The repair of incisional hernia following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass-with or without concomitant abdominoplasty?

[BACKGROUND] Incisional hernia, found in up to 25% of patients, is a typical complication of open bariatric surgery.

[METHODS] Open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) was performed in 204 patients. They have been followed-up for at least 6 months. Thirty-two patients in whom incisional hernia was diagnosed were divided into two groups-they were scheduled for hernia repair or hernia repair with abdominoplasty. The surgery was performed, on average, 20 months after RYGB operation. Fourteen patients [mean body mass 86.4 kg, mean body mass index (BMI) 30.0 kg/m(2)] have had hernias repaired. The mean duration of hospital stay was 7.2 days. Hernia repair along with abdominoplasty was performed in 18 patients with mean body mass 89.4 kg and BMI 31.5 kg/m(2). The mean duration of hospital stay was 8.7 days.

[RESULTS] Both examined groups were similar in body mass, BMI, age, and duration of hospital stay (p > 0.05), as well as gender distribution. The wound infection was diagnosed in six patients.

[CONCLUSION] The simultaneous abdominoplasty does not prolong the time of hospital stay of the patients undergoing incisional hernia repair. Infection is the most frequent complication of incisional hernia repair.