The burden of incisional hernia in necrotizing pancreatitis: how can we improve?
Presented at the 2009 Midwest Surgical Association (MSA) annual meeting, August 2–5, 2009, Lake Geneva, WI.
Received 27 July 2009; received in revised form 13 August 2009
Abstract
Background
Necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) patients frequently require pancreatic debridement, and have risk factors for incisional hernia (IH). However, no published data exist regarding the incidence of IH in NP. The aim of the current study was to define the incidence of and identify risk factors for developing IH after pancreatic debridement.
Methods
Hernia presence was determined by clinical examination and patient interview. Technical and clinical considerations were noted: type of incision, closure, suture material, age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus (DM), preoperative albumin, and number of operations.
Results
Sixty-three (42%) of 149 debrided patients with NP developed IH. IH patients were older (P < .05). No differences in surgical technique or clinical risk factors were seen between groups.
Conclusion
The incidence of IH in NP patients requiring operative debridement is substantially higher than that in patients undergoing routine laparotomy. Innovative fascial closure techniques such as primary fascial buttress with nonsynthetic mesh should be considered.
ABSTRACT