RETRORECTUS PROSTHETIC MESH REPAIR OF MIDLINE ABDOMINAL-HERNIA

BACKGROUND: Midline abdominal hernia is a common problem seen by the g eneral surgeon, Recurrence rates are as high as 49% when an autogenous repair is performed, and as high as 11% when prosthetic mesh is used as a ''bridge'' or ''onlay.'' METHODS: This study analyzes results of midline abdominal hernia repair in 106 cases using prosthetic mesh, in the retrorectus position, as described by Stoppa and Wantz. Charts we re reviewed, patient satisfaction determined by telephone interview, a nd recurrence rate by physician examination. RESULTS: Major systemic c omplications occurred in 17%, There were no deaths. Eighteen percent d eveloped a wound complication, requiring a return to the operating roo m in 5%, There were three recurrences (3.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Retrorectus placement of prosthetic mesh in the repair of midline abdominal herni a is effective and compares favorably with other methods. Significant complications are low, recurrence is rare, and patient satisfaction is high. (C) 1997 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.