Incisional hernia

Abstract

Many methods have been described for the repair of incisional hernia, often of considerable complexity and ingenuity, and most use various synthetic materials to replace the defect or to reinforce the body tissues. The large number of techniques and the paucity of long term follow-up studies suggest that no one method is perfect, particularly since such long term studies as have been reported show considerable recurrence rates. Because of our dissatisfaction with the results of repair of incisional herniae reported in the literature, we devised a repair technique in 1964 which was rather different to those previously described in that it was based on principles of pathology and mechanics. This technique has been used throughout the subsequent 25 years and has led to a long interest in many aspects of incisional hernia and wound healing, some of which are now discussed.