Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair using a composite mesh with polypropylene and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene: a prospective, multicentre registry.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal wall hernias are a common problem. Composite meshes placed intraperitoneally for abdominal wall hernia repair are widely used. This registry evaluated the safety and efficacy of one specific composite mesh with polypropylene and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Intramesh® T1) in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

METHODS: A prospective multicentre registry with data from seven centres was collected between January 2013 and September 2014. Primary endpoint was recurrence rate at 12 months determined by clinical examination. Secondary outcome measures included intraoperative complications, complications during hospitalisation and at 1-month and 12-months follow-up.

RESULTS: The registry included 90 patients (30 female and 60 male). Fifty-five patients (61.1%) presented with primary ventral hernias and 35 patients (38.9%) with incisional ventral hernias. Median hernia size was 4 cm2 . Intraoperative complications were reported in two patients (2.2%). Complications during hospitalisation were reported in four (4.4%) patients. At 1-month follow-up, 17 (18.9%) patients had postoperative complications, of which 5 complications were major and 19 were minor. Late complications at 12-months were observed in 10 patients (11.1%), of which 2 were major and 8 minor complications.

CONCLUSION: Intramesh® T1 is a safe and effective composite mesh with favourable short and midterm outcome and morbidity. (NCT01816867).