Retrorectus polyester mesh repair for midline ventral hernias.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the retrorectus mesh repair for midline ventral hernias.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all consecutive patients having a retrorectus mesh repair by a single surgeon in a standardized fashion from 1991 to 2005. All procedures used polyester (Mersilene) mesh with at least 5-cm overlap beyond the repair in all directions.

RESULTS

Ninety patients were identified, 56% of which were female. Major postoperative complications occurred in 23 (26%) patients, including nine (10%) patients requiring reoperative treatment due to skin flap necrosis, wound infection, hematoma, or fascial dehiscence. Partial mesh excision was required in four patients. The hernia recurrence rate was 7% at a mean of 53 months.

CONCLUSION

The retrorectus repair with polyester mesh is an effective and durable repair for midline ventral hernias. The disadvantage of this repair is the large number of wound complications.