Incisional hernia repair outcome after renal transplantation in a reference center. Our experience of 7 years

Introduction Incisional hernias secondary to renal transplantation (IHRT) are considered complex hernias because they are lateral to the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle. The presence of the graft in the iliac fossa and the proximity to the inguinal area, costal margin and iliac bones, as zones with difficult fixation for prostheses, increases repair complexity. In addition, these patients have specific characteristics, such as treatment with immunosuppressive medication, that could alter postoperative evolution. The objective of this study was to analyze the results obtained in IHRT repair at a tertiary hospital, and to compare these data with the international literature. Methods Retrospective observational study of patients treated surgically for IHRT in our unit from January 1, 2011 to January 31, 2018. Preoperative conditions, intraoperative factors and postoperative complications during follow-up were analyzed. Results Twenty-five patients underwent hernia repair, finding a 4% hernia recurrence rate during a median follow-up of 27.5 months (20–39). The most frequently used technique was the posterior transversus abdominis release component separation technique in 42%, followed by preperitoneal repair in 27% and interoblique repair in 12%. The overall postoperative morbidity was 23%, which was frequently related to the surgical site (12%). Conclusions IHRT repair is a safe procedure at our medical center, with an acceptable rate of hernia recurrence, but it is not without complications.