Publication Name	World Journal of Meta-Analysis
Manuscript ID	113251
Country	United Kingdom

Category	Transplantation
Manuscript Type	Systematic Reviews
Article Title	Mercedes incision and risk of incisional hernia following liver transplantation: A systematic review
Manuscript Source	Unsolicited Manuscript
All Author List	Subba Rao V Kanchustambam, Paul A Peters, Harry True and Benjamin G. Jones
Funding Agency and Grant Number
Corresponding Author	Subba Rao V Kanchustambam, Consultant, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Blackburn Hospital, Haslingdon Road, Blackburn., Blackburn BB2 3HH, Blackburn with Darwen, United Kingdom. subba.kanchustambam@nhs.net
Key Words	Mercedes incision; Incisional hernia; Liver transplantation; Chevron incision; J-shaped incision; Surgical outcomes; Abdominal wall integrity; Closure technique; Suture material; Meta-analysis
Core Tip	This systematic review and meta-analysis of 2965 liver transplant recipients demonstrates that the Mercedes incision increases the risk of incisional hernia compared with Chevron or J-shaped incisions. The midline extension inherent to the Mercedes approach may contribute to fascial weakness. Technical factors such as two-layer closure and use of non-absorbable sutures may reduce this risk. Incision choice should be individualized to balance optimal surgical exposure with preservation of long-term abdominal wall integrity.
Citation	Kanchustambam SRV, Peters PA, True H, Jones BG. Mercedes incision and risk of incisional hernia following liver transplantation: A systematic review. World J Meta-Anal 2025; In press

Received	2025-08-20 05:20
Peer-Review Started	2025-08-20 05:20
First Decision by Editorial Office Director	2025-09-23 08:17
Return for Revision	2025-09-24 11:47
Revised	2025-10-08 09:47
Publication Fee Transferred	2025-11-09 00:34
Second Decision by Editor	2025-12-11 02:40
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2025-12-11 05:40
Articles in Press	2025-12-11 05:40
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Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	2308-3840 (online)
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