Operative treatment of ventral hernia using prosthetic materials.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to summarize the clinical experiences in repairing abdominal incisional hernia with prosthetic materials.


METHODS
Eighty-three patients with ventral hernia were analyzed retrospectively.


RESULTS
Two patients developed pulmonary infection, one developed adhesive ileus, and five developed wound infection. All wounds healed completely during follow-up. Seventy-three (88%) patients were free of pain, and ten patients (12%) felt pain in the operated area within the last month; only one patient required pain-relieving drugs. Twenty-nine patients (35%) felt discomfort, such as stiffness. Four cases experienced postoperative recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
Incisional herniorrhaphy with prosthetic materials is safe and effective but has a high discomfort rate. Open giant incisional hernia or recurrent incisional hernia should be performed by trained surgeons. Placing mesh in a suitable position and using a patch with minimal reaction and enough tensile strength may improve the prognosis. Further studies are necessary utilizing light polypropylene mesh.
Han
J G
JG
Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8 Baijiazhuang Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020, China. hjg512@hotmail.com
Ma
S Z
SZ
Song
J K
JK
Wang
Z J
ZJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003188:Composite Resins; D005260:Female; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003188:Composite Resins; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene