Incisional Hernia Repair: Tensiometry for the Selection of the Appropriate Procedure

Abstract

To audit the early and late results of repairs of incisional hernias before and after the introduction of peroperative tensiometry. Retrospective study. University hospital, Germany. 675 operations on 553 patients in 18 years. Before we introduced tensiometry we closed 560 incisional hernias by direct suture and 63 by the inlay-onlay technique. Since we took up tensiometry the numbers were 9 and 43, respectively. Postoperative complications including recurrences. Recurrences developed in 246/560 (44%) after direct suture in the early series, compared with 2/9 (22%) after adoption of tensiometry. After inlay-onlay operations there were 4/63 (6%) recurrences before, and 1/43 (2%) after adoption of tensiometry. Tensiometry allows the surgeon to tailor his operation to the conditions that he finds during the operation.