Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair after solid-organ transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LIHR) is efficacious in transplant recipients.


METHODS
Retrospective review.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Thirty-one transplant recipients who underwent LIHR between July 9, 2004, and October 27, 2005.


METHODS
Operative complications and incisional hernia recurrence.


RESULTS
The mean (SD) mesh size required for LIHR was 611 (307) cm2. Median (range) hospital stay was 4 (1-28) days, with follow-up of 589 (22-953) days. Eighteen patients developed a postoperative complication, most frequently seroma formation, which occurred in 13 patients (72%). The mesh size required for LIHR was significantly larger in patients with a postoperative complication (n = 18; 706 [319] cm2 vs n = 13; 480 [244] cm2; P = .04). Seroma formation was not associated with previous open hernia repair, diabetes mellitus, or corticosteroid use. No statistically significant relationship was noted between the transplanted organ and seroma development. There were no post-LIHR wound infections. In 7 patients (23%), hernia recurred.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair in solid-organ transplant recipients is associated with a high rate of seroma formation but minimal long-term morbidity. The recurrence rate after LIHR is equivalent to that after open hernia repair. These results suggest that LIHR is a safe and effective alternative to open repair in this patient population.
Kennealey
Peter T
PT
Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Johnson
Cynthia S
CS
Tector
A Joseph
AJ
Selzer
Don J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh