Open ventral hernia repair using ProGrip self-gripping mesh.

Area of Science:

• Surgical innovation in hernia repair.
• Biomaterials and medical device development.
• Patient outcomes and quality of life assessment.

Background:

• Secure mesh fixation is crucial for incisional hernia repair to prevent dislocation and recurrence.
• Traditional fixation methods can cause chronic postoperative pain.
• Novel fixation techniques are needed to improve patient comfort and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the 2-year outcomes of using a self-gripping mesh for open tension-free repair of large incisional hernias.
• To assess pain severity, complications, and hernia recurrence rates.
• To determine the efficacy and safety of this novel fixation method.

Main Methods:

• Prospective case series of 20 patients with large incisional hernias (mean defect size: 84 cm²).
• Open onlay repair using a macroporous polyester mesh with resorbable polylactic acid microgrips (ProGrip).
• Follow-up at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, assessing pain, Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS), complications, and recurrence.

Main Results:

• Median mesh fixation time was 2 minutes; mean operative time was 38 minutes with minimal blood loss.
• No major perioperative complications; one patient had a minor seroma.
• Excellent 2-year outcomes: 100% follow-up compliance, mean pain score of 0, excellent quality of life (mean CCS score = 0), and no recurrence, infection, or mesh removal.

Conclusions:

• Open repair with a self-gripping mesh is a viable option for large incisional hernias.
• Immediate mesh fixation with this device enables a safe, durable, and tension-free repair.
• This technique offers significant improvements in patient comfort and long-term outcomes.