Long-term results of 186 patients with large incisional abdominal wall hernia treated by intraperitoneal mesh

Massive incisional abdominal wall hernias are frequent and difficult to repair, especially when they are large, multiply recurrent and when associated high with risk factors. We report the long-term results of 192 hernia repairs (in 186 patients) by non-resorbable mesh placed intraperitoneally and fixed by fascia stapler. We describe the details of the technique. There were no deaths. Early and late wound infections occurred in 11.7%, late occlusions in 6.3% and recurrence in 16%. Four percent of patients required removal of the mesh. The main caracteristic of this study was the long follow-up period (mean duration = 77 months). In view of the good results (70%), simplicity and quite execution of this technique, intraperitoneal mesh placement should be considered in the repair of large hernias when a prothesis is required.