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Review
. 2021 Mar;36(3):1050-1055.
doi: 10.1111/jocs.15261. Epub 2020 Dec 18.

Subxiphoid incisional hernias post median sternotomy: A literature review

Affiliations
Review

Subxiphoid incisional hernias post median sternotomy: A literature review

Jeremy Chan et al. J Card Surg. 2021 Mar.

Abstract

Background: Subxiphoid incisional hernias are one of the complications following a median sternotomy, a surgical procedure to provide access to the mediastinum. Incidence has been reported between 1% and 4%, although the true incidence is not well known due to its asymptomatic nature.

Method: A comprehensive search was performed on multiple sites. Keywords included "incisional hernia OR Subxiphoid hernia" AND "Median sternotomy OR Cardiac Surgery OR Coronary artery bypass graft OR Transplant OR Valve replacement". Articles up to August 1, 2020, were included in this study.

Results: Eight articles were included in the study, with a total number of 132 patients identified. The incidence ranged from 0.81% to 3.44%. There was a mixture of repair methods and follow-up period reported. Recurrence post repair ranged from 10% to 43%.

Conclusion: Subxiphoid incisional hernias remain challenging to manage. We have discussed the incidence, risk factors, preventions, and management of subxiphoid incisional hernias including both the open and laparoscopic techniques.

Keywords: incisional hernia; literature review; subxiphoid hernia.

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References

REFERENCES

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    1. Landau O, Raziel A, Matz A, Kyzer S, Haruzi I. Laparoscopic repair of poststernotomy subxiphoid epigastric hernia. Surg Endosc. 2001;15(11):1313-1314.
    1. Mackey RA, Brody FJ, Berber E, Chand B, Henderson JM. Subxiphoid incisional hernias after median sternotomy. J Am Coll Surg. 2005;201(1):71-76.
    1. Davidson BR, Bailey JS. Incisional herniae following median sternotomy incisions: their incidence and aetiology. Br J Surg. 1986;73(12):995-996.
    1. de Mesquita GHA, Iuamoto LR, Suguita FY, et al. Simple technique of subxiphoid hernia correction carries a low rate of early recurrence: a retrospective study. BMC Surg. 2017;17(1):51.

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