Postoperative complications of mesh hernioplasty for incisional hernia repair and factors affecting the occurrence of complications

Abstract

Context: Incisional hernia is one of the common postoperative complications of abdominal surgery. Mesh hernioplasty represents the standard of care for incisional hernia repair. Aims: We report our experience with the use of mesh for hernia repair, with respect to the postoperative complications and factors affecting the occurrence of complications. Settings and Design: Fifty four cases of incisional hernia presenting to the institute between April 2008 and September 2010 were included in the study. Materials and Methods: The predisposing risk factors were identified. Mesh hernioplasty was done by the onlay technique and the patients followed up for at least 6 months. Statistical Analysis Used: An association of complications with various risk factors was explored with chi-square test and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Results: Twenty four patients developed at least one complication, the most common being seroma (12 cases) and surgical site infection (9 cases). The factors that showed a significant relationship with the occurrence of complications were diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking, hypoproteinemia, advanced age, size of fascial defects, and number of defects. The recurrence rate was 3.7% (mean follow up: 13.05 months). Conclusions: Mesh hernioplasty gives acceptable results for incisional hernia repair. A sound understanding of the factors affecting the occurrence of complications and recurrence is required to improve the results of the procedure.

Keywords

• Incisional hernia
• mesh repair
• onlay repair
• postoperative complications