Background: Incisional hernia is a common complication following abdominal surgery, often linked to patient- and technique-related factors. Despite surgical advancements, it remains a significant clinical challenge due to its high recurrence and complication rates. Objective: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, surgical techniques, and short-term postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing elective incisional hernia repair at a single center. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at Safeer Al-Imam Al-Hussain Surgical Hospital in Karbalaa, Iraq, from May 2022 to February 2025. Forty adult patients who underwent elective mesh-based incisional hernia repair were included. Results: The mean age of patients was 44.5 ± 11.9 years, with 77.5% being female and a mean BMI of 35.5 ± 5.6 kg/m². Diabetes mellitus (17.5%) and hypertension (35%) were the most frequent comorbidities. CT imaging was used in 40% of cases to assess large defects or bowel involvement. The most common surgical technique was sublay + window (37.5%), followed by sublay + window + onlay (25%). Postoperative complications occurred in 22.5% of patients, with seroma (15%) and wound infection (7.5%) being the most common. Significant associations with complications were found for diabetes (p = 0.018), large hernia defect (p = 0.031), use of omentoplasty (p = 0.014), midline incision (p = 0.035), and concurrent abdominoplasty (p = 0.017). Conclusion: Incisional hernia repair remains complex, a tailored surgical approach and appropriate preoperative imaging are essential to optimize outcomes. Despite these challenges, the overall complication rate were minor and acceptable.
Hayder Mohammed Ali Zainy (2025) studied this question.