Outcomes of Mesh Versus Tissue Repair in Emergency Incarcerated Hernia

Author : Muhammad Ali Sumbal, Muhammad Nasir Iqbal, Muhammad Azhar Qureshi, Mariam, Muhammad Akram Dogar, Muhammad Rizwan Saleem

Abstract : Emergency incarcerated hernia repair presents a clinical dilemma regarding the safety of mesh use in potentially contaminated f ields. This prospective cohort study compared outcomes between mesh and tissue repair in emergency incarcerated hernia cases, focusing on infection rates, recurrence, hospital stay, and postoperative morbidity. A total of 120 patients presenting with incarcerated abdominal wall hernias were included and divided into two groups: mesh repair (n = 62) and tissue repair (n = 58). Mean age was 49.6 ± 13.8 years, with 68 males and 52 females. Surgical site infection occurred in 6.5% of mesh repairs versus 15.5% of tissue repairs (p = 0.041). Recurrence within 12 months was significantly lower in the mesh group (3.2%) compared with tissue repair (13.8%, p = 0.02). Mean hospital stay was shorter in the mesh group (5.8 ± 2.1 days) than tissue repair (7.2 ± 2.5 days; p = 0.03). No statistically significant difference was observed in postoperative pain scores or seroma formation. These findings demonstrate that mesh repair, when performed with appropriate aseptic precautions, provides superior long-term outcomes and reduced recurrence without significantly increasing infection risk, supporting its selective use in emergency incarcerated hernia management.

Keywords : Emergency hernia repair, mesh repair, tissue repair.

Conference Name : International Conference on Surgery and Healthcare Quality (ICSHQ - 26)

Conference Place : Antalya, Turkey

Conference Date : 19th Mar 2026