Different techniques for mesh application give the same abdominal muscle strength.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigates abdominal muscle strength after surgery for giant hernia with the onlay, sublay or intraperitoneal (IPOM) method. Theoretically, placement of the mesh may result in different possibilities regarding function and postoperative physical activity related to abdominal muscle function.


METHODS
Twenty-four patients operated for large ventral hernias using the onlay, sublay or IPOM technique were evaluated 1 year following surgery for abdominal wall strength using Biodex system 4.


RESULTS
Despite the different surgical techniques used, no differences were observed in abdominal wall strength between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The postoperative strength of abdominal wall muscles is independent of the method used for reconstruction of large abdominal wall hernia, and the choice of surgical technique should be directed by anatomical circumstances.
Department of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
M
M
Johansson
U
U
Gunnarsson
K
K
Strigård
D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D059685:Herniorrhaphy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods