Incisional Hernia After Liver Transplantation: Analysis of Tailored Open Mesh Repair

Abstract

ObjectiveIncisional hernia is a frequent complication post liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to compare divergent approaches to open abdominal wall repair post-LT.Summary of background dataAfter liver transplantation (LT) via Mercedes incision (MSI) we observed an incidence of incisional hernia between 5% and 34%. Conventional repair consists of reopening the whole incision and reinforcement of the whole fascia using a mesh plastic in sublay position. This retrospective analysis compares open mesh repair with complete reinforcement of the Mercedes incision and open mesh repair of solely the abdominal wall defect.MethodsBetween 2010 and 2015, 218 orthotopic liver transplantations (LT) were performed at our institution, and 25 (11.5%) of those patients required an incisional hernia repair post-LT. One group received a local hernia repair (n = 15) while the other group obtained a reconstruction of the whole MSI (n = 10). We analyzed the preoperative status, causative factors for incisional hernia, operative details, and long-term outcome of these patients.ResultsAnalyzing preoperative details no significant differences were found between the 2 groups. The mean time post-LT at which the abdominal wall defect appeared was 18 ± 12 months. The mean follow-up time after abdominal wall repair was 15 (11–19) months. Additionally, 1 (4%) patient developed a hernia recurrence without statistic significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.400).ConclusionLocal mesh reinforcement seems to be feasible and safe in incisional hernia patients after Mercedes incision due to liver transplantation.