USE OF MARLEX MESH IN THE REPAIR OF RECURRENT INCISIONAL HERNIA

Recurrent incisional hernia remains a major problem for the general su rgeon. The rate of recurrence of hernia repaired by primary closure us ing nylon sutures or with knitted monofilament polypropylene (Marlex) mesh was studied. A total of 102 repairs were performed over a 19-year period. Marlex mesh was used in 49 cases and primary closure in 53. A ll except two patients were followed from 1 to 15 (mean 7.6) years or to death. The incidence of recurrence was 8 per cent when Marlex was u sed and 25 per cent after primary closure. In both groups the of the r ecurrences were in the first 16 months after repair. The use of Marlex mesh should be considered in the management of recurrent incisional h ernia.