Combining abdominoplasty with mesh repair of incisional hernia: a case series

Abstract

Background: Incisional hernia is a common general surgery referral. The gold standard of repair is considered to be retrorectus mesh placement. Open repair through a midline incision invariably leaves the patients with obvious long scars. We are presenting a case series where patients had repairs through abdominoplasty incision. Patients: In this retrospective study, six women aged between 29 and 48 years, presenting with incisional hernia between November, 2010 and July, 2011 were operated. Information on the number of previous surgeries was obtained. They all had open retro-rectus mesh hernia (Rivers–Stopp-Wantz) repair and a classic abdominoplasty. Results: All patients had 32cm supra-pubic scar. Three percent had a midline infra-umbilical scar and had wound dehiscence that required dressings. Our patients used post-operative girdles for six weeks. Conclusion: Retro-rectus mesh repair of incisional hernia is considered the gold standard. Open repair results in an unaesthetic long midline anterior abdominal wall scar. Combining the produce with an abdominoplasty ensures an all-round satisfactions.

Keywords: Abdominoplasty, incisional hernia, prosthetic mesh

Nigerian Journal of Plastic Surgery Vol. 9, No 2, September 2013