Long-term recurrence and chronic pain after repair for small umbilical or epigastric hernias: a regional cohort study

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BACKGROUND: Mesh repair reduces the risk of reoperation for recurrence in patients with primary ventral hernias. However, reoperation for recurrence underestimates total recurrence (reoperation + clinical) and mesh reinforcement may induce chronic pain. This study investigated the total recurrence and risk of chronic pain in small primary ventral hernias.

METHODS: A cohort study with questionnaire and clinical follow-up was conducted. Patients with primary, elective, open mesh or sutured repair for a small umbilical or epigastric hernia (≤ 2 cm) were included.

RESULTS: One thousand three hundred thirteen patients completed the questionnaire. The total cumulated recurrence rate after primary repair was 10% for mesh repair and 21% for sutured repair (P = .001). The incidence of chronic pain was 6% after mesh repair and 5% after sutured repair (P = .711).

CONCLUSIONS: Mesh repair halved long-term risk of recurrence after repair for small ventral hernias without increased risk of chronic pain.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAmerican Journal of Surgery
Volume209
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)725-732
Number of pages8
ISSN0002-9610
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2015

    Research areas

  • Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Chronic Pain, Cohort Studies, Female, Hernia, Umbilical, Hernia, Ventral, Herniorrhaphy, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Recurrence, Risk Assessment, Surveys and Questionnaires, Time Factors, Young Adult

ID: 152268989