Intraperitoneal polypropylene mesh repair of incisional hernia is not associated with enterocutaneous fistula

Background: Incisional hernia repair with prosthetic material is followed b y fewer recurrences than primary repair. Polypropylene is the most commonly used prosthetic material but: may cause enterocutaneous fistulas. The aim of this study was to determine whether enterocutaneous fistulas developed a fter incisional hernia repair with polypropylene mesh and to evaluate clini cal outcome after incisional hernia repair. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the outcome of incisional hernia repai r with polypropylene mesh between 1982 and 1998 aas conducted. Follow-up da ta were obtained from medical records and questionnaires. Results: Polypropylene incisional hernia repair was performed in 136 patien ts. Median follow-up was 34 months. No enterocutaneous fistulas developed, Wound infection occurred in 6 per cent. Wound sinus formation occurred in t wo patients. No mesh was removed because of infection and no persisting inf ection of the mesh occurred. Conclusion: Enterocutaneous fistula formation appears to be very rare after incisional hernia repair with polypropylene mesh, regardless of intraperit oneal placement, omental coverage or closing of the peritoneum.