BACKGROUND: Decreasing the amount of polypropylene by increasing pore size produces a lighter weight mesh that may improve tissue ingrowth and, functional properties of the abdominal wall and diminish mesh-related complications. It was the aim of this prospective observational cohort study to analyze the outcome of incisional hernia repair using small-pore versus large-pore meshes and using a standardized, open, retromuscular surgical technique. METHODS: Across a 6-year period we analyzed 205 patients treated with a heavyweight mesh (group I) and 235 patients treated with a large-pore mesh (group II) for incisional hernias. Patients with a body mass index greater than 40 kg/m(2) and patients with hernias with a transverse diameter of more than 10 cm were not treated by a retromuscular mesh repair and are not included in this analysis. Recurrent incisional hernias also were not included. Both groups had 3 years of follow-up. Patients were evaluated for pain, discomfort, feeling of foreign material, and recurrences. RESULTS: Pre-operative characteristics were comparable between the groups, including body mass index, diabetes, and smoking. The mean total hernia surface was 56 cm(2) for group I versus 48 cm(2) in group II. The mesh surface area was 448 cm(2) for group I and 425 cm(2) for group II. Considering pain scores, there was only a minor difference between the 2 groups at 1-month follow-up, at which time, the Visual Analogue Scale was 5.8 in group I and 4.9 in group II (P = .16). All other scores were comparable between the groups. In group I, 7 recurrences (3.4%) were recorded after 3 years, of which 6 were already apparent 1 year after initial repair. In group II, 9 recurrences (3.8%) were diagnosed, again 6 within the first year after repair. CONCLUSION: Large-pore meshes can be used safely for open primary incisional hernia repair with an equal outcome compared with small-pore meshes in nonobese patients with defects smaller than 10 cm in width, in regard to both recurrence rates and chronic discomfort.
BACKGROUND: Decreasing the amount of polypropylene by increasing pore size produces a lighter weight mesh that may improve tissue ingrowth and, functional properties of the abdominal wall and diminish mesh-related complications. It was the aim of this prospective observational cohort study to analyze the outcome of incisional hernia repair using small-pore versus large-pore meshes and using a standardized, open, retromuscular surgical technique. METHODS: Across a 6-year period we analyzed 205 patients treated with a heavyweight mesh (group I) and 235 patients treated with a large-pore mesh (group II) for incisional hernias. Patients with a body mass index greater than 40 kg/m(2) and patients with hernias with a transverse diameter of more than 10 cm were not treated by a retromuscular mesh repair and are not included in this analysis. Recurrent incisional hernias also were not included. Both groups had 3 years of follow-up. Patients were evaluated for pain, discomfort, feeling of foreign material, and recurrences. RESULTS: Pre-operative characteristics were comparable between the groups, including body mass index, diabetes, and smoking. The mean total hernia surface was 56 cm(2) for group I versus 48 cm(2) in group II. The mesh surface area was 448 cm(2) for group I and 425 cm(2) for group II. Considering pain scores, there was only a minor difference between the 2 groups at 1-month follow-up, at which time, the Visual Analogue Scale was 5.8 in group I and 4.9 in group II (P = .16). All other scores were comparable between the groups. In group I, 7 recurrences (3.4%) were recorded after 3 years, of which 6 were already apparent 1 year after initial repair. In group II, 9 recurrences (3.8%) were diagnosed, again 6 within the first year after repair. CONCLUSION: Large-pore meshes can be used safely for open primary incisional hernia repair with an equal outcome compared with small-pore meshes in nonobese patients with defects smaller than 10 cm in width, in regard to both recurrence rates and chronic discomfort.
Authors: Ali Rastegarpour; Michael Cheung; Madhurima Vardhan; Mohamed M Ibrahim; Charles E Butler; Howard Levinson Journal: Plast Surg (Oakv) Date: 2016 Impact factor: 0.947
Authors: S G Parker; S Halligan; M Erotocritou; C P J Wood; R W Boulton; A A O Plumb; A C J Windsor; S Mallett Journal: Hernia Date: 2019-05-31 Impact factor: 4.739