Work

Is the sublay self-gripping mesh effective for incisional ventral hernia repair? Our experience and a systematic review of the literature

Year: 2020

Type: review

Abstract: Sublay mesh repair seems to be the most effective method for treating incisional hernias (IHs). The aim of this study was to report our experience with retromuscular repair and self-gripping mesh for the treatment of midline IHs. In addition, we provided a systematic review of the literature regarding the use of this novel combination. All patients undergoing elective IH repair from June 2016 to November 2018 were included. The self-gripping mesh was placed in the sublay position. Demographic data, defect sizes, postoperative complications and follow-up durations were collected. A systematic review of the available literature was conducted in January 2020 using main databases. A total of 37 patients (20/17M/F) were included in this study, and the mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 58 years and 27 kg/m2, respectively. Minor complications occurred in six patients. Long-term follow-up demonstrated recurrence in three patients. Regarding the review, five publications were considered relevant. The highest complication rate was 28.6%, and the recurrence rate varied from 0 to 5.1%. This is the first review of the literature regarding sublay IH repair using a self-gripping mesh. The low rates of postoperative complications and recurrence in our experience and those reported by most of the reviewed articles demonstrate that this is a safe and effective method for repairing IHs.

Source: Updates in Surgery

DOI: 10.1007/s13304-020-00762-1