title: [Long-term results after Spitzy's umbilical hernia repair].
abstract: A total of 140 patients presenting with umbilical hernia underwent Spitzy's operation and were included in a retrospective study to analyse the recurrence rate. The patients received a questionnaire and were invited for a physical examination including ultrasound. Participation included 108 patients (follow-up 77%). A total of seven patients (6.5%) developed postoperative wound infections. Prolonged postoperative impairment was mentioned by nine patients (8.3%). After a mean period of 16 days, the patients were able to continue their occupation, and after 27 days, they could manage their usual physical activity. The recurrence rate was 13.0%. The risk for a recurrence correlated with the relative bodyweight. In the group with a body-mass-index (BMI) of less than 30, the recurrence rate was 8.1 %, whereas 31.8% of the patients with a BMI of more than 30 developed a recurrent hernia. The size of the hernial orifice also had an influence on the postoperative result. In patients with a hernial gap smaller than 1 cm the recurrence rate was 6.3%, with hernia orifices from 1 to 2 cm the rate was 4.1%, from 2 to 3 cm 14.3%, from 3 to 4 cm 25.0% and in patients with hernial gaps greater than 4 cm the rate of recurrences was 54.5%. Considering these results,we recommend the use of alloplastic material for umbilical hernia repair for patients with a BMI greater than 30.0 and hernia orifice larger than 3 cm. The decision for use of a mesh in hernial gaps from 2 to 3 cm should depend on individual factors.
authors.affiliation: Chirurgische Universitätsklinik der RWTH Aachen. oliver.schumacher@post.rwth-aachen.de
authors.forename: O P
authors.initials: OP
authors.lastname: Schumacher
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Peiper
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lörken
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Schumpelick
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006554:Hernia, Umbilical / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D014463:Ultrasonography