Selected conditions associated with an increased incidence of incisional hernia: A review of molecular biology

Background: Incisional hernias (IH) following a laparotomy, on average, occur in 10–20% of patients, however, little is known about its molecular basis. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms could lead to the identification of key target(s) to intervene pre-and post-operatively. Methods: We examined the current literature describing the molecular mechanisms of IH and overlap these factors with smoking, abdominal aortic aneurysm, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and diverticulitis. Results: The expression levels of collagen I and III, matrix metalloproteinases, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases are abnormal in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of IH patients and ECM disorganization has an overlap with these comorbid conditions. Conclusion: Understanding the pathophysiology of IH development and associated risk factors will allow physicians to identify patients that may be at increased risk for IH and to possibly act preemptively to decrease the incidence of IH.