A Comparative Study Between Onlay and Retrorectus Mesh Repair in the Treatment of Incisional Hernias

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Over the years, surgeons tried the placement of mesh at different locations like On-lay, Under-lay, Sub-lay and pre-peritoneal, retroperitoneal intraperitoneal, Inter-muscular, etc. with each procedure having its advantages and disadvantages. Commonly Onlay and sub lay mesh repairs are done. Though the literature says, sub lay procedures have fewer complications and a high success rate. However, in a few studies, the ideal position for mesh repair appears to be retro muscular, where the force of abdominal pressure holds the mesh against deep surfaces of muscles. In this study, a comparison of both Onlay and retro rectus procedures with regards to the duration of surgery, postoperative complications like seroma, wound infection, wound dehiscence, and also the period of postoperative stay in the hospital. The aim of the study is To compare 'Onlay' versus 'retro rectus' mesh repair in inuencing the outcome in incisional hernia with regards to Duration of surgery, Postoperative complications like seroma formation, wound infection, Postoperative stay, Recurrences. PATIENTS AND METHODOLOGY: Type of Study: A Prospective comparative study Study Setting: Department of general surgery, Narayana Medical College & Hospital, Nellore.Study Period: November 2018 to September 2020 Study Sample: 50 cases, divided into two groups by random allocation technique. Groups A and B with 25 patients in each group. RESULTS: The mean age of cases in Group A is 40.48 years. The mean age of patients in Group B is 44.08 years. Youngest was 31 years and 36 years in group A and group B, respectively, and the eldest was 51 years and 53 years in group A and group B, respectively. In Group A, 11 were male, and 14 were female, and in Group B, 11 were male, and 14 were female. The male to female ratio in the study was 1:1.27. The mean Operative Time in Group A was 1.93 Hrs, and that in Group B was 2.98Hrs. Nine patients (36%) in group A and one patient (4%) in group B had seroma formation. Eight patients (32%) in group A and one patient (4%) in group B had a wound infection. The mean Hospital Stay in Group A was 5.44 Days, and Group B was 4.88 days. No short-term recurrences were noted in either of the two groups when followed for six months. CONCLUSION : Retrorectus mesh repair is an excellent alternative to Onlay mesh repair that may apply to incisional hernia. The mesh-related overall complication rate like seroma wound infections and hospital stay is less than Onlay mesh repair.