Day Hospital for Incisional Hernia Repair: Selection Criteria

Abstract

Aim: The authors report their experience with incisional hernia repair and set criteria for the safe performance of the procedure on a day hospital basis.

Materials and methods: From January 1994 to July 2005, 29 day hospital procedures for incisional hernia were performed under local anaesthesia. Selection criteria included: a hernial defect < 10 cm, a reducible hernial sac and negative history for obstructive symptoms. The repair was achieved with a polypropylene plug in defects < 3 cm and a double layer mesh in larger defects.

Results: All patients were discharged within 7 hours of surgery. Postoperative pain was mild and required hospital analgesia in 30% of cases. Back at home analgesia was needed in only three patients (10%). Six patients (20%) developed a seroma that reabsorbed spontaneously. During a follow-up ranging 6 to 120 months (mean 75), no recurrence has been recorded.

Conclusions: In selected patients, incisional hernia repair as day hospital procedure is feasible, safe and absolutely effective. The use of polypropylene plugs and meshes accounts for a sound repair with low risk of complications.

Key Words:

• Incisional hernia
• eventration
• day hospital
• ambulatory surgery

Additional information

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L. Gandolfo

Dr. L. Gandolfo Traversa di Via Firenze (al n° 112) n° 25, 95020 Cannizzaro (CT), Italy Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]