UMBILICAL AND INGUINAL HERNIORRHAPHY IN P ATIENTS WITH CIRRHOSIS

The overall results of surgical treatment of abdominal wall hernias in patients with hepatic cirrhosis were assessed by a retrospective stud y in 41 cirrhotic patients. They underwent 22 umbilical and 22 inguina l herniorrhapies between 1982 and 1992. Sixteen patients were classifi ed as Child-Pugh A, 16 as B and 9 as C. Clinical evidence of ascitis w as documented in 19 patients. The operative mortality was 5% (two Chil d-Pugh C cases). Postoperative complications occurred in 10 patients, most of them related to the surgical wound. We recommend herniorraphy in symptomatic cirrhotic patients but with fairly good hepatic functio n.