TY - JOUR A1 - Ogbuanya, A A1 - Enemuo, C T1 - Prosthetic implants in abdominal wall hernia repair: A work in progress in South East Nigeria Y1 - 2020/7/1 JF - Archives of International Surgery JO - Arch Int Surg SP - 73 EP - 79 VL - 10 IS - 3 UR - https://www.archintsurg.org/article.asp?issn=2278-9596;year=2020;volume=10;issue=3;spage=73;epage=79;aulast=Ogbuanya DO - 10.4103/ais.ais_26_20 N2 - Background: Globally, the demand for proper surgical services is on the increase, and subsequently, the need to universally adopt mesh implants for tensionless prosthetic repairs has become expedient. The hallmark of tension-free repair is the lower short- and long-term recurrence rates compared to suture-based techniques. The aim of this study was to document our early experience with the use of mesh in abdominal wall hernia repair. Patients and Method: This was a prospective study of all adult patients with abdominal wall hernias treated with mesh implants from January 2009 to December 2015. Recurrence, bilaterality, inguinoscrotal or inguinolabial status and voluminous sizes were the main factors considered. Results: A total of 110 patients with abdominal wall hernias had mesh implants repair. There were 66 (60.0%) males and 44 (40.0%) females. Majority (56.4%) were inguinal hernias followed by incisional hernias (20.9%). Of those with inguinal hernias, eight (12.9%) had bilateral hernias, 30 (48.4%) had primary inguinoscrotal hernias while 14 (22.6%) had recurrent inguinoscrotal hernias. Nearly a third (31.8%) of the entire patients had recurrent hernias. Nearly a third (31.8%) of the entire patients harbored recurrent hernias. Majority (82.7%) of the patients presented after 1 year of onset of the hernias. The overall complication rate was 12.7% and over 81% were discharged home by the 4th post-operative day. No recurrence or mortality was recorded. Conclusion: The use of mesh implants to repair abdominal wall hernias in our environment is safe and effective. Most of the challenges relating to the acceptance of mesh, comorbid conditions and post-operative complications can be minimized through discussions and facilitated consultations. ER -