Approximately four to five million laparotomies are performed in the United States each year.1 The prevalence of incisional hernia after laparotomy varies according to patient characteristics such as obesity, but rates of two percent to more than 20 percent have been reported.2,3 Some incisional hernias are asymptomatic and remained untreated, but more than 200,000 are repaired in this country annually.1 The goals of repair include the alleviation of pain, discomfort, and functional limitations, as well as the prevention or treatment of incarceration and strangulation.4 Unfortunately, many repaired incisional or ventral hernias recur; thus, the primary objective of research and technological developments pertaining to these hernias has long been to minimize recurrences without increasing treatment-related complications.
