Long-term results of 186 patients with large incisional abdominal wall hernia treated by intra peritoneal mesh.

Massive incisional abdominal wall hernias are frequent and difficult to rep air, especially when they are large, multiply recurrent and when associated high with risk factors. We report the long-term results of 192 hernia repa irs (in 186 patients) by non-resorbable mesh placed intraperitoneally and f ixed by fascia stapler. We describe the details of the technique. There wer e no deaths. Early and late wound infections occurred in 11.7%. late occlus ions in 6.3 % and recurrence in 16 %. Four percent of patients required rem oval of the mesh. The main caracteristic of this study was the long follow- up period (mean duration = 77 months). In view of the good results (70 %), simplicity and quite execution of this technique, intraperitoneal mesh plac ement should be considered in the repair of large hernias when a prothesis is required.