Yusuf Günerhan1, Mehmet Ali Uzun2, Ömer Faruk Özkan2, Neşet Köksal2, Barlas Sulu1, Munire Kayahan2

1Kafkas Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Genel Cerrahi AD, Kars
2Haydarpaşa Numune Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, 2. Cerrahi Kliniği, İstanbul

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the relation of incisional surgical site infection developed after operations for incisional hernias with malignancy, opening of intestines, status of the operations as urgent or elective and use of prosthetic materials and drains.

Patients and Methods: Patients operated for incisional hernia during the last 3 years are included in the study. Age, sex, status of the operations as urgent or elective, size of the hernia defect, type of the repair, usage and number of drains, presence of malignancy, opening of gastrointestinal tract, type of the mesh used, development of wound infection and microorganisms grown in the wound are all searched.

Results: Wound infection occurred in 18 of the 62 cases operated. Infection was reported in 14 of the 15 cases with bowel injury, 10 of the 14 cases with malignancy and 9 of the 12 cases operated on emergency. In 9 cases in which a single drain was used no infection was observed whereas infection developed in 18 out of 53 cases with two or more drains.

Conclusion: In this study opening of the bowel, presence of malignancy and operations on emergency were found as important risk factors for the development of wound infection with incisional hernia management.

Keywords: Incisional hernia, wound infection, malignancy, emergency