Hernia repair: a retrospective review of slit mesh (dp2 mesh) complications

This study reviews the complication rates associated with slit meshes used in groin hernia repair, using a slit polyester mesh (Parietex DP-2 mesh, Covidien) as the prototype for slit meshes. Though popular expert opinion is that a flat mesh is better suited for groin hernia repair while a slit mesh may have an increased propensity for causing complications such as pain and recurrence, there is paucity of data to support these claims.

The study was a retrospective observational study at a regional referral hospital in Victoria, Australia. We retrospectively compared complication rates among patients who had elective groin hernia repair at Goulburn Valley Health, Shepparton between 2018 and 2023. Patients were excluded from the study based on the following criteria: history of previous hernia repair with subsequent recurrence, documentation of obesity in clinical reports and unavailable formal operative or discharge notes.

A total of 960 patients were screened from the Goulburn Valley Health database for inguinal hernia repair procedures performed between 2018 and 2023. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 235 patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair with Parietex DP2 mesh were identified. Among these patients, 51 (21.70%) experienced complications within a two-year follow-up period, with some patients reporting multiple issues. Chronic pain occurring in 11 patients (4.68%). A recurrence of hernia within 2 years in 9 patients (3.83%), while 3 patients developed meshoma necessitating mesh explantation.

The results highlight a notable incidence of complications associated with the use of DP2 mesh in inguinal hernia repair. Chronic pain, poor mesh integration and recurrence emerged as significant concerns, emphasizing the need for thorough postoperative monitoring and consideration of alternative mesh materials to potentially lower complication rates.