Discussion
hernia
CHRONIC PAIN, RECURRENCE, POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS
Mesh-reinforced hernia repair is considered the gold standard in incisional hernia repair [As this study was designed based on the experiences of the “Vypro” trial addressing the disappointing results with an unexpectedly high recurrence rate of 12% [Even though the surgical outcome was improved in our study compared to the literature, patient-reported outcomes such as foreign body sensation or chronic pain are becoming increasingly important in evaluating surgical success. The incidences of surgery-specific and patient-centered outcomes reported in the literature vary dramatically. A recently published systematic review of outcome reporting in incisional hernia surgery demonstrated significant heterogeneity in defining postoperative complications and outcomes [Some limitations of this RCT must be considered. First, the study was conducted between 2004 and 2008 and the publication of the study was delayed. Changes in the staff and the responsibilities of the surgical department of our university were the main reasons. Nevertheless, we are convinced that the presented data are still of relevance for the surgical community, but the results must be considered carefully. Documentation, surgical classifications, and perioperative treatment strategies have developed since finishing the study. Today, we prefer a validated hernia-specific questionnaire such as the CCS [