Polypropylene mesh repair of incisional hernia after kidney transplantation: single-center experience and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernia after kidney transplantation increases patient morbidity and impacts quality of life. Reports of hernia mesh repair after kidney transplantation are rare; thus, the benefit of mesh hernioplasty in transplanted patients is assumed. However, it is also assumed that transplant patients are susceptible to incisional and mesh infections. MATERIAL/METHODS: Between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2010, we performed 1067 kidney transplantations. Twenty-eight patients developed incisional hernias (2.6%), and mesh repair was performed in 20 of them (8 women, 12 men; median age 59.5 years, range 43 to 68 years). We retrospectively studied this latter group. We also reviewed the literature regarding the results of this treatment. RESULTS: Postoperative mortality was zero, but postoperative wound bleeding led to surgical revision in 1 patient. Wound infection did not occur. During the follow-up period we observed 4 hernia recurrences (20%). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our retrospective study and review of the literature confirmed the safety and low incidence (1.1% to 3.8%) of mesh hernia repair in chronic immunosuppressed patients after renal transplantation, which has a minimal risk of wound infection and no higher risk of hernia recurrence than in non-transplant patients.