BACKGROUND: Personal experience in the treatment of incisional hernia with the use of polypropylene monofilament mesh - marlex, is discussed. METHOD: Seventy-four patients, with ages ranging from 30 to 94 years (39 females and 35 males), with hernia secundary to surgical abdominal procedures, were studied. Half (41,9%) of these patients were submitted to surgical correction for the first time, however 58,1% were recurrences. Dissection of hernia sac, excision of old fibrosis and marlex mesh interposition were carried out to reinforce transversalis fascia under the muscles of the abdominal wall. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were operated uppon from 1975 to 1995. Last follow-up carried out in 1998 disclosed three deaths not related to previous surgery. There was one recurrence (1,3%) at the beginning of our experience, which required second intervention. CONCLUSION: The use of marlex mesh interposition is a reliable method to correct incisional hernia providing adequate technique is utilized for its fixation.
Incisional hernias; Ventral hernias; Marlex mesh; Prosthesis
