Clinical Study and Management of the Incisional Hernia: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Incisional hernia is the most frequent post-operative complication following abdominal surgery. Several studies have shown that incisional hernias have different etiologies that are related to the patient, the surgical technique, the suture material, and the experience of the surgeon.
Aim: This study aims to study various factors leading to the development of this condition and surgical techniques practiced to repair the incisional hernia.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at Government Headquarters Hospital, Ramanathapuram, inpatient underwent surgery for incisional hernia. Data on clinical examination, type of operative procedure, and post-operative complications were collected.
Results: Eighteen cases underwent surgery for an incisional hernia, female predominance, and age group of 31-40 years were common, the common previous surgery was laparotomy (56%), the common surgical incision is median vertical (50%). About 28% of patients had post-operative pain, 22% of patients had seroma, and 17% of patients had wound infection, no mesh-related infection noted in our study.
Conclusion: In incisional hernias, the choice of operative technique is crucial. Incisional hernias occur more often in females as they are more likely to undergo lower abdominal surgeries. Mesh repair is considered superior to anatomical repair alone and we recommend laparoscopic hernioplasty as the first line of treatment.