Short-term outcomes of mesh-suture repair in the treatment of ventral hernias: a single-center study.

Abstract

Background: Defect closure with mesh suture is a novel technique for hernia repair. Originally described as the construction of lightweight macroporous polypropylene mesh strips as a suture material, it is now available as an FDA-approved product. Mesh suture better distributes tensile forces and reduces fascial tearing compared to traditional suture but requires less implanted material and tissue dissection compared to planar mesh. Limited studies have demonstrated mesh suture's effectiveness in short-term recurrence rates. This study describes the short-term outcomes of our initial experience with mesh-suture-based herniorrhaphy.

Methods: This study is an IRB-approved, single-center, retrospective review of surgeon case logs from May 2023 to February 2024. All patients who had undergone hernia repair utilizing mesh suture (Duramesh, Mesh Suture Inc, Chicago, IL) as the method of repair at our medical center were enrolled. A descriptive analysis regarding patient and hernia characteristics was performed and short-term outcomes were analyzed.

Results: We identified 63 patients (Mean age 61, Mean BMI 31.0 kg/m2, 60% female) who had undergone mesh-suture repair since its availability at our institution. Hernias included 31.7% primary, 27.0% incisional, 34.9% parastomal, and 6.4% other. Of these, 8 (12.7%) were recurrent hernia repairs. The average defect size was 41.0 cm2, with a range from 0.25 to 459 cm2. Average length of stay was 3.2 days, with a range of 0 to 20. Eleven patients (17.5%) were readmitted in the 90-day postoperative period. With an average follow-up of 45 days, there were ten surgical site occurrences (including four surgical site infections) and three recurrences (4.8%).

Conclusions: Our initial experience with mesh-suture herniorrhaphy has demonstrated acceptable short-term rates of surgical site occurrences and recurrences. This provides additional support for its use, particularly in patients where a planar mesh-based repair might traditionally be avoided. Further studies of mesh-suture herniorrhaphy long-term recurrence rates and cost-effectiveness are needed.