Prophylactic slowly resorbable mesh in midline laparotomy to limit incisional hernia incidence: the prospective ‘Mesh Augmented Reinforcement of Abdominal Wall Suture Line (MARS)’ cohort study protocol (2024)

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Prophylactic slowly resorbable mesh in midline laparotomy to limit incisional hernia incidence: the prospective ‘Mesh Augmented Reinforcement of Abdominal Wall Suture Line (MARS)’ cohort study protocol (1)

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Int J Surg Protoc. 2024 Jun; 28(2): 58–63.

Published online 2024 Apr 2. doi:10.1097/SP9.0000000000000023

PMCID: PMC11161291

PMID: 38854712

Louis Matthijs Van Den Dop, MD,Prophylactic slowly resorbable mesh in midline laparotomy to limit incisional hernia incidence: the prospective ‘Mesh Augmented Reinforcement of Abdominal Wall Suture Line (MARS)’ cohort study protocol (2)a Jose M. Molina-Villar, MD,b Elisa Mäkäräinen, MD, PhD,c Jared Torkington, MD, PhD,d Dirk Weyhe, MD, PhD,e Igor Koncar, MD, PhD,f and Johan F. Lange, MD, PhDa

Author information Article notes Copyright and License information PMC Disclaimer

Associated Data

Data Availability Statement

Abstract

Background:

Incisional hernia (IH) after abdominal surgery is a frequent surgical complication. Risk factors associated with IH are midline incisions, patients with an abdominal aneurysm of the aorta, and high BMI. Preventive measures include the use of the small-bites suture technique and/or placing a prophylactic mesh for reinforcement of the midline closure. Although recommended for high-risk patients, many surgeons are still reluctant to place a prophylactic mesh due to related complications. To counter these concerns, new synthetic resorbable meshes are being developed, such as the Deternia Self-Gripping Resorbable Mesh (“investigational device”). However, the effectiveness of this mesh in IH prevention has not been proved.

Methods:

The Mesh Augmented Reinforcement of Abdominal Wall Suture Line (MARS) study is a European, multicentre, prospective, single-arm study. A total of 120 patients scheduled for elective midline laparotomy, and for that reason at risk of developing IH, will be recruited in ~12 sites after informed consent. The sample size was estimated based on greater than 80% power, two-sided alpha of 0.05, an expected 12 month IH rate of 8% and a predefined performance goal of 18% (10% clinical margin). Midline incisions will be closed by the small bites closure technique with a minimum 4:1 suture-to-wound length ratio and reinforced by mesh placement in the retrorectus position. The primary outcome will be IH occurrence at 12-month postoperatively, evaluated both clinically and by ultrasound. Secondary outcomes will include mesh-related and postoperative complications, surgical characteristics, IH incidence at 2 and 3 years after surgery, and quality of life.

Discussion:

Currently, no conclusive evidence is available for synthetic resorbable meshes in a prophylactic setting to prevent IH. The MARS study will be the first prospective cohort study to investigate resorbable synthetic meshes and small bites closure to reduce IH incidence.

Keywords: hernia prevention, incisional hernia, midline laparotomy, prophylactic mesh, resorbable synthetic mesh

Highlights

  • Prophylactic mesh use has shown effectiveness in incisional hernia prevention.

  • Resorbable meshes show less susceptibility to mesh infection and prevent long-term mesh complications.

  • This protocol will investigate a new resorbable mesh in a prophylactic setting that may benefit patients undergoing midline laparotomy with possibly less risk of complications seen in synthetic mesh use.

Background

Incisional hernia (IH) after abdominal surgery is a frequent surgical complication. The European Hernia Society (EHS) recommends avoiding midline incisions given it imposes the highest risk of IH development. Nevertheless, this is still the preferred procedure of many surgeons, mainly due to the ease of access to all abdominal quadrants1. Approximately 12.8% of patients will develop an IH after any kind of midline laparotomy2. Each year, around 400000 IH repairs are performed in the United States alone3.

Diverse factors contribute to an increase in the risk of developing IH, including patient-related features [high body mass index (BMI), history of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), smoking, diabetes mellitus, liver diseases]4, and surgical factors (midline incision, specific suture materials and techniques, postoperative surgical site infection). In these high-risk populations, the incidence of IH can be as high as 40%5.

To address the high rate of IH following midline laparotomy, surgeons started focusing on prevention strategies and using the small-bites suture technique (i.e., the stitch bites are 5mm with a 5mm inter stitch space) combined with the placing of prophylactic meshes for the reinforcement of the midline closure. Both measures have been shown to reduce the incidence of IH after midline laparotomies in several randomized controlled trials69. The ‘Prevention of incisional hernia with prophylactic onlay and sublay mesh reinforcement versus primary suture only in midline laparotomies’ (PRIMA) trial demonstrated a significant reduction in IH incidence by using prophylactic mesh placement in onlay or sublay position compared to primary suture closure in obese patients, or patients with a history of AAA8. The ‘Prevention of Incisional Hernias by Prophylactic Mesh-augmented Reinforcement of Midline Laparotomies for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment’ (PRIMAAT) trial also showed a significant reduction of IH incidence after retrorectus mesh positioning, compared to primary suture in AAA patients1012.

The use of a prophylactic mesh after midline laparotomies is currently only recommended in high-risk patient groups1. However, even in high-risk populations, many surgeons are still reluctant to place a prophylactic mesh. This may reflect the unwillingness to introduce a permanent foreign object in the abdominal wall and/or fear of chronic pain, fistula formation and mesh infection following postoperative complications11.

To counter concerns over prophylactic permanent mesh use, slowly resorbable meshes have been developed. Deternia Self Gripping Resorbable Mesh (Sofradim Production S.A.S.U. [Medtronic plc company], Trevoux France) is a recently designed macroporous fully resorbable bi-dimensional poly-l-lactide, poly-trimethylene carbonate copolymer (PLLA/TMC) monofilament textile mesh that nearly completely degrades in 18 to 24 months and remaining mesh fibers are nonfunctional, while residual material is resorbed in 36–60 months postimplantation13.

In order to investigate the effectiveness of the new resorbable mesh in a prophylactic setting, the European, multicentre, prospective, single-arm Mesh Augmented Reinforcement of Abdominal Wall Suture Line (MARS) study is being conducted.

The primary objective of this study is to assess the postoperative 1-year IH incidence by both clinical examination and ultrasound imaging. Secondary objectives include mesh-related and postoperative complications, surgical characteristics, IH incidence at 2 and 3 years after surgery, and quality of life [assessed by the EuroQol-5 Dimensions-5 Level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire].

Methods

Study design

MARS is a prospective, multicentre, single-arm, pre-market, investigational clinical study that aims to assess the performance and safety of Deternia Self-Gripping Resorbable Mesh (“investigational device”) when used for suture line reinforcement in the retrorectus space after midline laparotomy in clean and clean-contaminated fields [Center for Disease Control (CDC) Classification I and II]14.

The study will include 120 patients, enrolled in ~12 sites from five countries in Europe. To avoid site/surgeon bias, each site will recruit a maximum of 30 patients. Patients will then receive midline laparotomy, performed with small bites suture technique and a continuous running slowly absorbable monofilament suture reinforced by Deternia Self-Gripping Resorbable Mesh (“investigational device”) placed in the retrorectus space.

Eligibility

Patients over the age of 18 at the time of consent, who will be undergoing an elective surgery with a planned midline laparotomy with retrorectus mesh placement, are eligible for participation in the study.

Preoperative exclusion criteria are:

  1. Subject is undergoing emergency surgery.

  2. Subject has a history of allergic reactions after application of PLLA/TMC.

  3. Subject is pregnant or is planning pregnancy during study duration period.

  4. Subject is unable or unwilling to comply with the study requirements or follow-up schedule.

  5. Subject is scheduled for another surgery, which would jeopardize the previous application of the study treatment.

  6. Subject has a BMI greater than 45kg/m2.

  7. Subject has any of the following medical interventions/medical conditions: uncontrolled diabetes [hemoglobin A1c (Hb1Ac) > 60mmol/mol], cirrhosis, stoma wearers.

  8. Subjects has a concomitant ostomy (stoma creation or closure).

  9. Subject has received a mesh in a previous ventral hernia repair or has an existing ventral hernia.

  10. Subject has a life expectancy inferior to the study follow-up duration (36 months).

  11. The study procedure is a relaparotomy within 30 days of previous abdominal surgery.

  12. Subject has an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score higher than 3.

  13. Subject has participated in an investigation drug or device study within 30 days before the enrolment.

  14. Subject has current chemo and/or radiation therapy within 2 weeks before the procedure.

  15. Subject has a history of ascites.

  16. Subject has a medical condition that precludes the patient from participation in the opinion of the investigator.

  17. Subject is undergoing a vascular procedure other than AAA surgery.

Intraoperative exclusion criteria are:

  1. Subject’s study procedure is in a contaminated or infected site as assessed by the investigator(s) (CDC Class three and four).

  2. Subject’s abdomen is left open at the end of the procedure.

  3. Subject has an unsuspected ventral/umbilical hernia greater than 1cm encountered at the time of laparotomy.

  4. Inability to close the patient’s anterior fascia or keep the mesh securely out of the peritoneal cavity.

  5. Subject has a second-look procedure planned.

  6. Subject requires a full-thickness partial resection of the abdominal wall because of involvement in the neoplastic process or complex fistula.

  7. Subject has an inoperable tumor/poor prognosis cancer/patient noncuratively treated.

  8. Subject has a suture length to wound length ratio less than 3.5/1.

  9. Subject has an ongoing infection at the time of the surgery, which is uncontrolled and/or requires treatment such as antibiotics.

  10. Subject was not implanted with Deternia Self Gripping Resorbable Mesh.

  11. Subject requires more than 1 mesh.

Study device

Deternia Self-Gripping Resorbable Mesh is intended to be used for the reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissues where weakness exists, in procedures involving abdominal suture-line reinforcement. The device is made of a macroporous fully resorbable bi-dimensional (PLLA/TMC) monofilament textile, with monofilament PLLA/TMC absorbable grips on one side to facilitate positioning and mesh fixation to the surrounding tissue13.

The macroporous textile provides the strength required to withstand biomechanical stresses throughout the healing period, while allowing for tissue ingrowth. As the textile integrates, host tissue ingrowth is intended to provide strength to the reinforcement. Over time the PLLA/TMC mesh and grips degrade and resorb in vivo by hydrolysis and are metabolized by the body into CO2 and H2O.

Physician’s training

Two training sections on MARS study features, adopted device, retro rectus dissection, and mesh augmented procedures were organized in June and November 2022, respectively. A total of 31 participants – including principal investigators, co-investigators, and nurses – were trained by Medtronic clinical specialists and three surgeon experts and members of the study steering committee. A training video and live exercitations on cadavers were used to show the intervention procedures, focusing on retrorectus mesh placement, and small-bites techniques.

Pre-procedure assessments

Patients’ demographics, BMI, medical and abdominal surgical histories, and relevant risk factors will be collected pre-operatively. Subjects will also complete an EQ-5D-5L QoL questionnaire and a pain numeric rating scale (NRS, 0–10).

Procedures

The mesh used in this study will be placed following the below instructions:

  1. A single mesh must be placed during each procedure.

  2. The mesh will create a posterior plane between the rectus muscle and the posterior rectus fascia.

  3. The posterior rectus fascia will be closed with a continuous running slowly absorbable monofilament suture. The mesh will be placed over the sutured closed posterior rectus fascia. It is suggested to allow an overlap of 4cm on each side and at the extremities of the incision. The amount of overlap should be recorded in all directions. The mesh shall be placed with the grips towards the fascia (downwards).

  4. If the laparotomy incision extends caudally, below the arcuate line, the posterior plane for the positioning of the mesh will be created between the rectus muscles and transversal fascia, and the mesh will be placed over the sutured closed transversal fascia and peritoneum, and it is suggested to allow an overlap of 4cm on each side and at the extremities of the incision. The amount of overlap will be recorded in all directions. The mesh shall not be placed with the grips in direct contact with the peritoneum.

  5. The textile self-gripping feature contributes to the fixation of the mesh to surrounding tissue for a minimum of 8 weeks and additional fixation means (suture) should be only performed at the discretion of the surgeon, depending on the surgical procedure, size of incision, and patient conditions. If sutures are needed, it is recommended to fixate the mesh at about 1cm from the edge of the mesh with absorbable sutures.

  6. After mesh positioning and fixation, closure of the anterior rectus fascia will be performed using the best standard suture length/wound length ratio 4:1 and small-bites techniques (the stitch bites are 5mm with a 5mm inter stitch space) with a continuous running slowly absorbable monofilament suture. The stitch should incorporate the aponeurosis only and incorporation of fat or muscle tissue should be avoided

  7. The subcutaneous tissue and skin will be closed according to the surgeons’ preference.

  8. A drain can be used at the surgeon discretion, but it is not recommended in this protocol.

Data collected at the time of the procedure will include surgical features: date of surgery, time of surgery (skin incision to end of closure), type of anaesthesia, intraoperative wound contamination class (CDC classification), surgical approach, type of surgery, fascial closure details, study device data, and time to create the retrorectus space and insert, position, and fixate the mesh if applicable. Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis and anticoagulants use, adverse events (Ae), and device deficiencies will also be recorded.

Follow-up

Subjects will be evaluated at discharge and at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 month postprocedure. Data on pain levels (evaluated via NRS), post incision Aes, anticoagulant use, clinical–physical examination for IH, and details of IH (if present) will be recorded at all timepoints. At 12, 24, and 36 month follow-up imagery (ultrasound required and computed tomography scan as desired/needed per standard of care) will be used to diagnose IH. Subjects will also complete an EQ-5D-5L QoL questionnaire at all follow-ups after discharge.

Primary and secondary endpoints

The study primary endpoint is to assess the Deternia Self-Gripping Resorbable Mesh performance in suture line reinforcement after elective midline laparotomy at 12 month postoperatively and demonstrate its efficacy in preventing IH occurrence. IH development will be evaluated both clinically and by imaging with ultrasonography (in case of discrepancy, imagery will be decisive). If there is a suspicion of hernia based on the clinical evaluation, but the ultrasound examination is negative, computed tomography scan might be performed according to site standard of care. IH is clinically defined as any abdominal wall gap with or without a bulge in the area of a postoperative scar perceptible or palpable by clinical examination when a Valsalva maneuver was carried out in the supine decubitus position and/or in the standing position. IH is defined, according to ultrasound examination of the midline laparotomy, as a visible gap within the abdominal wall and/or tissue moving through the abdominal wall by Valsalva maneuver.

Secondary endpoints are designed to assess device clinical safety and performance within 36 months postoperatively and include:

  1. Incidence of IH at 24 and 36 month follow-up, assessed by imaging and clinical examination (in case of discrepancy imagery will be decisive).

  2. Incidence of clinical IH (physical exam) at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 month follow-up.

  3. Time to IH (from surgery time-point).

  4. Time to other adverse device effects (Ade) occurrences (from skin incision time-point).

  5. Incidence of all Ades (mesh and mesh-augmented reinforcement procedure) intraoperatively, at discharge, within 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 month following the use of Deternia Self-Gripping Resorbable Mesh.

  6. Incidence of AEs of interest: symptomatic seroma requiring action taken, hematoma needing surgical revision, surgical site infection (defined according to the CDC classification), wound dehiscence (skin and/or fascial, mesh removal) intraoperatively, at discharge, within 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 month following the use of Deternia Self-Gripping Resorbable Mesh.

  7. Postoperative pain at the site of surgery, evaluated with NRS score from 0 to 10 at baseline (screening), discharge and at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperative visits.

  8. EQ-5D-5L QoL at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 month postoperative visits; surgeon satisfaction questionnaire postoperative on day 0.

  9. Hospital length of stay (inpatient).

  10. Readmission and reoperation rate related to study mesh device and/or mesh augmented reinforcement study procedures.

Investigator selection

Investigators are qualified surgeons from five different European countries (Croatia, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and UK) experienced in the surgical management of patients with mesh augmented reinforcement for abdominal laparotomies or in mesh placement for hernia repair.

Statistics

The primary endpoint (incidence of IH at 12 month postoperative visit) for this single-group study will be evaluated clinically and radiologically by imagery by means of ultrasonography and be evaluated against a performance goal (PG). The PG is predefined to be 18% and was determined based on literature review, meta-analysis and clinical judgments, and selected to balance the number of patients while maintaining proof of acceptable performance6,9,1518.

The sample size is estimated based on greater than 80% power, one-sided alpha of 0.025, an expected 12 month IH rate of 8% (based on meta-analysis), and a pre-defined performance goal of 18% (10% clinical margin). By accounting for an attrition rate of 10% at 12 months, a total of 120 subjects will be implanted with the investigational device for this study.

Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize study outcomes. Continuous variables will be summarized using a number of subjects (n), mean, standard deviation, median, IQR, and ranges. Categorical variables will be summarized using counts and percentages. The primary analysis will include data from all study sites. A probability analysis across sites will be performed on the primary endpoint of the IH rate at 12 months. All tests of treatment effects will be conducted at a two-sided alpha level of 0.05 unless otherwise stated. A P value less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Confidence intervals will be presented at the 95% level, unless otherwise stated.

The primary hypothesis is to test if the primary IH rate is below the pre-defined PG. The Clopper–Pearson exact method will be used for the primary endpoint analysis. A multivariable analysis using logistic regression with regularization and/or variable selection for model estimability will also be performed with baseline covariates including age, BMI, sex, smoking, previous abdominal surgery, type of index procedures, length of incision, and CDC classification plus others as appropriate.

Study organization

The sponsor will utilize study monitors to ensure that the study is conducted in accordance with the study protocol, clinical trial agreements, and the applicable regulatory and local requirements. The study will also use a Clinical Events Committee to conduct a review of selected AEs in order to adjudicate them. The Clinical Events Committee will consist of a minimum of three non-sponsor employed physicians, not involved in the study.

Enrolment status

Enrolment has started in November 2022. To date (March 2023), a total of eight patients have been enrolled.

Discussion

Although the risks of developing an IH associated with midline laparotomy is well known and EHS recommends avoiding midline incisions whenever possible1, this approach is still being utilized by many surgeons. Consequences stemming from the midline approach include the increase of IH repair costs, rising to more than 3.2 billion dollars annually in the USA3. Prevention of IH development is therefore an important medical and socioeconomic issue that needs to be addressed.

Since a significant reduction was observed in patients with prophylactic mesh reinforcement, this approach seems to be a viable and feasible instrument to counter IH development8,10. However, postoperative infections of the prophylactic mesh may cause long-term complications11 such as chronic infections requiring partial or complete mesh resection (with subsequent IH formation), mesh extrusion or erosion, seroma development and pain19,20. Furthermore, enterocutaneous fistula can form postoperatively and severely impair patient QoL21.

Synthetic resorbable meshes - like biological ones - resorb in the human body, although they take significantly longer time compared with biosynthetic devices. This might give the abdominal wall time to strengthen its cellular matrix and collagen, while not remaining permanently attached in the abdominal wall. Also, synthetic resorbable meshes gradually degrade through hydrolysis and are less prone to infections compared with their permanent synthetic counterparts. The lower contamination rate might be explained with a weaker inflammatory reaction of the recipient, due to the specific biological configuration of the mesh22,23.

Limitations of current study include ethical considerations that directed the study design to a single arm study instead of a randomized controlled trials (RCT) during the development of this study. This was due to the fact that significantly more patients will develop an IH if placed in a primary suture group as shown in numerous previous RCTs with their long-term follow-up8,1012,24. Furthermore, informing patients during informed consent that there is a beneficial treatment available with regard to IH prevention, but adhering them to possibly primary suture allocation will impair subject enrolment. Additionally, selection bias might be introduced due to physicians choosing only patients who they are willing to risk treating without prophylactic mesh placement. Patients with obesity rates with a BMI greater than 45 are excluded since their BMI contributes to high risk of postoperative complications, confounding mesh related outcomes. These obesity rates are – for the moment – rare in Europe.

For reference, the Dutch national Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS) published the following data regarding class 3 obesity, showing a 0.9% percentage25.

Currently, no conclusive evidence is available for the use of bio (synthetic) meshes in a prophylactic setting22. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of the slowly-absorbable synthetic Deternia Self Gripping Resorbable Mesh in patients requiring a reinforcement of the suture line following midline laparotomies in clean and clean-contaminated fields and is therefore crucial to define the clinical significance of synthetic resorbable meshes in prophylactic settings.

Ethical compliance

This study is being conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and local regulatory requirements. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05424484) and will be added in local regulatory databases if required by local laws. All individual hospitals participating in the study had submitted the study protocol for local approval of the study. All patients will provide written informed consent prior to enrolment or any study-related procedures and will consent for publication. Sofradim Production S.A.S.U., a Medtronic plc company (Trevoux, France) approved the protocol and consented for publication.

Consent for publication

All patients will consent for publication. Sofradim Production S.A.S.U., a Medtronic plc company (Trevoux, France) approved the protocol and consented for publication.

Author contributions

L.M.D. helped with the design of the protocol and initiated the writing of the protocol manuscript; J.M.M.-V. designed the protocol, drafted following protocol amendments, and is involved in patient inclusion and data gathering; E.M. helped designing the protocol and is involved in patient inclusion and data gathering; J.T. helped designing the protocol and drafted following protocol amendments; D.W. supervised the protocol manuscript and was involved in patient inclusion and data gathering; I.K. was involved in patient inclusion and data gathering and checked the protocol manuscript; J.F.L. oversaw the design of the protocol and made final revisions to the protocol manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Conflicts of interest disclosure

This work was supported by Sofradim Production S.A.S.U., a Medtronic plc company (Trevoux, France). All authors (or their institutions) received support to provide input on the design of the study.

Research registration unique identifying number (UIN)

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05424484).

Data availability statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

Acknowledegments

Rosa Paolillo, PhD, and Nicholas Paquette, PhD (Medtronic) provided medical writing assistance under the authors’ direction and based on content and conclusions developed by the authors. Patrice Becker and Marion Blanc, PharmD (Medtronic) provided subject matter expertise and design support, as well as editorial review. Katie Bayliss and Ruth Larbre (Medtronic) provided clinical study management. Evelyn Wu-Allen, MS and Laura Kapitula, PhD (Medtronic) provided statistical consideration and performance goal justification.

Footnotes

Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article.

Published online 2 April 2024

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Articles from International Journal of Surgery Protocols are provided here courtesy of Wolters Kluwer Health

Prophylactic slowly resorbable mesh in midline laparotomy to limit incisional hernia incidence: the prospective ‘Mesh Augmented Reinforcement of Abdominal Wall Suture Line (MARS)’ cohort study protocol (2024)

FAQs

Is there a role for prophylactic mesh in abdominal wall closure after emergency laparotomy a systematic review and meta analysis? ›

Both included studies showed a significant reduction in IH rate when mesh was used in closure of emergency laparotomies compared to their standard practice of suture only. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of surgical site infection when mesh was compared to standard closure.

Which mesh is best for an incisional hernia? ›

Hernia mesh can be made from several different materials, but polypropylene mesh is the most common. “Polypropylene, which is the most commonly used, actually, of all of them, probably 90% to 95%,” late hernia surgeon Dr. Robert Bendavid told Drugwatch.

What is the recovery time for incisional hernia surgery? ›

Most people are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. But if your job requires that you do heavy lifting or strenuous activity, you may need to take 4 to 6 weeks off from work. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the cut (incision) dry.

What is the incidence of incisional hernia after laparotomy? ›

Incisional hernias develop because of the failure of the abdominal wall to close properly[2]. Despite advancements in techniques for abdominal wall closure the incisional hernia rate following laparotomy is as high 15% to 20%.

Why would you need an abdominal wall reconstruction? ›

Abdominal wall reconstruction is a complex reconstructive surgery mainly used for hernia repair, scar repair, and repairing damage caused by previous surgery. It has become a common term used to repair the abdominal wall to re-establish function and structure.

What are the long term complications of mesh repairs for abdominal wall hernias? ›

Patients may experience various hernia mesh complications after hernia repair surgery. The most common hernia mesh complications are persistent pain, infection, hernia recurrence, adhesion and bowel obstruction. Some patients have also reported instances of mesh failure and migration.

Will my stomach shrink after hernia repair? ›

The size of your stomach will not necessarily shrink after a hernia repair. However, depending on the cause of your hernia and the type of repair you have, you may experience changes in your abdominal appearance after surgery.

Can hernia mesh cause problems years later? ›

Hernia mesh, a medical device often made from polypropylene, can cause an inflammatory response, resulting in pain lasting three to six months following surgery. Some patients begin to experience chronic and debilitating hernia mesh pain years later.

Can a hernia come back after mesh repair? ›

Hernia recurrence rates vary a lot after hernia surgery. Reports of 90 – 99% success rates are common. Mesh repairs, in many cases, offer a smaller chance of hernia recurrence rate than non-mesh repairs. Unfortunately, some repairs may lead to very high incidence of chronic pain, which can range from 5-15%.

Should I have my incisional hernia repair? ›

In most occurrences, only the abdominal lining protrudes, making incisional hernias less severe than other types. However, incisional hernias do not heal on their own and require surgical treatment to repair.

What happens if an incisional hernia is left untreated? ›

If left untreated, however, an incisional hernia can cause serious complications such as a bowel obstruction (resulting in severe pain, nausea or constipation) or intestinal strangulation, if the trapped section of the intestines does not get enough blood.

What is the mortality rate for incisional hernia surgery? ›

Mortality in elective incisional hernia repair has been reported to be up to 5.3% (9). Grave complications such as enterocutaneous fistulae and adhesions lead- ing to bowel obstruction and pain can cause a sig- nificant decrease in patient condition and quality of life (10, 11).

Can prophylactic synthetic mesh be safely used to close emergency laparotomies even in peritonitis? ›

Conclusion: The use of a partially absorbable, lightweight large pore prophylactic mesh in the closure of emergency midline laparotomies is feasible for the prevention of incisional hernia without adding a substantial rate of morbidity to the procedure, even if high contamination or infections are present.

What is the role of antibiotic prophylaxis in mesh hernia repair? ›

Antibiotic prophylaxis in hernia repair procedures

Elective hernia repair procedures are considered to be clean procedures which do not, as such, require antibiotic prophylaxis [6, 49, 50]. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for procedures carried out without a mesh, and this seems to be indisputable.

What is the guideline for closure of abdominal wall incisions? ›

If the incision is larger than 1 cm, it should be closed with a deep muscle-fascia suture in addition to skin sutures. If there is a large incision in the middle of the abdomen, the muscle should be sutured using small stitches that are close together and a slowly absorbable suture should be used.

References

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