Incisional hernias post cytoreductive surgery/peritonectomy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) is often combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for the treatment of peritoneal tumour deposits. Considering CRS, the evidence relating the large incisions, local chemotherapy and abdominal wall trauma to incisional hernias (IH) has not been synthesized. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the proportion of IH present in patients post CRS and the effect HIPEC had on these rates. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Registry of Trials were searched up to June 2023 to examine studies relating IH and CRS plus or minus HIPEC. The most up to date PRISMA guidelines were followed. Pertinent clinical information was synthesized in tabular form. A meta-analysis reporting the pooled proportions of IH post CRS plus or minus HIPEC, the odds of IH in HIPEC versus non-HIPEC CRS and the difference in follow-up time between groups was conducted. RESULTS: Nine studies comprising 1416 patients were included. The pooled proportion of IH post CRS was 12% (95% confidence interval (CI) 8-16%) in HIPEC and 7% (95% CI 4-10%) in non-HIPEC patients and 11% (95% CI 7-14%) overall. Previously reported rates of IH in midline laparotomy range from 10 to 30%. The odds of IH in the HIPEC was 1.9 times higher compared to non-HIPEC cohorts however this was not statistically significant (odds ratio (OR) 1.9, 95% 0.7-5.2; p = 0.21). There was no significant difference in average follow-up times between HIPEC and non-HIPEC cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: IH post CRS plus or minus HIPEC were in the expected range for midline laparotomies. IH in patients receiving HIPEC may occur at a greater proportion than in non-HIPEC patients, however, there were too few studies in our meta-analysis to determine this with statistical significance.

The Risk of Incarceration During Nonoperative Management of Incisional Hernias: A Population-based Analysis of 30,998 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to quantify the risk of incarceration of incisional hernias. BACKGROUND: Operative repair is the definitive treatment for incisional ventral hernias but is often deferred if the perceived risk of elective operation is elevated secondary to comorbid conditions. The risk of incarceration during nonoperative management (NOM) factors into shared decision making by patient and surgeon; however, the incidence of acute incarceration remains largely unknown. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of adult patients with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision or Tenth Revision diagnosis of incisional hernia was conducted from 2010 to 2017 in 15 hospitals of a single healthcare system. The primary outcome was incarceration necessitating emergent operation. The secondary outcome was 30-, 90-, and 365-day mortality. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine independent predictors of incarceration. RESULTS: Among 30,998 patients with an incisional hernia (mean age 58.1 ±â€Š15.9 years; 52.7% female), 23,022 (78.1%) underwent NOM of whom 540 (2.3%) experienced incarceration, yielding a 1- and 5-year cumulative incidence of 1.24% and 2.59%, respectively. Independent variables associated with incarceration included: age older than 40 years, female sex, current smoker, body mass index 30 or greater, and a hernia-related inpatient admission. All-cause mortality rates at 30, 90, and 365 days were significantly higher in the incarceration group at 7.2%, 10%, and 14% versus 1.1%, 2.3%, and 5.3% in patients undergoing successful NOM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Incarceration is an uncommon complication of NOM but is associated with a significant risk of death. Tailored decision making for elective repair and considering the aforementioned risk factors for incarceration provides an initial step toward mitigating the excess morbidity and mortality of an incarceration event.

Botulinum toxin to avoid component separation in midline large hernias.

BACKGROUND: The goal of our study was to compare results in patients with large midline incisional hernia using modified anterior component separation versus preoperative botulinum toxin and following Rives repair, with a focus on surgical site occurrences, possibility of fascial closure, duration of hospital stay, and hernia recurrence rate. METHODS: From to March 2016 to June 2019, a prospective comparative study was performed in 80 consecutive patients with large midline incisional hernias and hernia transverse diameters between 11 and 17 cm under elective hernia repair at our tertiary center. Two groups were analyzed prospectively: 40 patients with preoperative botulinum toxin administration and following open Rives repair (botulinum toxin group) were compared with 40 patients who underwent open component separation during that period (component separation group). RESULTS: All large midline incisional hernias were classified W3, with mean transverse and longitudinal defect diameters of 14.9 cm (11.8-16.5) and 24 cm (11-28), respectively. Complete fascial closure was possible in all patients in the preoperative botulinum toxin group. No complications occurred during the administration of preoperative botulinum toxin, but surgical site complications were most frequent in the component separation group, especially skin necrosis (12.5%, P = .020). At a median of 19.6 months (range, 11-35) of postoperative follow-up, 2 cases of hernia recurrence (8.9%) were reported, all of them in the component separation group. CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin allows getting a successful downstaging from surgical repair to Rives technique in patients with large midline incisional hernia, especially with hernia transverse diameters between 11 and 17 cm. These results contribute to minimize disadvantages associated to the anterior component separation.

[Application of computed tomography and abdominal pressure measurement in the treatment of giant incisional hernias]. / Számítógépes tomográfia és hasurinyomás-mérés alkalmazása az óriás medián hegsérvek kezelésében.

Introduction: Giant abdominal wall defects represent a major challenge for surgeons. CT scan can determine the ratio between the volume of the hernia sac and the abdominal cavity, determining the extent of the disproportion, which is related to the postoperative abdominal pressure value. Aim: Confirmation of the significance of CT examination in postoperative giant abdominal wall defects, effectiveness analysis of the reconstruction method by abdominal pressure measurement. Method: A prospective study is conducted on patients with giant incisional hernias, with preoperatively performed abdominal CT scan. Tension-free abdominal wall reconstruction is realized with retromuscular Prolene mesh and hernial sac. Abdominal pressure is measured during and after surgery. Patients' follow-up is performed through phone after 2-4-6 months. Results: We present our results through three cases. First case: 48-year-old woman presented a giant recurrent incisional hernia and multiple comorbidities. Maximum defect diameter was: 155 mm, hernia volume: 1536.63 cm3, BMI = 43.6. The patient was discharged after seven days. Second case: 51-year-old male patient presented with multilocular giant incisional hernia, BMI = 26,85. Maximum diameter of the two wall defects were 123 mm and 105 mm, their total volume: 406.41cm3. The patient was discharged after five days. Third case: A 67-year-old male patient presented with giant incisional hernia. The abdominal defect size was 100/100 mm (LL/CC), volume: 258.10 cm3, BMI = 23.7. The patient was discharged after four days. Conclusion: The proper surgical technique can be established based on the preoperative CT scan. Abdominal wall reconstruction with retromuscular Prolene mesh and hernial sac provides a cheap, reliable, tension-free technique. The technique's short-term efficacy can be determined by abdominal pressure measuring through the bladder. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(9): 347-353.

Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Incisional Hernia.

The pathophysiology underlying the formation, progression, and surgical healing of incisional hernia (IH) that develops as a major complication associated with abdominal laparotomy is poorly understood. The proposed mechanisms include the switch of collagen phenotype and the proliferation of abnormal fibroblasts after surgery. The focus of this article was to critically review the cellular, biochemical, and potential molecular events associated with the development of IH. The disturbance in collagen homeostasis with alterations in the expression of collagen subtypes, including type 1, type 3, type 4, and type 5, and impairment in the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts are discussed. The phenotype switch of wound-repair fibroblasts results in mechanically compromised extracellular matrix that triggers the proliferation of abnormal fibroblasts. High-mobility group box 1 could be involved in wound progression, whereas signaling events mediated by tumor necrosis factor ß1, connective tissue growth factor, lysyl oxidase, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 play significant role in the wound healing response. Thus, the ratio of tumor necrosis factorß1: high-mobility group box 1 could be a critical determinant of the underlying pathology. Potential target sites for therapeutic intervention in the management of IH are recognized.

[A watchful waiting strategy in ventral and inguinal hernias].

In male patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic ventral and inguinal hernias, a watchful waiting strategy should be considered. Even though one third to two thirds of these patients will eventually undergo hernia repair, they may still benefit from a watchful waiting strategy, as hernia repair is associated with a range of complications, e.g. wound infection, haematoma, seroma, fistulas and chronic pain. Delay of hernia repair in these patients is not associated with any significant increase in morbidity or mortality, and the risk of incarceration is very low.

Evaluation of inguinal vascular surgical scars treated with closed incisional negative pressure wound therapy using three-dimensional digital imaging-A randomized controlled trial on bilateral incisions.

PURPOSE OF THE INVESTIGATION: Scar formation is an important, permanent surrogate marker for wound healing. The main aim of this randomized trial was to evaluate the effects of incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) on scar formation in uncomplicated wound healing with 3-dimensional (3D) digital imaging. BASIC PROCEDURES: Patients undergoing bilateral inguinal incisions after vascular surgery were randomized to receive iNPWT and standard dressing on separate sides. The incisional scars were documented at a median time of 808 days (range 394-1194) after surgery with 3D photography, which were objectively evaluated by two plastic surgeons using the Stony Brook scar evaluation scale (SBSES) and a 10-point graded numeric ranking scale (NRS10). Subjective evaluation was performed with the patient observer scar assessment scale (POSAS). Patients with surgical site infection or other wound complications were excluded to minimize bias. The p-values were calculated using McNemar's and Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired nominal and paired continuous data, respectively. MAIN FINDINGS: Among 33 patients, 32 patients had undergone endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and 31 patients had transverse inguinal incisions. Objective and subjective scar evaluation showed no difference between iNPWT and standard dressing. In objective scorings, 18.8 and 21.9% received the highest possible SBSES total score in the iNPWT and standard dressing groups, while 43.8 and 37.5% received the highest possible NRS10 score, respectively. The inter-rater reliability between the two assessors for SBSES total score and NRS10 showed an intra-class correlation (ICC) of 0.78 and 0.68 for NPWT and 0.70 and 0.77 for traditional dressing, respectively. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSION: The present randomized trial showed that iNPWT and standard dressings on closed transverse inguinal incisions after EVAR resulted in equal subtle scar formation. Objective scar evaluation with 3D images showed good inter-rater agreement.

Non-operative treatment as a strategy for patients with parastomal hernia: a multicentre, retrospective cohort study.

AIM: Parastomal hernia is the most common complication following stoma construction. Surgical treatment is usually chosen over non-operative treatment, but a clear rationale for the choice of management is often lacking. This study aims to investigate the reasons for non-operative treatment, cross-over rates and postoperative complications. METHOD: A multicentre, retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients diagnosed with a parastomal hernia between January 2007 and December 2012 were included. Data on baseline characteristics, primary surgery and hernias were collected. For non-operative treatment, reasons for this treatment and cross-over rates were evaluated. For all patients undergoing surgery (surgical treatment and cross-overs), complication and recurrence rates were analysed. RESULTS: Of the 80 patients included, 42 (53%) were in the surgical treatment group and 38 (48%) in the non-operative treatment group. Median follow-up was 46 months (interquartile range 24-72). The reasons for non-operative treatment were absence of symptoms in 12 patients (32%), comorbidities in nine (24%) and patient preference in three (7.9%). In 14 patients (37%) reasons were not documented. Eight patients (21%) crossed over from non-operative treatment to surgical treatment, of whom one needed emergency surgery. In 23 patients (55%), parastomal hernia recurred after the original surgical treatment, of whom 21 (91%) underwent additional repair. CONCLUSION: Parastomal hernia repair is associated with high recurrence and additional repair rates. Non-operative treatment has a relatively low cross-over and emergency surgery rate. Given these data, non-operative treatment might be a better choice for patients without complaints or with comorbidities.

Recovery after abdominal wall reconstruction.

Incisional hernia is a common long-term complication to abdominal surgery, occurring in more than 20% of all patients. Some of these hernias become giant and affect patients in several ways. This patient group often experiences pain, decreased perceived body image, and loss of physical function, which results in a need for surgical repair of the giant hernia, known as abdominal wall reconstruction. In the current thesis, patients with a giant hernia were examined to achieve a better understanding of their physical and psychological function before and after abdominal wall reconstruction. Study I was a systematic review of the existing standardized methods for assessing quality of life after incisional hernia repair. After a systematic search in the electronic databases Embase and PubMed, a total of 26 studies using standardized measures for assessment of quality of life after incisional hernia repair were found. The most commonly used questionnaire was the generic Short-Form 36, which assesses overall health-related quality of life, addressing both physical and mental health. The second-most common questionnaire was the Carolinas Comfort Scale, which is a disease specific questionnaire addressing pain, movement limitation and mesh sensation in relation to a current or previous hernia. In total, eight different questionnaires were used at varying time points in the 26 studies. In conclusion, standardization of timing and method of quality of life assessment after incisional hernia repair was lacking. Study II was a case-control study of the effects of an enhanced recovery after surgery pathway for patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction for a giant hernia. Sixteen consecutive patients were included prospectively after the implementation of a new enhanced recovery after surgery pathway at the Digestive Disease Center, Bispebjerg Hospital, and compared to a control group of 16 patients included retrospectively in the period immediately prior to the implementation of the pathway. The enhanced recovery after surgery pathway included preoperative high-dose steroid, daily assessment of revised discharge criteria and an aggressive approach to restore bowel function (chewing gum and enema on postoperative day two). Patients who followed the enhanced recovery after surgery pathway reported low scores of pain, nausea and fatigue, and were discharged significantly faster than patients in the control group. A non-significant increase in postoperative readmissions and reoperations was observed after the introduction of the enhanced recovery after surgery pathway. Study III and IV were prospective studies of patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction for giant incisional hernia, who were compared to a control group of patients with an intact abdominal wall undergoing colorectal resection for benign or low-grade malignant disease. Patients were examined within a week preoperatively and again one year postoperatively. In study III, the respiratory function and respiratory quality of life were assessed, and the results showed that patients with a giant incisional hernia had a decreased expiratory lung function (peak expiratory flow and maximal expiratory pressure) compared to the predicted values and also compared to patients in the control group. Both parameters increased significantly after abdominal wall reconstruction, while no other significant changes were found in objective or subjective measures at one-year follow-up in both groups of patients. Lastly, study IV examined the abdominal wall- and extremity function, as well as overall and disease specific quality of life. We found that patients with a giant hernia had a significantly decreased relative function of the abdominal wall compared to patients with an intact abdominal wall, and that this deficit was offset at one-year follow-up. Patients in the control group showed a postoperative decrease in abdominal wall function, while no changes were found in extremity function in either group. Patients reported improved quality of life after abdominal wall reconstruction. In summary, the studies in this thesis concluded that; standardization of patient-reported outcomes after incisional hernia repair is lacking; enhanced recovery after surgery is feasible: after abdominal wall reconstruction and seems to lower the time to discharge; patients with giant incisional hernia have compromised expiratory lung function and abdominal wall function, both of which are restored one year after abdominal wall reconstruction.

Substantial variation among hernia experts in the decision for treatment of patients with incisional hernia: a descriptive study on agreement.

PURPOSE: Benign elective procedures give rise to heterogeneity in indication for surgery and surgical technique among specialized surgeons in a variety of surgical fields. The objective was to analyze the extent of agreement in surgical management among expert hernia surgeons when evaluating the same patient in a standardized setting. METHODS: Five Danish hernia experts answered questions concerning indication for surgery and surgical technique for 25 video recorded real-life clinical cases. The experts evaluated the patients by answering a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: All surgeons were experienced in incisional hernia repair with a median of 253 repairs (range 164-450 repairs). Perfect overall agreement among all the experts in indication, operation type, component separation, mesh fixation and mesh position was found in only five cases (20%). Agreement in indication for surgery was present in 14 cases (56%). The most common reason for not performing surgery was due to comorbidities. Agreement in operation type (open vs. laparoscopic) was present in 10 cases (40%). Agreement in mesh fixation (absorbable tacks/non-absorbable tacks/suture/other) method was also present in 10 cases (40%). Agreement in mesh position (onlay, sublay or intraperitoneal) was found in 40% of cases. The highest overall agreement among the surgeons was observed with regard to whether patients needed component separation (yes/no), 21 cases, (84%). CONCLUSIONS: In a standardized setting, agreement in choice of treatment strategy for patients with incisional hernias was very low among experienced surgeons. A standardization of surgical decision making is desirable to develop new interventions and improve clinical outcomes.

Herniorrafia incisional associada à abdominoplastia pós-gastroplastia / Incisional herniorrhaphy associated to abdominoplasty after gastroplasty

Introdução:As hérnias incisionais decorrentes da gastroplastias são uma ocorrência frequente, exigindo planejamento, técnica cirúrgica adequada e colaboração do paciente no pós-operatório, para um adequado resultado. Objetivos: Demonstrar o tratamento das hérnias incisionais em conjunto com as dermolipectomias (ancôra e clássica) associadas ao lifting do púbis, realizado em 62 pacientes submetidos à gastroplatias em Y de Roux por via aberta ou por videolaparoscopia. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, transversal, baseado em análise de prontuários de 382 pacientes. Neste artigo será descrito o planejamento, táticas e técnicas cirúrgicas utilizadas e os resultados obtidos. Resultados: Obteve-se sucesso em todos os casos, sem nenhuma incidência de recidiva da hérnia tardiamente. Conclusão: A abordagem adotada mostrou-se eficaz, facilmente reproduzível e com baixos índices de complicações ou intercorrências.

Introduction: Incisional hernias resulting from gastroplasty are a frequent ocurrence, requiring planning, surgical technique and patient compliance after surgery for an appropriate outcome. Objective: To demonstrate the treatment of incisional hernias in combination with dermolipectomy (anchor, or classic) and pubic lifting, performed in 62 patients undergoing Roux-Y gastroplasty by open surgery and videolaparoscopy. Methods: This is a retrospective, cross sectional study, based on the analysis of 382 patients records. Study plan, strategy, surgical techniques and results will be described. Results: Success was obtained in all cases, with no incidence of hernia recurrence. Conclusion: The approach was effective, easily reproducible, with low complications rates.

VAC-instillation therapy in abdominal mesh exposure: a novel indication.

BACKGROUND: Defects of the abdominal wall pose a problem for general surgeons that negatively affects patient prognosis. In cases of abdominal wall wound dehiscence and exposed abdominal mesh, conservative treatment has not been proven effective to date. We aimed to study patient outcomes in cases of abdominal wall wound dehiscence with mesh exposure treated with vacuum-assisted closure system with intermittent instillation (VAC-instillation) as a temporary cover to achieve wound closure. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate and compare the outcomes of 45 patients with postoperative abdominal wall wound dehiscence and exposed mesh: 34 were treated with conventional dressings and 11 with the VAC-instillation device. Clinical records were reviewed, and patient demographics, indication for abdominal surgery, and existing risk factors were noted. Patient outcome was evaluated in terms of number of reoperations, length of hospital stay, and total time of treatment. RESULTS: Demographic features did not differ significantly between the two groups. Patients treated with conventional dressings required a significantly higher number of surgeries to achieve wound closure. We did not find statistical differences between the two groups regarding length of hospital stay, but the VAC-instillation group showed a significantly shorter total time of treatment. The incidence of complications was lower in the VAC-instillation group, though hernia recurrence rate was slightly higher in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: VAC-instillation is a valid option for the conservative treatment of critical patients with abdominal wall wound dehiscence and exposed infected mesh that allows recovery with fewer surgeries and complications and avoids the need of mesh removal.

Watchful waiting as a treatment strategy for patients with a ventral hernia appears to be safe.

PURPOSE: Due to risks of postoperative morbidity and recurrence some patients with a ventral hernia are not offered surgical repair. There is limited data on the rate and consequences of a watchful waiting (WW) strategy for these patients. The objective of this cohort study was to analyse outcomes for patients with a ventral hernia who underwent watchful waiting, in terms of later requirement for hernia repair. METHODS: All patients (≥18 years) electively referred to our out-patient clinic from 1 January 2009 to 1 July 2014 with incisional, umbilical or epigastric hernia were included. Information on patient characteristics and whether patients underwent WW or surgery was obtained from hospital files and the Danish National Patient Register. A 100% follow-up was obtained. RESULTS: The analyses comprised 569 patients with incisional hernia (WW = 58.1%) and 789 patients with umbilical/epigastric hernia (WW = 43.2%). Kaplan-Meier analyses estimated that the probability for patients who underwent watchful waiting to receive later surgical repair was 19 for incisional hernias and 16% for umbilical/epigastric hernias after 5 years. The probability of requiring emergency repair when in the WW group was 4% for both incisional and umbilical/epigastric hernias after 5 years. There were no significant differences in 30-day readmission, reoperation or mortality rates between the WW patients who later underwent elective hernia repair and patients who were initially offered surgery (p > 0.05), for both incisional and umbilical/epigastric hernias. CONCLUSIONS: Watchful waiting appears to be a safe strategy in the treatment of incisional, umbilical and epigastric hernias.

Incidence, risk factors, and treatment of incisional hernia after kidney transplantation: An analysis of 1,564 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate the incidence and treatment of incisional hernia after kidney transplantation and to identify potential risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed. All kidney transplant recipients between 2002 and 2012 were included. Two groups were identified: patients with and without incisional hernia. An analysis of risk factors for the development of incisional hernia was performed. RESULTS: A total of 1,564 kidney recipients were included. Fifty patients (3.2%) developed incisional hernia. On univariate analysis, female sex (54 vs 35%), body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m(2) (38 vs 17%), concurrent abdominal wall hernia (30 vs 16%), multiple explorations of the ipsilateral iliac fossa (38 vs 19%), left iliac fossa implantation (36 vs 24%), history of smoking (72 vs 57%), and duration of the kidney transplantation procedure (210 vs 188 minutes) were associated with the development of incisional hernia (P < .05 each). In multivariate analyses, female sex (hazard ratio [HR] 2.6), history of smoking (HR 2.2), obesity (BMI >30; HR 2.9), multiple explorations of the ipsilateral iliac fossa (HR 2.0), duration of operation (HR 1.007), and concurrent abdominal wall hernia (HR 2.3) were independent risk factors. Twenty-six of 50 patients (52%) underwent operative repair, of whom 9 (35%) required emergency repair. CONCLUSION: The incidence of incisional hernia after kidney transplantation with a median follow-up of 59 months is 3.2%. Obesity (BMI >30), female sex, concurrent abdominal wall hernias, history of smoking, duration of surgery, and multiple explorations were independent risk factors for the development of incisional hernia after kidney transplantation. Attempts at preventing incisional hernias based on these risk factors should be explored.

Aspectos clínicos y quirúrgicos de las hernias incisionales complejas / Clinical and surgical aspects of the complex incisional hernias

El diagnóstico y tratamiento de las hernias incisionales complejas constituye un tema obligado para todos los cirujanos, cuyo desafío es prevenir las complicaciones y disminuir las recurrencias, lo que justifica la realización de este estudio con el objetivo de identificar sus aspectos clínicos y quirúrgicos más relevantes. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo de serie de casos correspondiente a 320 pacientes operados electivos por hernias incisionales complejas en el servicio de cirugía del Hospital Universitario Dr Juan B Zayas de Santiago de Cuba durante 15 años (1994-2009). Resultados: predominó el sexo femenino y el grupo etario de 31 a 60 años. Las hernias suprapúbicas fueron las más frecuentes en ambos sexos; en mujeres con intervenciones ginecológicas previas y en hombres, prostáticas. El neumoperitoneo progresivo preoperatorio y la antibioticoterapia profiláctica se aplicaron a todos los pacientes. Las técnicas quirúrgicas más utilizadas fueron las de Jean Rives y Robert Bendavid y la bioprótesis de polipropileno. Índice de recurrencia de 6,5 por ciento con predominio del sexo masculino. El tiempo quirúrgico fluctuó de 1 a 2 horas y la estadía hospitalaria entre 1 y 3 días. Fallecieron 4 pacientes, el 1,3 por ciento de la serie. Conclusiones: el único tratamiento efectivo para las hernias incisionales complejas radica en la técnica quirúrgica sin tensión con aplicación correcta de la bioprótesis indicada y su fijación con la sutura de su mismo material, por lo que se recomienda la protocolización y clasificación de estas hernias para unificar criterios con respecto a su diagnóstico y tratamiento(AU)

Diagnosis and treatment of complex incisional hermias is a compulsory topic for all surgeons. The challenge ahead is to prevent complications and to reduce relapses, which warrants the conduction of a study with the objective of identifying their most relevant clinical and surgical aspects. Methods: Observational and descriptive study of a case series involving 320 patients operated on from complex incisional hernias at the surgery service of Dr Juan B Zayas university hospital in Santiago de Cuba during 15 years (1994-2009). Results: Females and 31-60 years age group predominated. The suprapubic hernias were the most frequent in both sexes; in females who underwent previous gynecological interventions and in men who underwent prosthatic procedures. Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum and prophylactic antibiotic therapy were applied to all patients. The most used surgical techniques were Jean Rives' and Robert Bendavid's and the polypropylene bioprothesis. The relapse index was 6.5 percent and males predominated. The surgical time ranged 1 to 2 hours and the stay at hospital lasted one to 3 days. Four patients died, which accounted for 1.3 percent of the case series. Conclusions: The only effective treatment for complex incisional hernias lies in non-tensile surgical technique with correct application of the indicated bioprothesis and its fixing with a suture of the same material, so protocoling and classification of these hernias are recommended in order to unify criteria with respect to their diagnosis and treatment(AU)