Background: Incisional hernia is a common complication after liver transplantation. The current study evaluated incidence and risk factors for incisional hernia and compared laparoscopic and open hernia repair in terms of feasibility and outcome.
Methods: A cohort of 225 patients was prospectively investigated. The median follow-up period was 61 months (range, 6-186 months). The study cohort had 31 patients who underwent open repair and 13 who underwent laparoscopic repair.
Results: Incisional hernia, found in 57 patients (25%), had occurred after a median of 17 months (range, 5-138 months). The significant risk factors were male gender (p = 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m(2) (p = 0.002). A trend toward a lower recurrence rate (15% vs 35%; p = 0.28) and fewer surgical complications (15% vs 19%; p = 0.99) was found in the laparoscopic group.
Conclusions: Incisional hernia is a frequent complication after liver transplantation. Associated risk factors are male gender and a BMI greater than 25 kg/m(2). Laparoscopic hernia repair for such patients is feasible and safe.