Incisional Hernia following Abdominal Surgery in Children: A Single Centre Experience

Background: Although uncommon, incisional hernia is a well-known complication of abdominal surgery in children and data on incisional hernia in the pediatric age group are sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate a single center’s experience with regards to the incidence and outcome of incisional hernia in children. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of children aged 15 years and younger who developed incisional hernia following abdominal surgery, between January 2013 and December 2017, at the pediatric surgery unit of a tertiary hospital in Enugu, Nigeria. Results: During the study period, a total of 1004 pediatric abdominal surgeries were performed. Out of this number, 31 patients developed incisional hernia: This accounted for an incidence rate of 3.1%. There was male predominance and the mean age at diagnosis of incisional hernia was 24 months. All the patients presented with a protrusion at or around the site of a previous surgical scar. Non-operative treatment (serial bandaging) was effective in most of the patients. There was no mortality. Conclusion: Incisional hernia is a well-known complication of abdominal surgery. This study recorded the incisional hernia incidence rate of 3.1%. Non-operative treatment was successful in majority of the patients. Future studies should emphasis on the specific risk factors (surgeon/patient) that may predispose to incisional hernia.