Polypropylene mesh repair of incisional hernia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to report the results of tension-free repair of primary and recurrent incisional hernias using polypropylene (Prolene) mesh.

DESIGN: Descriptive Study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Combined Military Hospital, Kharian and Pano Aqil from January 1998 to September 2002.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients underwent tension-free repair of primary and recurrent incisional hernias with polypropylene mesh in extrafascial position. Nine of them had recurrent incisional hernias, 02 hernias were irreducible and 01 presented with acute intestinal obstruction. Ten patients had hernias in the midline incision, 04 at paramedian incision and rest of them had hernias on transverse abdominal incisions.

RESULTS: The mean age was 43.7 years. The only death occurred in a known cirrhotic presenting with obstructed hernia. Another patient was seen developing seroma and wound infection in one case. No recurrence was seen during the mean follow-up period of 2.2 years.

CONCLUSION: The tension-free repair of incisional hernia, with polypropylene mesh in extrafascial position, is safe and easy procedure with acceptable morbidity and no recurrence.