The use of polypropylene mesh in midline incision closure following gastric by-pass surgery reduces the risk of postoperative hernia.
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.
Strzelczyk
Janusz
J
Department of General and Transplant Surgery, Barlicki University Hospital No 1, Medical University of Lodz, Kopcinskiego 22, Poland. davidst@polbox.com
Czupryniak
Leszek
L
Loba
Jerzy
J
Wasiak
Janusz
J
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
D011126:Polypropylenes