Repair of a complex incisional hernia in the setting of palliative care

Abstract

Palliative surgery for cancer is mainly related to the palliation of direct or indirect causes of incurable disease. Surgery may also have to considered in patients with incurable disease for benign conditions that present significant symptoms or quality of life threats. We present here in one such case of the radiological investigation and management of a large incisional hernia at the site of a previous appendicectomy incision in a patient with terminal non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and multiple co- morbidities. A significant improved quality of life was gained by this surgery despite it being high risk.