The Effect of Talc Powder on Seroma Formation Following Incisional Hernia Repair Surgery with Mesh

Abstract

Background: Seroma formation is one of the complications after incisional hernia repair with mesh. We hypothesized that application of talc powder before skin closure in patients undergoing tension-free incisional hernia repair by mesh would decrease seroma formation after surgery. Method: A multi-centric, double-blind randomized controlled trial of 120 consecutive patients who underwent incisional hernia repair with onlay technique, and randomly assigned into 'mesh' group and 'mesh plus talc' group between 2016 and 2019. Results: Patient demographic characteristics did not differ significantly. Seroma formation was the main complication after surgery. There was statistically significant difference between the groups concerning seroma formation (20% in mesh group vs. 1.6% in mesh plus talc group, p<0.05), and length of drainage (4.08 days in mesh group vs. 2.02 days in mesh plus talc group, p<0.05). Post-operative complications including cellulitis, wound infection, intra-abdominal abscess, nausea and vomiting, and hypersensitivity were significantly different between two groups. Conclusion: Application of talc powder after mesh fixation to the fascia is safe in incisional hernia repair surgery to prevent seroma formation and reduce the duration of drainage.

Keywords

• incisional hernia
• seroma
• talc powder
• mesh repair