Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is feasible and safe after liver transplantation.
BACKGROUND
Incisional hernia is a common complication after liver transplantation. The current study evaluated incidence and risk factors for incisional hernia and compared laparoscopic and open hernia repair in terms of feasibility and outcome.


METHODS
A cohort of 225 patients was prospectively investigated. The median follow-up period was 61 months (range, 6-186 months). The study cohort had 31 patients who underwent open repair and 13 who underwent laparoscopic repair.


RESULTS
Incisional hernia, found in 57 patients (25%), had occurred after a median of 17 months (range, 5-138 months). The significant risk factors were male gender (p = 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m(2) (p = 0.002). A trend toward a lower recurrence rate (15% vs 35%; p = 0.28) and fewer surgical complications (15% vs 19%; p = 0.99) was found in the laparoscopic group.


CONCLUSIONS
Incisional hernia is a frequent complication after liver transplantation. Associated risk factors are male gender and a BMI greater than 25 kg/m(2). Laparoscopic hernia repair for such patients is feasible and safe.
Kurmann
Anita
A
Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital University Hospital Bern and University Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
Beldi
Guido
G
Vorburger
Stephan A
SA
Seiler
Christian A
CA
Candinas
Daniel
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome