Current classifications of incisional hernias are often not suitable. The aim of our study was to demonstrate that it is important to consider not only the wall defect surface (WDS) but also the total surface of the anterior abdominal wall (SAW) and the ratio between SAW/WDS). Twenty-three patients affected by > 10 cm size incisional hernias were examined for anthropometric analyses. The SAW, the WDS and the ratio SAW/WDS were calculated. All of the 23 patients were operated on 13 patients were treated with the Rives technique using a polypropylene mesh while the remaning ten patients had an intraperitoneal Parietex Composite mesh (PC). The two groups were compared for post-operative pain (with VAS) and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) 48 h after the operation: bladder pressure, length of the procedure, average hospital stay and return to work were calculated. In the Rives group, WDS being equal, the higher IAP values were, the lower was the ratio SAW/WDS; furthermore, SAW/WDS ratio being equal, IAP values were low in cases where intraperitoneal mesh was used. Post-operative pain, measured with VAS, was critical when there was a low SAW/WDS ratio and a high IAP. In our experience, it is possible to predict a strong abdominal wall tension if the SAW/WDA ratio is below 15 mmHg. In these cases it is advisable to use a technique requiring the use of an intraperitoneal mesh. Our experience with PC was so positive that it is used in our department for all cases where an intraperitoneal mesh is required. At present, our proposal is that the SAW/WDS ratio is to be considered as a new parameter in current classifications of incisional hernias.

Incisional hernia repair sometimes requires intraperitoneal implantation of a mesh. This becomes necessary when the hernia opening is large, in particular, in patients with a low abdominal wall surface/wall defect surface (AWS/WDS) ratio, in large boundary incisional hernias where the proximity to bone structures or cartilage often complicates retromuscular mesh implantation and in multi-recurrent incisional hernias that are sometimes characterised by an actual loss of abdominal wall tissue. The authors report on the results of a series of 100 incisional hernias treated between 1999 and 2006 using the open technique to implant an intraperitoneal mesh (Parietex Composite). Mean follow-up time was 42 months (range 12-96 months). The mean wall defect surface was 95 cm(2) (range 60-210 cm(2)). Twelve percent of patients suffered minor complications: 5 seromas (5%), 3 haematomas (3%) and 4 parietal suppurations (4%). No mesh had to be removed. The recurrence rate was 6%. At 6 months after surgery, no patient lamented pain or discomfort due to foreign body sensation. None of these patients presented intestinal occlusion or enterocutaneous fistulae. In conclusion, it is our opinion that the mesh should be implanted in direct contact with the viscera only where absolutely necessary, i.e., when it cannot be implanted in the retromuscular area without creating excessive parietal tension. Our experience with PC mesh, over the short-to-medium term, was positive. Naturally, further studies are required to evaluate long-term biocompatibility.

Our preliminary experience with PC is so positive that this mesh is currently the one of choice in our department when an intraperitoneal implant is required.

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