CLINICAL PROFILE AND MANAGEMENT OF INCISIONAL HERNIA

Background: Incisional hernia by definition is a hernia which develops in the scar of a previous surgical incision.  Incisional hernia represents a breakdown or loss of continuity of a fascial closure. With rapid increase in number of abdominal operations performed, incisional hernia has rises in frequency.  This study was performed to review clinical profile and management of incisional hernia. Aims & Objectives: To study the etiopathogenesis of incisional hernia with respect to patient variable factors, types of surgical intervention. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in patients who were admitted with diagnosis of incisional hernia & treated. 40 patients were included and followed up for factors resulting in occurrence of incisional hernia &selecting the most optimum technique of repair. The ethical committee clearance was taken. The written informed consent was taken from all patients. Observations & Results:  Incisional hernia was found to occur more in females, often in 31-40yr age group. Most commonly occurred following gynecological operations, lower abdominal incisions. Most patients noticed the incisional hernia only 1 to 5 years after the index surgery.  Hernioplasty (open/laparoscopic) was the most commonly performed surgery. Conclusion: Incisional hernia is more common in females after lower midline abdominal surgery. Mesh repair is the ideal recommended treatment except in very small incisional hernia where primary repair can be done.