Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Application of a New Mesh Fixation Method in Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair
Published on: December 23, 2022
Prospective cohort study on mesh shrinkage measured with MRI after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with an
Filip Muysoms1, Roel Beckers2, Iris Kyle-Leinhase3
1Department of Surgery, Maria Middelares Hospital, Buitenring Sint-Denijs 30, 9800, Ghent, Belgium. filip.muysoms@azmmsj.be.
Background:
Current data on shrinkage of intraperitoneal meshes come mainly from animal studies. High-quality human data in prospective studies are scarce.
Methods:
We used the ability to visualize intraperitoneal PVDF meshes enhanced with iron particles (DynaMesh IPOM visible) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the amount of shrinkage between 1 and 13 months postoperatively. All measurements of the width, length, and surface area of the mesh were performed with a standardized methodology independently by four radiologists blinded for the timing of the MRI.
Results:
Of the 15 patients undergoing laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, 13 patients received an MRI both at 1 and at 13 months. Evaluation of inter-rater reliability between the radiologists showed intra-class correlations of 0.95 (95% CI 0.92-0.98) for the width, 0.96 (95% CI 0.93-0.98) for the length, and 0.99 (90% CI 0.99-1.00) for the surface area of the mesh. The change between measurement at implantation and 1-month MRI was - 0.7 cm (P = 0.023; - 3.6%) for the width and - 1.9 cm (P = 0.001; - 7.2%) for the length. The change between 1 and 13 months was - 0.06 cm (P = 0.74; shrinkage = 0.3%) for the width, - 0.12 cm (P = 0.56; shrinkage = 0.5%) for the length, and - 4.0 cm2 (P = 0.20; shrinkage = 1.0%) for the surface area of the mesh.
Conclusion:
There is excellent inter-rater reliability between radiologists when measuring width, length, and surface area of visible intraperitoneal PVDF mesh with MRI. There is no significant shrinkage between 1 and 13 months of intraperitoneal PVDF mesh after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.
Insights
Intraperitoneal PVDF meshes showed no significant shrinkage between 1 and 13 months after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provided reliable measurements of mesh dimensions over time.
Area of Science:
- Surgical innovation
- Medical imaging
- Hernia repair
Background:
- Limited high-quality human data exists on intraperitoneal mesh shrinkage.
- Animal studies are the primary source of current shrinkage data.
- Prospective human studies are scarce, highlighting a need for reliable data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify shrinkage of intraperitoneal polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) meshes.
- To assess mesh shrinkage between 1 and 13 months postoperatively.
- To evaluate the reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for mesh measurement.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MRI to visualize PVDF meshes enhanced with iron particles (DynaMesh IPOM visible).
- Standardized methodology was employed by four blinded radiologists for mesh width, length, and surface area measurements.
- Inter-rater reliability was assessed using intra-class correlations.
Main Results:
- Excellent inter-rater reliability was achieved for all measured mesh dimensions (width, length, surface area).
- No significant shrinkage was observed between 1 and 13 months postoperatively.
- Width shrinkage was 0.3%, length shrinkage was 0.5%, and surface area shrinkage was 1.0% between 1 and 13 months.
Conclusions:
- MRI is a reliable tool for measuring intraperitoneal PVDF mesh dimensions.
- Intraperitoneal PVDF meshes exhibit no significant shrinkage 1 to 13 months after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.
- Findings contribute valuable human data to the understanding of mesh behavior in vivo.
