Umbilical hernia repair with composite prosthesis: a single-centre experience

Since 2004, composite prosthesis repair is the preferred procedure for umbilical hernia repair in our centre, although long-term results of this technique are lacking. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term results of a cohort of patients who underwent umbilical hernia repair with this procedure.

A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent umbilical hernia repair with composite prosthesis was conducted. Data were obtained from electronic medical records. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the factors associated with postoperative complications and hernia recurrence.

Between March 2004 and December 2015, 2135 patients underwent umbilical hernia repair and composite prosthesis (Ventralex or Ventralex ST^®) was used in 1538 patients. 179 patients were lost during the follow-up. Finally, 1359 patients were included in the study. The prosthesis was placed in the preperitoneal space in 93.4% of the patients. 86.3% of the patients underwent same-day surgery. Only 2.1% of the patients developed a complication during the follow-up, and 1.8% of the patients required a new surgery. After a mean follow-up of 4.1 years, hernia recurrence rate was 3.9%. Multivariate analysis showed that hernia recurrence was associated with female gender, recurrent hernia, and postoperative complication. Postoperative complications were related to follow-up time and smoking patients.

Long-term results after umbilical hernia repair with composite prosthesis are satisfactory, with a low percentage of complications and recurrences.