Incisional Hernia Repair Outcome

Background: Incisional hernia is a common complication after abdominal operation. Surgery repair is the definitive treatment, though options such as non-mesh or mesh reinforcement are also considered. The kind initial surgical technique has been associated with recurrence and postoperative complications. Methods: A retrospective comparative analysis of 55 patients, who underwent elective open incisional hernia repair in a tertiary care center between January 2025 and December 2025 was performed. The patients were categorized into mesh (n=49) and non-mesh (n=6) groups. Primary outcome was hernia recurrence. Secondary outcomes included surgery-related complications (surgical site infection (SSI) and seroma/hematoma), chronic pain, and length of hospital stay. A p < 0.05 level was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Recurrence was found only in the non-mesh group (66.7%), and none of the recurrences was noted in the mesh group (p < 0.01). SSI was 10.2% in the mesh group and 16.7% in the non-mesh group. Seroma/hematoma was presented in 8.2% vs 16.7%, with chronic pain in 10.2% vs 16.7% of the mesh and none mesh groups, respectively. The average hospitalization was slightly less in the mesh group (4.1 ± 1.2 days) than that of non-mesh (4.5 ± 1.4 days). Conclusion: Mesh repair of open incisional hernia is better than that of non-mesh repair, providing lower recurrence rate and postoperative complications are acceptable. Non-mesh-repair has high recurrence rates. Prospective patient selection, control of comorbidities and careful surgical handling are important for favourable long-term results.