Prabhakar Jenna1, Satya Srinivas P2
BACKGROUND
An incisional hernia is a type of hernia that involves the incomplete healing of a surgical wound. Treatments for an incisional hernia require surgical intervention. Prevention of an incisional hernia depends on a number of factors. Surgeons are expected to use effective surgical techniques to minimise complications. The aim of the study is to analyse the various aetiological factors for incisional hernia, therapeutic modalities of treatment and immediate postoperative complications.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a prospective study, which has been carried out in the Department of Surgery for a period of 2 years. A total of 50 cases of incisional hernia were studied with follow up period varying from 6 months to 18 months. Patients were evaluated for risk factors causing incisional hernia. All the cases were operated and procedure adopted was anatomical repair or mesh repair. The immediate postoperative complications, recurrence was recorded and analysed.
RESULTS
Incisional hernia was seen in 21.55% of all hernias operated. Incisional hernia is more common in females with mean age of 40.7 years. Most of the cases (68%) present with abdominal swelling with previous history of gynaecological surgeries in 64% of cases. Incisional hernia was common in the infraumbilical region. 84% of hernia occurred within 3 years of surgery. Wound infection, obesity and respiratory diseases were the commonest risk factors. Postoperative complications were less with mesh repair combined with closed suction drains. There is no recurrence or mortality in the present study.
CONCLUSION
Mesh repair results in less postoperative complications than anatomical repair for incisional hernia provided drains are used with meticulous aseptic techniques.
