title: Retrorectus prosthetic mesh repair of midline abdominal hernia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Midline abdominal hernia is a common problem seen by the general surgeon. Recurrence rates are as high as 49% when an autogenous repair is performed, and as high as 11% when prosthetic mesh is used as a "bridge" or "onlay."
  
  
  METHODS
  This study analyzes results of midline abdominal hernia repair in 106 cases using prosthetic mesh, in the retrorectus position, as described by Stoppa and Wantz. Charts were reviewed, patient satisfaction determined by telephone interview, and recurrence rate by physician examination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Major systemic complications occurred in 17%. There were no deaths. Eighteen percent developed a wound complication, requiring a return to the operating room in 5%. There were three recurrences (3.5%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Retrorectus placement of prosthetic mesh in the repair of midline abdominal hernia is effective and compares favorably with other methods. Significant complications are low, recurrence is rare, and patient satisfaction is high.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Pacific Medical Center, Seattle, Washington 98144, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McLanahan
authors.forename: L T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Weems
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Novotney
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D012008:Recurrence; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000009:adverse effects