Purpose The optimal management of complicated
umbilical hernia in patients with liver cirrhosis is still
undefined. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use
of polypropylene mesh to treat complicated umbilical
hernia in cirrhotic patients.
Methods In the period from January 2005 to May 2008,
80 patients with complicated umbilical hernia combined
with liver cirrhosis underwent hernia repair. The patients
were randomly divided into two groups; each group consisted
of 40 patients. Hernia repair was carried out by
conventional fascial repair in group I and by mesh hernioplasty
in group II.
Results The male/female ratio, Child-Pugh class, and
mode of hernia complication were almost matched in both
groups. Hernia recurrence was significantly less in the
mesh hernioplasty group. No mesh exposure or fistulae
were experienced. There was no need to remove any of the
meshes.
Conclusions Permanent mesh can be used in complicated
hernias in cirrhotic patients with minimal wound-related
morbidity and a significantly lower rate of recurrence.