Abdominal wall reconstruction using biosynthetic absorbable mesh in high-risk complex ventral hernia

Biosynthetic mesh may represent an improvement on biological and large pore synthetic meshes for high-risk complex ventral hernia repair. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of polyglycolic acid (PGA):trimethylene carbonate (TMC) biosynthetic mesh for reinforcement of the midline fascial closure in a single-stage repair of complex ventral hernias in high-risk patients.

A retrospective review was undertaken for patients who underwent a planned open single-stage complex ventral hernia repair with a single unit of PGA:TMC biosynthetic mesh between May 2013 and August 2017. Data on outcome variables were recorded and quality of life assessed using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) instrument.

Overall, 56 patients underwent abdominal wall reconstruction for complex ventral hernias. All meshes were placed in the retrorectus position. Some 39% underwent component separation. The majority of patients (86%, n = 48) had high risk (grade 2 or 3) hernias according to the Ventral Hernia Working Group classification. Overall hernia recurrence rate was 3.6% (n = 2). Postoperative surgical site infection occurred in 26.8% (n = 15). Median follow-up by clinical examination was 6 months (range 4–17). Median telephone follow-up was 21 months (range 4–54). Pre- and post-treatment SF-12 quality of life assessments demonstrated significant improvements in both the physical and mental components.

This study reports a large series of abdominal wall reconstructions using biosynthetic mesh in complex ventral hernia. The findings indicate promising early outcome data associated with use of biosynthetic mesh. Larger well-controlled studies with longer follow-up are needed for confirmation of these findings.