The Effect of Postoperative Abdominal Binder to Improve Early Clinical Outcome After Incisional Hernia Repair (INCIS-AB)

Postoperative seroma formation is one of the most common complications after ventral hernia repair with mesh. Although some seromas may not have clinical impact postoperative seroma formation often causes pain and discomfort and may even compromise wound healing. Abdominal binders (also called trusses, girdle, ostomy belt, longuette or abdominal belt) (AB) are commonly used in abdominal and plastic surgery to prevent seroma formation and diminish pain and discomfort after operation. The primary aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of postoperative abdominal binders after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair on postoperative pain, discomfort and quality of life. Secondary, we register seroma formation. A randomized, controlled, investigator-blinded study supplemented with blinded statistical analysis. We include 52 incisional hernia repairs. Patients are randomized either to abdominal binder or no abdominal binder (controls). The abdominal binder is worn from immediately after the operation and continuously for 7 days and nights. All patients have a standardized operation with standardized intra- and postoperative medication regimen. Endpoints measurements are self-registrations with VAS and Carolina Comfort Scale and abdominal ultrasound for measuring seroma formation. Patients are followed until 1 month after the operation.