Repair of large midline incisional hernias with polypropylene mesh: Comparison of three operative techniques

Polypropylene mesh is widely used for the reconstruction of incisional hernias that cannot be closed primarily. Several techniques have been advocated to implant the mesh. The objective of this study was to evaluate, retrospectively, early and late results of three different techniques, onlay, inlay, and underlay. The records of 53 consecutive patients with a large midline incisional hernia — 25 women and 28 men, mean age 60.4 (range 28–94) — were reviewed. Polypropylene mesh was implanted using the onlay technique in 13 patients, inlay in 23 patients, and underlay in 17 patients. Either the greater omentum or a polyglactin mesh was interponated between the mesh and the viscera. The records of these 53 patients were reviewed with respect to: size and cause of the hernia, pre- and postoperative mortality and morbidity, with special attention to wound complications. Patients were invited to attend the outpatient clinic at least 12 months after implantation of the mesh for physical examination of the abdominal wall. Postoperative complications occurred in 14 (26.4%) patients. The onlay technique had significantly more complications, as compared to both other techniques. Reherniation occurred in 15 (28.3%) patients. The reherniation rate of the inlay technique was significantly higher than after the underlay technique (44% vs 12%, P=0.03) and tended to be higher than the onlay technique (44% vs 23%, P=0.22). Repair of large midline incisional hernias with the use of a polypropylene mesh carries a high risk of complications and has a high reherniation rate. The underlay technique seems to be the better technique.     

Use of polypropylene mesh for incisional hernia repair

Incisional hernia is an important complication of abdominal surgery. Procedures for the repair of these hernias with sutures and with mesh have been reported, but there is no consensus about which type of procedure is best. We have performed a retrospective analysis on 1014 patients operated on in our unit between 1994 and 2003 for simple or recurrent incisional hernias. The polypropylene mesh has been used in a number of 107 patients. The mesh has been placed either intraperitoneal, extraperitoneal/subfascial or onlay. Median follow-up was 36 months. There were 1 enterocutaneous fistula and 5 wound sinus developed. The mesh had to be removed in 6 cases. All of these complication developed when the mesh has been placed either extraperitoneal/subfascial or onlay. We note 5 recurrent incisional hernias after a period of up to 24 months. The recurrence rates after open mesh repair are less then after primary closure. The intraperitoneal use of polypropylene mesh with omental coverage is a good procedure with less complications.     

Intraperitoneal polypropylene mesh support of incisional herniorraphy

Polypropylene mesh (Marlex) is well accepted for use in the peritoneum. Incisional hernias can be effectively repaired by anchoring Marlex intraperitoneally with a series of U sutures. These sutures pass through the normal body wall which remains after excision of the hernia sac and overlying attenuated fascia. When the sutures are taken up, an impenetrable diaphragm of Marlex is drawn into place beneath the abdominal wall defect. The defect itself is closed with other sutures. Only 2 of 25 patients had recurrences, and each recurrence came past the edge of the mesh. This operation is recommended for the repair of incisional hernias.     

Incisional hernia—comparison of mesh repair with Cardiff repair: an university hospital experience

Background: Incisional hernia is a frequent complication of abdominal surgery. Various types of repair are recommended for incisional hernia. Suture and mesh repair are compared in the present study. Method: One hundred seventy one patients with incisional hernia underwent Cardiff repair (far and near sutures with reinforcement sutures) which was used as an open suture repair while onlay polypropylene mesh was used in the mesh repair technique. Result: Cardiff repair was performed in 116 patients with no mortality with recurrence in two patients with mean follow up of 7.1 years. Both these patients with recurrence had a defect measuring more than 10 cm in width. Mesh repair was carried out in 55 patients with no recurrence in mean follow up of 37 months. Seroma formation was noted in 7 (12.72%) with mesh repair as compared to 4 (3.44%) patients with Cardiff repair. Conclusion: We recommend Cardiff repair for primary and small to medium size incisional hernias. Onlay polypropylene mesh is ideal for tension-free hernia repair, recurrent incisional hernia and hernia defects wider than 10 cm.     

Open Onlay Mesh Repair for Major Abdominal Wall Hernias with Selective Use of Components Separation and Fibrin Sealant

Background The objective of the study was to reassess the efficacy of the open onlay technique for repair of major incisional hernias, utilizing the modern adjuncts of components separation and fibrin sealant to reduce the principal complications of seroma and recurrence. Major incisional hernias were defined as >10 cm transverse diameter. Methods A prospective audit was applied to 116 patients undergoing open onlay incisional hernia repair during a 2-year period at a single institution. Information was collected concerning operative details, postoperative complications, and recurrence. Clinical review at a median 15.2 months postoperatively was followed by a telephoned structured questionnaire to assess quality of life. All patients with pain or suspected recurrence were recalled for examination. Results Fascial closure required components separation in 21 (18.1%) patients when tension-free fascia reconstruction was not possible, and fibrin sealant was applied in 22 (18.9%) in whom extensive skin flaps were dissected beyond the semilunar line. Postoperatively, there were 11 (9.5%) seromas and 2 (1.7%) deep wound infections. At 15.2 months’ follow-up there were 4 (3.4%) recurrences. Conclusions Open onlay mesh repair for major incisional hernias is a versatile operation applicable to all quadrants of the abdominal wall and gives excellent results when used in association with components separation and fibrin sealant.     

Primary closure of laparotomies with high risk of incisional hernia using prosthetic material: analysis of usefulness

Incisional hernia continues to be a serious postoperative complication in abdominal surgery. We present a prospective randomised study to evaluate the usefulness of placement of a supra-aponeurotic polypropylene mesh in the primary closure of laparotomies with a high risk of incisional hernia. Closure of a vertical laparotomy in 100 patients was accomplished with continuous suture using non-reabsorbable material, with placement of a polypropylene mesh on the aponeurotic surface in 50 patients. Three years after surgery, five patients in the group without the mesh had suffered incisional hernia. No incisional hernia was detected in the group in which closure was made using the mesh (P=0.02). Use of prosthetic material (polypropylene mesh) in the primary closure of laparotomies with a high risk of incisional hernia is useful for reduction of the rate of incisional hernias.     

Randomized clinical trial of suture repair, polypropylene mesh or autodermal hernioplasty for incisional hernia

BACKGROUND: Since conventional suture repair for incisional hernia is associated with high recurrence rates, alloplastic and autoplastic prosthetic techniques have been suggested. METHODS: In a randomized trial, 160 patients with simple or complex hernias underwent either suture repair, autodermal skin graft or onlay polypropylene mesh repair. Suture repair was not done in complex hernias. This report concerns a planned interim analysis. RESULTS: At mean follow-up of 16 months, there were 17 hernia recurrences that were distributed similarly between the surgical techniques. There were fewer infectious complications after suture repair (three of 33 patients) than after skin graft or mesh repair (seven of 39 and five of 28 for simple hernias; seven of 31 and ten of 29 respectively for complex hernias) (P not significant). The severity of infections after polypropylene mesh implantation prompted the trial committee to discontinue the study. No differences were noted in duration of stay in hospital and quality of life. However, pain was significantly more frequent after polypropylene mesh repair (pooled risk ratio 2.9 and 1.8 at 6 weeks and 1 year respectively). CONCLUSION: Suture repair was safe for small incisional hernias. Both autoplastic and alloplastic hernia repair yielded comparably low recurrence rates, but led to a high rate of wound infection.     

Repair of massive septic abdominal wall defects with Marlex mesh

Marlex mesh was used to close the abdominal wall defect in six patients with septic wound dehiscence and intra-abdominal infection. The mesh was implanted under local anesthesia and served as a protective covering for the bowel and allowed early ambulation, including prone positioning of the patient for easier wound care. In four surviving patients, the Marlex mesh was covered by full thickness skin flaps after granulation tissue had covered the material. No patients had infected sinus tract formation or extrusion. Two patients had incisional hernias develop when the Marlex mesh was not sutured to the abdominal wall permanently. The use of Marlex mesh to cover infected defects in the abdominal wall when primary closure cannot be accomplished is suggested by our experience.     

Erfahrung in der Narbenhernienchirurgie

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernia surgery in Germany is changing from conventional techniques to mesh implantation. The relevance of different factors such as surgical technique, mesh material, and patient-related parameters concerning the outcome following mesh repair is still under debate. METHODS: In a comparative retrospective study of 432 incisional hernia operations on 348 patients we analyzed 11 autodermic hernioplasties, 241 Mayo procedures,and 180 mesh repairs over a 25-year time period.In addition to the quality of life following mesh implantation,the prognostic relevance of demographic, pre- and intraoperative parameters, surgical technique, mesh material, and the surgeon's experience were subjected to both univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 9.7+/-8.8 years, the rate of major complications following mesh repair was 9% in contrast to 3% after the Mayo procedure (p=0.091). The sublay technique revealed less complications compared to the onlay procedure (p=0.016). The total recurrence rate following the overlapping Mayo repair was 37% in contrast to 15% after mesh implantation (p=0.001), with a significant superiority of the sublay technique over the inlay technique (p=0.043). The rate of recurrences and complications after autodermic hernioplasty was 72% and 36%,respectively. After mesh repair, 86% of the patients were better satisfied with the results after Marlex mesh compared to GoreTex (p=0.016). Mesh size was the only significant prognostic factor concerning quality of life following mesh implantation. The complication rate was determined significantly by the patients' risk factors, size of hernia, surgical technique, and the surgeon's experience, whereas the rate of recurrences was significantly influenced by the parameters obesity (BMI >25), size of hernia,and surgical experience. The recurrence rate decreased significantly with the surgeon's experience: a minimum of 16 mesh repairs led to a recurrence rate of less than 10%. CONCLUSIONS: Only the mesh repair revealed acceptable recurrence rates with high patient comfort. The sublay technique is superior to onlay concerning the complication rate, whereas the autodermic hernioplasty and inlay techniques are obsolete. The material of choice is polypropylene. The most important prognostic factor following mesh repair is the surgeon's experience.     

Knitted polypropylene (Marlex) mesh in the repair of incisional hernias

In 50 consecutive patients, large incisional hernias or those difficult to manage were repaired by suture imbrication of the hernial sac and extrafascial onlay fixation of Marlex mesh. Seromas developed in three and wound infection in two. The use of closed suction drains for all patients and antibiotic prophylaxis before and after operation for patients with antecedent wound infections may prevent these complications. In the follow-up period (mean of 2.6 years), lateral recurrence of the hernias occurred in three patients, but there has been no recurrence in the last 2 years. The method of repair is simple and effective.     

生物补片一期修复污染状态下的腹壁疝和腹壁缺损

目的：评价生物补片用于污染或感染状态下腹壁缺损一期修复的安全性和有效性。方法 2010年4月以来17例腹壁缺损手术均因肠外瘘或肠造口、切口感染或同时肠道手术等原因而处于感染或污染状态：切口疝6例,腹股沟嵌顿疝1例,肠外瘘8例、直肠癌柱状切除术2例。腹壁缺损范围在(3 cm ×2 cm)～(6 cm×17 cm),均采用...     

Regeneration of Abdominal Wall Aponeurosis: New Dimension in Marlex Peritoneal Sandwich Repair of Incisional Hernia

Loss of abdominal wall substance is a major cause of incisional hernia formation. It makes repair of this iatrogenic human ailment a difficult surgical problem. The abdominal wall substance loss has compelled the world's surgical community dealing with this condition to substantiate the repair with extra material such as skin, fascia, wire mesh, and lately biocompatible synthetic mesh. Even though the synthetic mesh is compatible and well tolerated by body tissues, it is not without complications. Regenerative repair in the region of the abdominal wall with substance loss is probably the best repair if it can be achieved. With reasonable success in animal experiments and the positive regenerative capacity of stem cells to transform the peritoneum into an aponeurotic layer, the new technique using a Marlex peritoneal sandwich for repair of large incisional hernias was attempted but was not reported in the article published in the World Journal of Surgery in 1991. The present study is based on experiments on seven mongrel dogs. A suitable embryonal segment of autogenous peritoneum was excised and transfered to the rectus sheath region. The gross appearance of the grafted membrane 3 months after operation revealed tough, thick tissue formation. The histology confirmed the presence of collagen fiber tissue in layers similar to the aponeurosis in the grafted peritoneal membrane. The use of this regeneration in the Marlex peritoneal sandwich technique of repair of large incisional hernias and the scientific rationale of tissue regeneration by desired metaplasia is discussed.     

Übersicht und aktuelle Trends in der Narbenhernienchirurgie

Incisional hernias occur in 5-10% of patients who have undergone laparotomy and are associated with high morbidity and significant socioeconomic costs. Techniques for reinforcing and/or replacing the abdominal wall with alloplastic meshes have reduced the recurrence rate in comparison to suture techniques from about 40% to less than 10%. A number of mesh types and surgical repair procedures are available, namely the onlay, inlay, sublay, underlay, and intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) techniques. Evolving strategies include precise criteria for incorporating patient body type, risk factors for recurrence, hernia morphology, and the available biomaterials into the planning of the surgical approach. The authors herein present an overview of the current surgical trends, focusing on mesh reinforcement (sublay technique) and mesh replacement (IPOM technique). Additionally, they review a classification of incisional hernias that is self-explanatory, practicable in routine clinical practice, and based on the cornerstones of morphology, hernia size, and risk factors for recurrence. Evidence for the indications and limitations of the main surgical repair techniques are illustrated and discussed.     

Health-related quality of life in patients treated for incisional hernia with an onlay technique

Background  

An incisional hernia is a frequent complication of abdominal surgery. The repair of incisional hernias comes with a high risk of reherniation and serious complications. With the introduction of mesh repair, recurrence rates have decreased and subsequent clinical outcomes have improved. Whereas further research needs to be done to improve complication rates and recurrence, the focus has now been placed on quality-of-life outcomes in patients undergoing these repairs. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients who were treated for incisional hernias using an onlay technique.     

Components separation technique utilizing an intraperitoneal biologic and an onlay lightweight polypropylene mesh: “a sandwich technique”

Purpose

Reconstruction of large, complex abdominal wall hernias is an ongoing challenge. Primary closure of such hernias is often not possible. The components separation technique (CST) is a practical option, however, recurrence rates remain unacceptably high. In an attempt to reduce recurrences, we added a biologic underlay mesh and a lightweight polypropylene onlay mesh to the traditional CST.

Methods

Patients with a large hernia defect with or without multiple recurrences were selected to undergo a CST augmented with an acellular porcine dermal collagen mesh underlay. Following midline abdominal closure, a lightweight, large-pore polypropylene onlay mesh was fixed to the abdominal fascia. The skin and subcutaneous layers were closed over two sump drains and two closed suction drains.

Results

Fifty-one patients underwent a mesh-reinforced CST from May 2006 to June 2010. The study population averaged 57.9 ± 1.5 years of age with 24 males and 27 females, BMI of 34.3 ± 0.9 kg/m², ASA score of 2.62 ± 0.08, 29 % were smokers, 29 % were diabetic, and 69 % had at least one previous abdominal wall hernia repair. Operative time averaged 196.5 ± 7.2 min with a blood loss of 318 ± 24 mL, and average hernia defect size of 301 ± 31 cm². Length of follow-up averaged 20.6 ± 2.1 months; surgical site occurrences were identified in 39 %, most commonly from skin necrosis. Hernia recurrence rate was 3.9 %.

Conclusions

Repair of large, complex abdominal wall hernias by CST augmented with a biologic underlay mesh and a lightweight polypropylene onlay mesh results in lower recurrence rates compared to historical reports of CST alone.     

Prosthetic repair of incisional hernia in kidney transplant patients. A technique with onlay polypropylene mesh

The employment of synthetic mesh for incisional hernia repair in kidney-transplanted patients is rarely reported in the present literature. Many authors believe that mesh employment in such conditions is not safe due to fear of mesh related complications. From 1965 through 1999, a total of 1685 kidney transplants were performed at our Kidney Transplant Unit and 19 patients developed eventrations in the kidney transplant incision, an incidence of 1.1%. From September 1996 eight of these patients had prosthetic repair of the abdominal wall with onlay polypropylene mesh. All patients were under immunosuppressive therapy with prednisone, ciclosporine and azathioprine. Mean age was 48.8 years, mean body mass index was 22.5 and mean number of previous abdominal operations was 2.5. A large polypropylene mesh (Marlex^® mesh) was fixed over the aponeurosis after primary closure of the aponeurotic borders, as an onlay graft. There was neither morbidity nor mortality associated to the surgical procedure. No recurrences or long-term complications associated with mesh employment were verified after a follow-up ranging from one year to three years. We concluded that prosthetic repair of incisional hernia in transplanted patients can be performed routinely.     

Operative Therapie der Narbenhernie

Secondary ventral hernia or incisional hernia occurs in at least 20?% of cases after laparotomy and most patients are symptomatic. The pathogenesis of incisional hernia is believed to be based on a defect in collagen synthesis indicating the necessity of covering the whole original incision with a non-resorbable, macroporous mesh. These meshes can be used on top of the fascia (onlay), in a retromuscular fashion (sublay) or intraperitoneally (IPOM). The IPOM technique is the preferred procedure during laparoscopic repair of ventral hernias. The clear advantage of the laparoscopic approach is the dramatically reduced rate of wound complications, especially infections. Major defects of the abdominal wall require plastic reconstruction with the component separation technique in both anterior and posterior approaches. The component separation technique must be combined with retromuscular mesh augmentation enabling a recurrence rate of less than 10 % and an acceptable morbidity to be achieved.     

腹腔镜下腹腔内补片修补术治疗腹壁切口疝的临床研究

目的探讨腹腔镜下腹腔内补片修补术（IPOM）治疗腹壁切口疝的安全性及可行性。 方法回顾性分析2014-2019年中国人民解放军南部战区总医院对103例腹壁切口疝患者实施腹腔镜下IPOM的临床资料,观察其手术时间、术后排气时间、术后住院时间、并发症及复发情况。 结果103例患者均顺利完成手术,平均手术时间、术后排气时间及术后住院时间分别为（100±10）min、（40±8）h及（7.5±1.5）d。术中发现1例合并脐疝同时行脐疝修补,1例合并右侧腹股沟直疝同时行TAPP术,1例嵌顿性肠梗阻并肠坏死同时行肠切除吻合术。术后轻微并发症经短期治疗后痊愈,随访3~24个月,均无切口疝复发。 结论腹腔镜下IPOM治疗腹壁切口疝具有安全、有效、创伤小、可发现隐匿疝、术后康复快、能降低并发症、缩短住院时间、复发率低等优点。     

Effectiveness of porcine dermal collagen in giant hernia closure in patients with deleterious fascia constitution after orthotopic liver transplantation

Incisional hernias (IHs) occur universally after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of porcine dermal collagen (PDC) as a closing aid in giant hernias after OLT in a prospective trial. If direct closure (DC) was not feasible due to the hernia size and abdominal wall constitution, a PDC mesh was implanted. All patients from the PDC and DC groups were followed prospectively for 24 months. IH recurrence rates served as the primary endpoint, and the development of infections and wound healing disorders served as the secondary endpoints. Recurrence rate was 21% (4/19) in DC patients and 12% (2/16) in PDC patients (P = 0.045). Implant site infections occurred in five of PDC and one of DC patients (P < 0.05). All of them were managed with antibiotics; two of the PDC patients required surgical drainage. Histological analysis of PDC mesh biopsies indicated good angiogenesis and integration of the PDC into the abdominal wall. PDC was effective in our study for incisional hernia repair, and our results compared favourably with those of patients in whom direct hernia closure was feasible.     

Incisional Hernia in Recipients of Adult to Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation

Background

After receiving a living donor liver transplant (LDLT), an incisional hernia is a potentially serious complication that can affect the patient’s quality of life. In the present study we evaluated surgical hernia repair after LDLT.

Materials and methods

Medical records of patients who underwent surgery to repair an incisional hernia after LDLT in Turgut Ozal Medical Center between October 2006 and January 2010 were evaluated in this retrospective study. A reverse-T incision was made for liver transplantation. The hernias were repaired with onlay polypropylene mesh. Age, gender, post-transplant relaparatomy, the type, the result of surgery for the incisional hernia, and risk factors for developing incisional hernia were evaluated.

Results

An incisional hernia developed in 44 of 173 (25.4 %) patients after LDLT. Incisional hernia repair was performed in 14 of 173 patients (8.1 %) who underwent LDLT from October 2006 to January 2010. Relaparatomy was associated with incisional hernia (p = 0.0002). The mean age at the time of the incisional hernia repair was 51 years, and 79 % of the patients were men. The median follow-up period was 19.2 (13–36) months after the hernia repair. Three patients with intestinal incarceration underwent emergency surgery to repair the hernia. Partial small bowel resection was required in one patient. Postoperative complications included seroma formation in one patient and wound infection in another. There was no recurrence of hernia during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

The incidence of incisional hernia after LDLT was 25.4 % in this study. Relaparatomy increases the probability of developing incisional hernia in recipients of LDLT. According to the results of the study, repair of an incisional hernia with onlay mesh is a suitable option.