Chemotherapy does not adversely impact outcome following post-incisional hernia repair with biomaterial mesh

Abstract

Background Patients receiving chemotherapy are at increased risk for developing recurrent or post-incisional hernias (PIH). Biological materials are an alternative to synthetic mesh in contaminated fields. The impact of chemotherapy on biomaterial tissue ingrowth and integration has not been well studied. Methods From 2008 to 2011 patients who underwent PIH repair with biomaterial mesh (Biodesign®) were selected. Patients were divided into two groups: those receiving chemotherapy (CT) and those not receiving chemotherapy (NCT). Results Forty-five patients were identified, 28 (62%) in the NCT group and 17 (38%) in the CT group. Median follow up for NCT and CT groups were 27 and 17 months, respectively. A total of 9/45 (20%) surgical site infections (SSI) were diagnosed, with 6/28 (21%) in the NCT and 3/17 (18%) in the CT group (P = 0.53). Seroma formation was seen in 5/28 (18%) of NCT patients and 4/17 (23%) in CT group (P = 0.46). Overall hernia recurrence rate was 22%, and the rates of recurrence were similar among the CT 3/17 (18%) and NCT 7/28 (25%) groups (P = 0.42). Conclusion The use of perioperative chemotherapy did not increase the rate of wound complications following PIH repair with biologic mesh in this group of patients.