Repair of McBurney incisional hernias after open appendectomy

Incisional herniation after appendectomy through a right lower quadrant muscle-splitting (McBurney) incision is rare, occurring in less than 0.12% of operations for appendicitis. Primary repair of this form of hernia is particularly difficult as a result of the attenuated fascia created by the herniation. By using synthetic mesh, it is possible to effectively repair this type of hernia. Three cases of postoperative incisional herniation treated by different surgical approaches are reviewed.