Complications of Intraperitoneal Mesh Techniques for Incisional Hernia - A Systematic Review

Incisional hernia is considered to be one of the most frequent complication of abdominal surgery, with an incidence up to 20% or 35-50%. Given the latest focus on laparoscopic approach of any surgical pathology, there is a tendency in managing the incisional hernias in this particular manner, which impose intraperitoneal onlay mesh placement (IPOM). The aim of this review is to gather more information regarding the possible complications that can be associated with this technique. The study was conducted based on a bibliographic research using the databases: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. The work was reported in line with PRISMA guidelines. The study conducted shows that the short-term risks of intraperitoneal mesh placement for incisional hernia repair are not life-threatening and are comparable to other prosthetic surgical techniques. The most frequent complications can be devided in minor: seroma, hematoma and recurrent pain, and major: enterocutaneous fistula, mesh infection and Adhesions-Bowel obstruction. The high rate of unavailability for follow-up, especially regarding major complications that usually occur after a significant period of time, limits the results of the studies documented and they lack the quality-of-life assessment.