Abstract

MESH HERNIOPLASTY FOR COMPLICATED HERNIAS UNDER EMERGENCY SETTINGS

Syed Mushtaq Ahmad Shah, R. S. Bali*, Sushant Verma

Abstract

Background: Common complications of hernia are irreducibility, obstruction and strangulation. Repair of complicated hernias is technically challenging due to edematous and friable tissues with occasional need for concurrent bowel resection and carries high rates of post-operative infective complications. Traditionally, placement of mesh is avoided in cases of emergency hernia surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of mesh repair for complicated hernia. Patients and methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College & Lok Nayak Hospital, Delhi between August 2010 to February 2015. 40 cases of complicated hernias (26 inguinal, 10 para-umbilical and 4 incisional) repaired using mesh placement (Lichensteins repair with prolene mesh) were studied in terms of patient characteristics, clinical presentation, operative findings and clinical course. Results: Of the 40 patients; 18 had irreducible, 12 had obstructed and 10 had strangulated hernia. 4 patients developed wound infections (10%) and 4 developed localized seromas (10%). No mortality was recorded. Conclusions: Mesh placement should not be a contraindication for emergency hernia repair and it should be considered using an adequate surgical technique.

Keywords: Emergency hernia repair, mesh placement.