were body mass index >30, age >50, cadaveric graft, and reoperation through the same incision. Despite the significant comorbidity of renal transplant recipients, the incisional hernia rate postrenal transplant is significantly lower than that of post-midline laparotomy. The reasons for this are discussed. This demonstrates the importance of operative technique, local tissue quality and biomechanical factors in the formation of incisional hernia.

Visceral obesity is a significant risk factor for incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery: A single-center review.

Although laparoscopic surgery uses relatively small incisions, incisional hernia after surgery is not uncommon. However, the incidence of incisional hernia and its risk factors are not well known. The purpose of our study was to investigate risk factors for incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. The study group consisted of 212 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery at Hiroshima Prefectural Hospital between November 2008 and October 2013. Diagnosis of incisional hernia was performed by postoperative CT. The visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area at the level of the umbilicus were calculated using an image analysis system. For statistical analysis, Fisher's exact test or Student's t-test were used for univariate analysis, and logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. The cut-off value for risk factors was calculated from the receiver-operator curve. Incisional hernia was observed in 18 patients (8.5%). On univariate analysis, female sex (P = 0.04), older age (P = 0.02), subcutaneous fat area (P < 0.01), VFA (P = 0.02), and BMI >25 kg/m2 (P < 0.01) were significant risk factors for incisional hernia. The predictive cut-off values were as follows: age, 72 years; subcutaneous fat area, 110 cm2 ; VFA, 110 cm2 ; and albumin concentration, 3.9 g/dL. On multivariate analysis, a VFA >110 cm2 (P < 0.01) and female sex (P = 0.01) were retained as independent risk factors for incisional hernia. After laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, a higher VFA and female sex are independent risk factors for incisional hernia.

Risk Factors for Incisional Hernia in Children.

Incisional hernia (IH) is a major complication of abdominal surgery. Although previous studies reported that the incidence of IH after abdominal surgery in adults was 5-50% and that various independent risk factors were involved, IH in children is still not well known. The objective of our study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for IH in children. We retrospectively reviewed all children who underwent abdominal surgery at the Jikei University Hospitals (Jikei University Hospital, Kashiwa Hospital, Katsushika Medical Center and Daisan Hospital) between January 2001 and December 2016. Abdominal surgery in children was defined as open laparotomy and laparoscopic abdominal surgery in patients≤15years old. Conventional open repair for inguinal hernias, umbilical hernia repair, congenital abdominal defect repair and orchiopexy were excluded. Overall, 2049 children were performed abdominal surgery. Among them, 14 children (10 males and 4 females) developed IH, and the incidence of IH was 0.68% (14/2049). There is no significant difference between laparotomy and laparoscopic surgery. The statistically significant variables and identified risk factors were operation in neonates, laparoscopic fundoplication and open supraumbilical pyloromyotomy. In all patients who had IH repair, there was no recurrence during the follow-up period 50.4months (range 1months-10years) except two recurrence cases. The incidence of IH in children is significantly lower than that in adults, and the above three risk factors were revealed. Before abdominal surgery, we recommend that pediatric surgeons should mention the risk of developing IH when the patient has the above risk factors.

Retrospective review of risk factors for surgical wound dehiscence and incisional hernia

BackgroundSeveral factors and patient characteristics influence the risk of surgical wound dehiscence and incisional hernia after midline laparotomy. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a specified, or not specified, suture quota in the operative report affects the incidence of surgical wound complications and to describe the previously known risk factors for these complications.MethodsRetrospective data collection from medical records of all vascular procedures and laparotomies engaging the small intestines, colon and rectum performed in 2010. Patients were enrolled from four hospitals in the region Västra Götaland, Sweden. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox regression analyses were used when calculating the impact of the risk factors for surgical wound dehiscence and incisional hernia.ResultsA total of 1,621 patients were included in the study. Wound infection was a risk factor for both wound dehiscence and incisional hernia. BMI 25–30, 30–35 and >35 were risk factors for wound dehiscence and BMI 30–35 was a risk factor for incisional hernia. We did not find that documentation of the details of suture technique, regarding wound and suture length, influenced the rate of wound dehiscence or incisional hernia.ConclusionsThese results support previous findings identifying wound infection and high BMI as risk factors for both wound dehiscence and incisional hernia. Our study indicates the importance of preventive measures against wound infection and a preoperative dietary regiment could be considered as a routine worth testing for patients with high BMI planned for abdominal surgical precedures.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Incisional Hernia after Liver Surgery Performed with a J-Shaped Right Subcostal Incision

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Incisional Hernia after Liver Surgery Performed with a J-Shaped Right Subcostal Incision

Risk factors of severe incisional hernia after renal transplantation: a retrospective multicentric case-control study on 225 patients.

The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of severe incisional hernias and find their specific risk factors in renal transplant patients. This retrospective multicentric case-control study focused on 225 kidney transplant patients among 4348 patients transplanted during this period within two French university hospitals (Saint-Louis/Lariboisière in Paris and Tours, Loire Valley) from 2000 to 2014 and from 1995 to 2014, respectively. Forty-five patients developed a severe incisional hernia after renal transplantation. The primary outcome measure was the development of a severe incisional hernia after surgery. Statistical analysis included an univariate analysis and a multivariate analysis using a logistic regression according to the Cox model. Forty-five patients (1.03%) had a severe incisional hernia surgery after renal transplantation. The median follow-up was 55.5months. In univariate analysis, smoking, the occurrence of a lymphocele and parietal closure in a single musculo-fascial layer was significantly associated with the occurrence of incisional hernia after renal transplantation. Former or active smoking (OR 2.32, p=0.0370), lymphocele (OR 4.3903, p=0.0018) and parietal musculo-fascial closure in one single layer (OR 3.37, p=0.0088) significantly increased the risk of incisional hernia after kidney transplant in multivariate analysis. We report in this study one of the largest series of patients who had incisional hernia after renal transplantation. Former or active smoking, lymphocele and parietal closure in one single musculo-fascial layer were independent risk factors for incisional hernia following kidney transplant.

Prophylactic mesh placement for prevention of incisional hernia after open bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundProphylactic mesh during laparotomy has been shown to be effective in preventing postoperative incisional hernia (IH) in high-risk patients. Since obesity is a risk factor for IH, we wished to determine whether mesh prevents IH in open and laparoscopic bariatric surgery patients. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis. Seven studies met inclusion criteria. We abstracted data regarding postoperative IH development, surgical site infection, and seroma or wound leakage and performed meta-analysis. ResultsThe prophylactic mesh group had significantly decreased odds of developing IH than the standard closure group (odds ratio, .30, 95% CI, .13 to .68, P = .004). No included studies evaluated outcomes after prophylactic mesh during laparoscopic bariatric surgery. ConclusionsProphylactic mesh during open bariatric surgery appears to be beneficial in reducing postoperative IH without significant increasing the odds of surgical site infection or seroma or wound leakage. Higher quality studies, including those in laparoscopic patients, and cost-utility analysis, are needed to support routine use of this intervention.

Incisional and Parastomal Hernia following Radical Cystectomy and Urinary Diversion: The University of Southern California Experience

Hernia is a common complication following radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. We investigated the clinical and radiological evidence for parastomal and incisional hernias, and their risk factors in a large cohort. Using an institutional review board approved prospective database we reviewed the records of 1,101 patients who underwent radical cystectomy from 2003 to 2013. Followup (median 57 months) was available for 670 patients. Of the 670 patients 92 underwent ileal conduit diversion using Turnbull stomas with a median followup 34 months. Patients were followed with computerized tomography cancer surveillance. Standardized criteria were used to define parastomal and incisional hernias by an expert radiologist. Multivariate logistic regression was done to identify independent predictors. Parastomal hernia was diagnosed in 21 of 92 patients (23%) with a mean age at diagnosis of 76.5 years. Incisional hernia was present in 125 of 670 patients (18.7%) with a mean age at diagnosis of 68.6 years. Five patients had both hernia types. Of patients with parastomal and incisional hernias 11 (53%) and 111 (88.8%), respectively, were male. Mean body mass index was 27.5 and 27.3 kg/m(2) in patients with parastomal and incisional hernias, respectively. Mean parastomal and incisional defect sizes were 3.8 and 2.4 cm, respectively. In18 patients (85%) parastomal hernias were clinically and radiologically evident, 5 patients were symptomatic and 2 underwent repair. In 51 patients (40%) incisional hernias were clinically and radiologically evident, 34 were symptomatic and 48 underwent repair. Multivariate logistic regression showed significant associations of incisional hernia with age, gender, incision length, orthotopic diversion and body mass index. Parastomal hernia had no significant association. Hernia is common after cystectomy and diversion. Age, gender, body mass index, incision length and diversion type are risk factors for incisional hernia. Multi-institutional prospective studies may better identify patients at high risk.

Incisional hernia after open resections for colorectal liver metastases – incidence and risk factors

Background: Incisional hernia is one of the most common complications after laparotomy. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate incidence, location and risk factors for incisional hernia after open liver resection for colorectal liver metastases including the use of perioperative chemotherapy and targeted therapy evaluated by computed tomography. Method: Patients operated for colorectal liver metastases between 2010 and 2013 were included. Incisional hernia was defined as a discontinuity in the abdominal fascia observed on computed tomography. Results: A total of 256 patients were analyzed in regard to incisional hernia. Seventy-eight patients (30.5%) developed incisional hernia. In multivariate analysis, preoperative chemotherapy > 6 cycles (hazard ratio 2.12, 95% confidence interval 1.14–3.94), preoperative bevacizumab (hazard ratio 3.63, 95% confidence interval 1.86–7.08) and incisional hernia from previous surgery (hazard ratio 3.50, 95% confidence interval 1.98–6.18) were found to be independent risk factors. Conclusion: Prolonged preoperative chemotherapy and also preoperative bevacizumab were strong predictors for developing an incisional hernia. After an extended right subcostal incision, the hernia location was almost exclusively in the midline.

Incisional hernia after open resections for colorectal liver metastases – incidence and risk factors

BackgroundIncisional hernia is one of the most common complications after laparotomy. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate incidence, location and risk factors for incisional hernia after open resection for colorectal liver metastases including the use of perioperative chemotherapy and targeted therapy evaluated by computed tomography. MethodsPatients operated for colorectal liver metastases between 2010 and 2013 were included. Incisional hernia was defined as a discontinuity in the abdominal fascia observed on computed tomography. ResultsA total of 256 patients were analyzed in regard to incisional hernia. Seventy-eight patients (30.5%) developed incisional hernia. Hernia locations were midline alone in 66 patients (84.6%) and involving the midline in another 8 patients (10.3%). In multivariate analysis, preoperative chemotherapy >6 cycles (hazard ratio 2.12, 95% confidence interval 1.14–3.94), preoperative bevacizumab (hazard ratio 3.63, 95% confidence interval 1.86–7.08) and incisional hernia from previous surgery (hazard ratio 3.50, 95% confidence interval 1.98–6.18) were found to be independent risk factors. ConclusionsProlonged preoperative chemotherapy and also preoperative bevacizumab were strong predictors for developing an incisional hernia. After an extended right subcostal incision, the hernia location was almost exclusively in the midline.

Abstract 3437: Visceral abdominal fat is associated with incisional hernia occurrence after colorectal cancer surgery - the ColoCare Study

Abstract Introduction: Abdominal surgery for tumor removal is essential in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Incisional hernias (IH) are a common long-term complication after abdominal surgery with an incidence of 9-20%. Several risk factors for developing IH have been identified, including a higher body mass index (BMI). However, it is unknown whether specific abdominal fat compartments, such as subcutaneous or visceral fat, are associated with IH occurrence. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore whether subcutaneous or visceral fat compartments might be predictors of IH occurrence in CRC patients after oncologic surgery. Methods: This study was conducted on 139 newly-diagnosed colorectal cancer patients of the prospective cohort study ColoCare (NCT, Heidelberg, Germany) who underwent oncologic surgery at the surgical clinics of the University Hospital Heidelberg. Self-administered questionnaires were used to assess hernia occurrence at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-surgery. BMI was calculated (kg/m^2) and abdominal fat compartments were assessed by routine computed tomography (CT) scans. The total (TFA), subcutaneous (SFA) and visceral fat area (VFA) was quantified as area (cm^2) on level L3/L4 and L4/L5. Before analyses, fat data were grouped into two categories (high vs. low) by the median. Logistic regression was used to measure the association between BMI, TFA, SFA or VFA and IH occurrence. Results: Patients were on average 61.3 (±12.5) years old with 37% being female and 63% being male. Patients were diagnosed with either colon/rectosigmoid (53%) or rectal (47%) primary cancer. CT data on abdominal fat compartments were available for 56% (n = 80) of patients as CT scans were not performed on every subject during clinical routine. BMI was a statistically significant predictor of IH occurrence after adjusting for gender and age (Wald p-value &amp;lt;0.001, OR = 1.19). Of all fat values, only VFA on level L3/L4 was statistically significant associated with IH occurrence after adjusting for gender and age (Wald p-value &amp;lt;0.05, OR = 2.36), while TFA and SFA on level L3/L4 and all level L4/L5 fat values were not associated with IH occurrence. Conclusion: Our findings underline BMI as a known predictive risk factor for IH. In addition, our study newly identified visceral, but not total or subcutaneous fat, as risk factors for IH. Further studies with an increased sample size are needed to test these associations in subgroups of patients, e.g. by gender or surgical procedures. In the future, these findings may help to preoperatively decide on prophylactic interventions, such as intraoperative mesh implantations, to reduce hernia occurrence. Citation Format: Jürgen Böhm, Johanna Nattenmüller, Frank Pianka, Biljana Gigic, Yesilda Balavarca, Nina Stüttgen, Petra Schrotz-King, Dominique Scherer, Alexis Ulrich, Markus K. Diener, Hans-Ulrich Kauczor, Cornelia M. Ulrich. Visceral abdominal fat is associated with incisional hernia occurrence after colorectal cancer surgery - the ColoCare Study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3437. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3437

Risk factors for incisional hernia after hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with liver cirrhosis

The risk factors for incisional hernia (IH) and the association between liver fibrosis and IH after hepatic resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with liver cirrhosis (LC) are still unclear. We aimed to evaluate the rate of IH and to assess the effect of perioperative factors, including serum markers for liver fibrosis, on the risk of IH. A total of 192 patients with HCC with LC who received hepatectomy were retrospectively analyzed. The primary end point was the incidence rate of IH and the secondary end points were associations between IH and 22 clinical factors. IH was diagnosed in 60 (31.3%) patients. The estimated incidence rates were 19.8% at 12 months, 32.5% at 36 months, and 38.8% at 60 months. In multivariable analysis, the presence of postoperative intractable ascites (odds ratio 24.83, P = .0003), abdominal wall closure by a single-layer mass closure with a continuous running suture (odds ratio 4.59, P = .0143), preoperative body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m(2) (odds ratio 3.36, P = .0025), and preoperative serum N-terminal pro-peptide of type IV collagen 7S domain (P4NP 7S) levels ≥ 5 ng/mL (odds ratio 3.13, P = .0234) were independent risk factors. There are several risk factors for IH after hepatic resection in HCC patients with LC. Preoperative serum P4NP 7S levels ≥ 5 ng/mL are a useful predictive marker, and abdominal wall closure with a continuous running suture by a single-layer mass closure should be avoided.

PWE-395 Patient and clinical risk factors for incisional hernia following reversal of loop ileostomy

<h3>Introduction</h3> Loop ileostomy reversal is commonly performed, with reported rates of ileostomy-site incisional hernia between 0–48%. Risk factors of patients developing post-reversal hernias are poorly understood. <h3>Method</h3> We performed a retrospective study of patients undergoing loop ileostomy reversal during five years 1^stJanuary 2009 to 31^stDecember 2013. The primary outcome was ileostomy-site incisional hernia, detected clinically and, as a gold standard, by computed tomography scans or ultrasonography. Data were extracted on preoperative factors (age, BMI, smoking, preoperative marking, surgical indication), intraoperative decisions (rectus sheath suture, skin suture, closure method) and postoperative events (complication (&lt;30days), followup duration). Data were analysed with SPSS version 21. Statistics are median (IQR) and correlations Spearman’s rho. P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. <h3>Results</h3> In total, 180 patients underwent loop ileostomy closure. Baseline demographics were as follows: age (66 years (26), BMI 25kg/m²(5.8) and 28 patients (16%) were smokers. Indication for ileostomy was rectal cancer (n = 98; 54.4%), followed by inflammatory bowel disease (n = 40; 22.2%), diverticulosis (n = 19; 10.6%), inflammatory fistulae (n = 4; 2.2%), and assorted indications (n = 16; 8.9%). Overall incidence of ileostomy-site incisional hernia was 19%, occurring at a median of 8 months (IQR 15). Overall duration of postoperative follow up was 20 months (IQR 28). Clinical detection of hernia compared to CT/US was 88% and all clinically-evident cases were identified radiologically. Four cases not evident clinically were detected by radiology alone. 64% of hernias required reoperation. Surgical indication was a significant hernia determinant (χ²p &lt; 0.001) with a higher incidence in cancer patients. 66% of patients were marked preoperatively. Post-closure complications occurred in 22% of patients and predicted higher hernia risk (χ²p &lt; 0.001). BMI was a major risk factor for ileostomy-site hernia (Mann Whitney P = 0.04; R=.236; P = 0.002). Patients with higher blood pressure at closure had a higher incidence of hernias (Mann Whitney P = 0.009). Age and smoking were not significant factors (R = -0.018 and 0.005 respectively; P &gt; 0.05 for both). Choice of suture material for rectus sheath (PDS vs. Prolene) or skin (Monocryl vs. Maxon) did not predict hernia (R=-0.113 and -0.041 respectively; both P &gt; 0.05). Healing by secondary intention was not associated with higher hernia incidence (R = 0.004; P &gt; 0.05). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Ileostomy-site hernia occurs in approximately one fifth of patients. Patient factors such as BMI and preoperative co-morbidity remain the greatest predictors of hernia. Variability in operative practice such as choice of suture material and the method of skin closure does not impact hernia risk. <h3>Disclosure of interest</h3> None Declared.

Age, Preoperative Subcutaneous Fat Area, and Open Laparotomy are Risk Factors for Incisional Hernia following Colorectal Cancer Surgery.

Although incisional hernia (IH) is a common complication of abdominal surgery, the incidence rate and risk factors are not well known. The objectives of this study are to determine the incidence rate of IH following colorectal cancer surgery and to describe the associated risk factors. Between 2005 and 2010, patients who underwent surgery to treat colorectal cancer were examined. The diagnosis of IH was performed by CT scan, and the visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) at the level of the umbilicus were calculated using a 3D-image analysis system. Survival analysis was used to assess the incidence and risk factors of IH. A total of 626 patients (326 open, 300 laparoscopic) were included in this study, with median follow-up of 54 (range 2-97) months. Forty patients were diagnosed with postoperative IH, and the cumulative, 5-year incidence of IH was 7.3 %. Univariate analysis revealed that age, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, open laparotomy, wound infection, VFA, and SFA were significantly associated with incidence of IH. Multivariate analysis revealed that age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.043 (1.005-1.083), p = 0.027], open laparotomy [HR 4.410 (1.018-19.095), p = 0.047], and SFA [HR 1.013 (1.004-1.022), p = 0.005] were significant risk factors for developing IH. Higher age and SFA, along with open surgery, are risk factors for developing IH.

Visceral obesity, not elevated BMI, is strongly associated with incisional hernia after colorectal surgery.

High BMI is often used as a proxy for obesity and has been considered a risk factor for the development of an incisional hernia after abdominal surgery. However, BMI does not accurately reflect fat distribution. The purpose of this work was to investigate the relationship among different obesity measurements and the risk of incisional hernia. This was a retrospective cohort study. The study included a single academic institution in New York from 2003 to 2010. The study consists of 193 patients who underwent colorectal cancer resection. Preoperative CT scans were used to measure visceral fat volume, subcutaneous fat volume, total fat volume, and waist circumference. A diagnosis of incisional hernia was made either through physical examination in medical chart documentation or CT scan. Forty-one patients (21.2%) developed an incisional hernia. The median time to hernia was 12.4 months. After adjusting for patient and surgical characteristics using Cox regression analysis, visceral obesity (HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.07-3.91) and history of an inguinal hernia (HR 2.40, 95% CI 1.09-5.25) were significant risk factors for incisional hernia. Laparoscopic resection using a transverse extraction site led to a >75% reduction in the risk of incisional hernia (HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07-0.76). BMI > 30 kg/m was not significantly associated with incisional hernia development. Limitations include the retrospective design without standardized follow-up to detect hernias and the small sample size attributed to inadequate or unavailable CT scans. Visceral obesity, history of inguinal hernia, and location of specimen extraction site are significantly associated with the development of an incisional hernia, whereas BMI is poorly associated with hernia development. These findings suggest that a lateral transverse location is the incision site of choice and that new strategies, such as prophylactic mesh placement, should be considered in viscerally obese patients.

Incisional hernia in the elderly: Risk factors and clinical considerations

Objective: Ventral incisional hernia is a common complication of abdominal surgery. The marked improvements in medical technology and healthcare, lead to an increasing number of elderly patients to take advantage of even complex surgical procedures. The objective of this literature review was to analyze the risk factors for ventral incisional hernia in elderly patients and to identify measures that might decrease the incidence of this complication. Materials and methods: An analysis of the surgical literature was performed using the search engines EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PubMed with particular reference to elderly patients using the keywords: abdominal hernia, wound dehiscence, incisional hernia, incidence, trocar site hernia, and hernia prevention. Results: In our opinion the risk factors for incisional hernia should be separately considered. First those related to the patients and to the abdominal surgery and, in addition, those related to the surgery of the abdominal wall defects. Conclusions: Reparative surgery of the abdominal wall, to date uniquely characterized by the use of the mesh, should be considered an additional risk factor for the occurrence of incisional hernia. However, the low incarceration risk, the risk of recurrence, the relevant rate of postoperative pain and discomfort and complications associated with mesh repair, as small bowel obstruction, mesh infection, and entero-cutaneous fistula, suggest that the general indication for surgical treatment of incisional hernias, in a symptomatic or oligosymptomatic elderly patients, should be critically reconsidered in order to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Incidence of and risk factors for incisional hernia after abdominal surgery.

Few larger studies have estimated the incidence of incisional hernia (IH) after abdominal surgery. Patients who had abdominal surgery between November 2009 and February 2011 were included in the study. The incidence rate and risk factors for IH were monitored for at least 180 days. A total of 4305 consecutive patients were registered. Of these, 378 were excluded because of failure to complete follow-up and 3927 patients were analysed. IH was diagnosed in 318 patients. The estimated incidence rates for IH were 5·2 per cent at 12 months and 10·3 per cent at 24 months. In multivariable analysis, wound classification III and IV (hazard ratio (HR) 2·26, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·52 to 3·35), body mass index of 25 kg/m(2) or higher (HR 1·76, 1·35 to 2·30), midline incision (HR 1·74, 1·28 to 2·38), incisional surgical-site infection (I-SSI) (HR 1·68, 1·24 to 2·28), preoperative chemotherapy (HR 1·61, 1·08 to 2·37), blood transfusion (HR 1·46, 1·04 to 2·05), increasing age by 10-year interval (HR 1·30, 1·16 to 1·45), female sex (HR 1·26, 1·01 to 1·59) and thickness of subcutaneous tissue for every 1-cm increase (HR 1·18, 1·03 to 1·35) were identified as independent risk factors. Compared with superficial I-SSI, deep I-SSI was more strongly associated with the development of IH. Although there are several risk factors for IH, reducing I-SSI is an important step in the prevention of IH. UMIN000004723 (University Hospital Medical Information Network, http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm).