Late results of mesh wound closure after elective open aortic aneurysm repair.

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernia is a common late complication after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. We examined the outcome after prophylactic placement of a pre-peritoneal polypropylene mesh during abdominal closure in consecutive patients having elective AAA repair. REPORT: At least 30 months after surgery, 28 patients underwent clinical and ultrasound examination of their surgical wound for incisional hernias. Only one patient had a hernia in the original surgical scar. No patients had late mesh-related wound problems. DISCUSSION: Pre-peritoneal polypropylene mesh placement is a simple, safe and effective method to decrease the incidence of incisional hernia after AAA repair.