title: The use of polypropylene mesh in midline incision closure following gastric by-pass surgery reduces the risk of postoperative hernia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Incisional hernia is a common problem following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report the preliminary results of nonrandomized prophylactic use of polypropylene mesh in a group of 60 consecutive patients. The patients with highest body mass index, and/or history of abdominal hernias and profound liver damage had abdominal wall reinforced with mesh during an operation. A year later the wound was assessed in all patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In standard wound closure group (n=48) incisional hernia was found in 9 cases (20%). None of the patients with inserted mesh (n=12) developed hernia. The length of hospital stay in mesh group was similar to that in the nonmesh group and shorter than in patients with hernia occurrence. Mesh insertion was complicated with wound discharge in three patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In our opinion prophylactic use of polypropylene mesh in bariatric patients is highly effective in postoperative hernia prevention.
authors.affiliation: Department of General and Transplant Surgery, Barlicki University Hospital No 1, Medical University of Lodz, Kopcinskiego 22, Poland. davidst@polbox.com
authors.forename: Janusz
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Strzelczyk
authors.forename: Leszek
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Czupryniak
authors.forename: Jerzy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Loba
authors.forename: Janusz
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wasiak
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000713:Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006547:Hernia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000601:surgery*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D013526:Surgical Mesh
chemical_list: D011126:Polypropylenes