Hernia (2009) 13:481–486 DOI 10.1007/s10029-009-0516-z 123 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Rectusbanding: a method for the repair of incisional hernias M. Sahm · R. Kube · J. Rose · G. Kubo · M. Pross · H. Lippert Received: 22 November 2008 / Accepted: 3 May 2009 / Published online: 3 June 2009  Springer-Verlag 2009 Abstract Background We report on a new method of incisional hernia repair applicable to any size of hernia and the long- term results of this method. Musculus rectus abdominis is bandaged or partially bandaged in a loose way with a 2-cm- wide band of polypropylene (Prolene ® ) on both sides at a distance of 2 cm, depending on the size of the hernial open- ing. The aims of this technique, which were deWned in 1999 when we started using the method, were to Wnd a simple method for surgeons, a safe mesh Wxation and the preven- tion of a postoperative stiV abdomen. Another aim was to Wnd a method for optimal patient care at reasonable costs. Methods Two hundred and seventeen patients underwent an operation according to this method in our department from June 1999 until December 2007. The Wrst 75 patients of this cohort were treated using a technique in which the musculus rectus abdominis was bandaged in a loose way. One hundred and forty-two patients (since October 2001) were treated using a technique in which the muscle was not entirely bandaged. Instead, the polypropylene bands, which had been placed in sublay position, were penetrating the lateral rim through incisions and were fastened there. We included 124 patients (October 2001 to December 2006) in our further examination with a follow-up of 17–79 months. Results We found a recurrence rate of 6%, 80.1% of the patients had no trouble, 18.1% of the patients had very rarely any complaint, 0.9% of the patients had problems after exercise and 0.9% had permanent problems. All patients had excellent mobility of the abdomen. Conclusion This method was proven to give good results in the long run and can be easily learned by any surgeon. This method is a true alternative to all methods which have been published so far. Keywords Incisional hernias · New operation method · Rectusbanding Abbreviations ASA American Society of Anaesthesiology BMI Body mass index ePTFE Expanded polytetraXuoroethylene IPOM Intraperitoneal onlay mesh i.v. Intravenous Introduction The repair of incisional hernias remains one of the most common surgical procedures performed by general sur- geons. With an incidence of 10–20%, incisional hernias are the most common complication of laparotomy [1]. Age and gender, as well as other endogenous (e.g. underlying dis- ease and associated diseases) and exogenous (e.g. smoking) risk factors, have been identiWed as being associated with primary and recurrent incisional hernia [2]. The high recurrence rate of incisional hernias (25–52%) after conventional suture repairs has changed the strategies of incisional hernia repair [3]. The use of prosthetic materi- als to stabilise the abdominal wall has led to signiWcantly lower recurrence rates. Among the various mesh techniques that are available, the sublay technique has yielded excellent M. Sahm (&) · J. Rose · G. Kubo · M. Pross Department of Surgery, Klinik für Chirurgie, DRK Kliniken Berlin Köpenick, Salvador-Allende-Straße 2–8, 12559 Berlin, Germany e-mail: m.sahm@drk-kliniken-berlin.de R. Kube · H. Lippert Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany