Effect of prohylactic mesh in elective laparotomy.

A hernia is a defect in the fascia of the abdominal wall and thus resulting into the formation of a hernial sac of peritoneum that contains visceral organ or abdominal contents or other bulges that may appear similar, but are not true hernias. Incisional hernia is the bulging out of contents of abdominal cavity through a previous surgical defect in anterior abdominal wall and is a significant complication for patients who have undergone elective laparotomy. The risk of developing this condition increases substantially in individuals with risk factors such as obesity and chronic respiratory ailments. Various methods of suture closure and mesh reinforcement have been used to restore abdominal wall integrity and prophylactic treatment of incisional hernia. Failure of effective and sufficient closure of the abdominal wall after operations leaves the patient at risk for developing hernia. The risk of developing this condition increases substantially in individuals with risk factors such as obesity and chronic respiratory ailments. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the efficacy of preventive mesh placement following laparotomy.