Utilizing T-Line Mesh for Periumbilical Hernia Repair: Evaluation of Short-term Outcomes

Abdominal periumbilical hernias are prevalent within the adult population. When symptomatic, quality of life may be affected. This case series of 10 patients evaluates the short-term outcomes of using the T-Line mesh in periumbilical hernia repair.

A retrospective review of adult patients with symptomatic periumbilical abdominal hernia treated with open repair with T-Line mesh was performed at a tertiary referral center. Ten patients with an average age of 51 years were offered surgical treatment. Measures of postoperative outcomes included readmission within the 30-day postoperative period; recurrence; surgical site infection; development of seroma and hematoma; and the presence of pain, numbness, or bloating. Descriptive statistics were computed in Microsoft Excel.

All 10 patients reported improvement in symptoms. All repairs were elective and classified as clean (100%). Hernias included 40% primary umbilical, 50% ventral, and 10% incisional. The average defect size was 10 cm², with a range from 1 to 25 cm². The T-Line mesh was placed in a sublay manner, with an average mesh size of 36 cm². No patients were readmitted in the 30-day postoperative period. There were no occurrences of surgical site infection or hernia recurrence. No hospital readmissions and no follow-up visits with hernia recurrence were noted at 3 months.

We present a case series of 10 patients presenting with symptomatic periumbilical hernias who underwent repair with the T-Line hernia mesh without short-term surgical occurrences. Long-term studies are required to accurately reflect safety and efficacy.