Polypropylene mesh closure after emergency laparotomy: morbidity and outcome

Abstract

Background: Alternative methods for abdominal wall closure may be necessary after emergency laparotomy. The purpose of this study was to determine the morbidity and outcome of emergency fascial closure with polypropylene mesh.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing emergency fascial closure with polypropylene mesh from January 1990 to March 1994.

Results: Seventy patients were identified. Indications for mesh placement included visceral edema (40), infected/necrotic fascia (21), and planned reexploration (7). Enteric fistulas developed in five patients (7.1%). When omentum was interposed between intestine and mesh, the incidence of fistula was significantly reduced (0 of 51 vs 5 of 19, p < 0.01). Forty-two patients (60%) survived with wound closure, accomplished by skin flaps in 19 (45%), skin grafting in 11 (26%), and secondary healing in 6 (14%). The mesh was removed in six patients (14%). Complications of mesh extrusion and hernia occurred less often after skin flap closure compared with skin grafting or secondary healing (1 of 19 vs 9 of 17, p < 0.01). No mesh infection occurred.

Conclusions: Polypropylene mesh placement is an effective alternative for abdominal closure after emergency laparotomy, even when intraabdominal sepsis is present. Fistulas associated with its use may be effectively eliminated by the interposition of omentum between bowel and mesh. Wound closure with full-thickness skin flaps is the preferred method for soft tissue coverage when mesh is used.