Prognosis factors in incisional hernia surgery: 25 years of experience

Background: Incisional hernia underwent a change from conventional techniques to mesh implantation. The relevance of different factors, like operative technique, mesh material, and patient-related parameters concerning the outcome following mesh repair, are still under debate. Methods: In a comparative retrospective study of 421 incisional hernia operations on 348 patients, we investigated 241 Mayo procedures and 180 mesh repairs over a 25-year period. In addition to the quality of life following mesh implantation, the prognostic relevance of demographic, preoperative and intraoperative parameters, surgical technique, mesh material, and the surgeon's experience were analysed, both in a univariate and multivariate manner. Results: With a mean follow-up of 9.7 ± 8.8 years, the total recurrence rate following Mayo overlap was 37%, in contrast to 15% after mesh implantation (P=0.001). Mesh size was the only significant prognostic factor concerning quality of life following mesh implantation, and 86% of the patients with mesh repair were satisfied. The complication rate was determined significantly by patients' risk factors, size of hernia, operative technique, and the surgeon's experience, whereas the rate of recurrences was significantly influenced by the parameters obesity (BMI>25), size of hernia, and surgical experience. The recurrence rate decreased significantly with surgeon's experience'a minimum of 16 mesh repairs led to a recurrence rate of less than 10%. Conclusions: Only the mesh repair revealed acceptable recurrence rates with high patient comfort. From a surgical point of view, the most important prognostic factor following mesh repair is the surgeon's experience. © Springer-Verlag 2004.