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Updated: May 6, 2026
Application of a New Mesh Fixation Method in Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair
Published on: December 23, 2022
Meta-analysis of primary mesh augmentation as prophylactic measure to prevent incisional hernia
Lucas Timmermans1, Barry de Goede, Hasan H Eker
1Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Background:
Incisional hernia (IH) remains one of the most frequent postoperative complications after abdominal surgery. As a consequence, primary mesh augmentation (PMA), a technique to strengthen the abdominal wall, has been gaining popularity. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic effect of PMA on the incidence of IH compared to primary suture (PS).
Methods:
A meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PMA and PS for closing the abdominal wall after surgery were included.
Results:
Out of 576 papers, 5 RCTs were selected comprising 346 patients. IH occurred significantly less in the PMA group (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.12-0.52, I(2)0%; p < 0.001). No difference could be observed with regard to wound infection (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.39-1.91, I(2) 0%; p = 0.71) or seroma (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.64-2.33, I(2) 0%; p = 0.55). A trend was observed for chronic pain in favor of the PS group (RR 5.95, 95% CI 0.74-48.03, I(2)0%; p = 0.09).
Conclusion:
The use of PMA for abdominal wall closure is associated with significantly lower incidence of IH compared to PS.
