Comparison of Recurrence Rates in Obese and Non-Obese Patients Undergoing Ventral Hernia Repair with Lighter-Weight, Partially Absorbable Mesh

Abstract

Lighter-weight, large pore meshes with absorbable layers are designed for intra-abdominal placement in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. This retrospective review of 86 patients who underwent ventral hernia repair with PROCEED™ Surgical Mesh (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ) represents an evaluation of a cohort of patients implanted with this mesh. All patients implanted with PROCEED Mesh for ventral hernia repair between October 2006 and December 2007 were contacted and asked to participate in an evaluation of their hernia repair. Patients were evaluated for pain, recurrence of their hernia and other potential complications. Eight patients underwent open repair; all others were performed laparoscopically. One patient continued to have pain at 1 year. Twelve developed seromas early on and 5 required drainage by a single puncture each. None persisted. There were 4 recurrences with none in patients with a Body Mass Index 3 32. One case of abdominal wall cellulitis responded to antibiotics. There were no wound infections, mesh infections, bowel obstructions or enteric fistulas. This study demonstrates the utility of a lighter-weight, large pore, partially absorbable mesh for intraperitoneal use in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair and indicates this mesh is strong enough for use in obese patients.