The use of PROCEED mesh in ventral hernias: a pilot study on 22 cases.

BACKGROUND: The management of major omphalocoele and large incisional hernias is a common problem and constitutes a great challenge for paediatric surgeons. In most cases, the abdominal cavity is so small and does not allow immediate reduction. Prosthetic materials are becoming increasingly popular for such repair, but direct contact between the bowel and these synthetic materials carries the risk of adhesions and intestinal obstruction. The relatively new PROCEED mesh with absorbable layer in contact with the bowel and another polypropylene non-absorbable layer against the abdominal wall may not produce such adhesions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of this relatively new prosthetic mesh for repair of ventral hernia .

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2009 and December 2012, a pilot study was conducted on 22 cases with large ventral hernias subjected to open surgical repair using PROCEED mesh. The inclusion criterion was cases with large ventral hernias (>4 cm). The evaluating parameters were all the early and late postoperative complications.

RESULTS: The defect size ranged from 5 to 12 cm. The early postoperative complication (≤1 month) was seroma discharged from the wound in four cases, while the late complications were recurrent herniation and stitch sinus that occurred in three cases. No manifestations of intestinal obstruction, enterocutaneous fistula or mortality were encountered in any of the 22 cases.

CONCLUSION: The use of PROCEED composite mesh in ventral hernias is feasible and has minimal complication rates.