Incisional hernias in midline incisions: An eight-year follow up

Summary The aim of this study was to report the incidence of incisional hernias following midline laparotomy incisions after 12 months and after 8 years. 374 patients who underwent midline laparotomy between August 1989 and December 1990 were included. The wounds were closed with a continuous suture and the technique was monitored by the suture length to wound length ratio. The incidence of incisional hernia, defined as a palpable defect in the fascia or a protrusion beyond this level, was monitored at 12 months and after 8 years. Early wound dehiscence occurred in 3 patients (1%) and wound infection in 32 (9%). At the 12-month examination 58 (20%) incisional hernias were detected in 292 patients. After 8 years 142 patients were examined and 5 (3%) hernias were found. All hernias that caused inconvenience or required surgical repair were detected at 12 months follow-up. Most hernias appearing later have probably been overlooked at the first examination.