A single-centre, retrospective study of incisional hernia repair outcomes post kidney transplantation

• DOI: 10.1007/s10029-024-03157-y
• Publication Date: 2024-09-25T06:05:29Z
• Authors: Nikolaos-Andreas ...; Shoaib Fahad Hussain; Paul E Herbert; Anand S R Muthusamy; Frank JMF Dor; Vassilios Papalois
• Keywords: Incisional Hernia

Abstract Background Incisional hernias (IH) post renal transplantation (RT) can cause significant morbidity in renal transplant recipients (RTR). This was a retrospective cohort study of outcomes post IH-repair in RTR. Method We analysed all the IH repairs in RTR from May 2018 to May 2023. We documented post-transplant andx post IH-repair complications, length of stay, survival, and recurrence. Data analysis was performed using Jamovi 2.3.28. Results We performed 35 IH repairs in RTR from 05/2018 to 05/2023 in patients with a mean age of 56.7 ± 10.1 years and a mean BMI 29.7 ± 6.49 kg/m2. A history of previous hernia operation and open abdominal operations was present in 11.4% and 22.9%, respectively. The types of repairs performed were primary: 5.7%, onlay: 62.9%, inlay: 2.9% and sublay: 28.6%. In terms of mesh, in 18.1% a polyglactin 910 mesh was used, 57.6%, polypropelene and in 24.4% a composite mesh. Mean hernia neck size was 8.9 ± 5.6 cm. Post repair, there was no perioperative mortality, no significant episodes of perioperative bleeding and no collections drained, with an average 5.5 ± 3.9 days of length of stay. 20% of this cohort experienced a recurrence post-hernia repair. There was a 6% of superficial wound dehiscence rate and a 3% of surgical site infection. Pearson’s correlation test revealed that hernia recurrence was not related with neck size, post-transplant complications or pre- and post-transplant characteristics, as well as post-transplant outcomes. Conclusion One in five RTR that underwent an IH repair experienced a recurrence. Patient BMI, previous abdominal operations and wound complications post-transplant are not risk factors for hernia recurrence or other IH repair complications.