Abstract
Objective: To emphasize the importance of the size, shape and multiplicity of
incisional hernia defect and its recurrence after repair.
Methods: From June 1990 to August 1993, fifty-two patients presented to Queen Alia
Military Hospital (QAMH), with incisional hernias and were included in this study.
Results: Mean age was 52.35 years. Fourteen (26.9 %) were males and 38 (73.1%)
were females. Thirty-five (92.2%) were multiparous and 3 (7.8%) were nuliparous.
Cholecystectomy was the commonest primary surgery with 11 patients (21.1%),
followed by Cesarien Section in 10 patients (19.2%). All the smaller sized (less than 1
cm diameter) and middle sized (1-5 cm diameter) defects were circular in shape
whereas the large sized (more than 5 cm) were ovoid. In 20 patients (38.4%) there
was one defect only and in 32 patients (61.6%) there were more than one defect. We
used mesh graft (prolene mesh) or classical repair using non-absorbable suture
material. All patients were followed up for 84 months and one recurrence (1.92%)
was noted.
Conclusion: Cholecystectomy was the commonest cause of incisional hernia and
multiple defects were found in many cases. With our approach in repairing incisional
hernia, recurrence rate was low. (Rawal Med J 2007;32:190-192).

Key words: Incisional hernia, peritoneum, mesh graft.