Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair with Polypropylene Mesh: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) is currently considered the gold standard. However, the mesh selection is still controversial. The aim of this review is to look for evidence that supports the use of polypropylene mesh (PPM) in the intraperitoneal position in LVHR. Materials and methods: The literature was searched systematically using Google Scholar and PubMed for controlled studies, prospective descriptive series, and retrospective case series. Results: A total of 11 studies were retrieved. All the studies were either retrospective or animal experiments. Their outcomes are heterogeneous and they have multiple weaknesses. Conclusion: The literature clearly lacks data from controlled randomized trials in humans that can give strong evidence. The use of intraperitoneal PPM in LVHR remains an individual surgeon preference decision until well-designed prospective double-blind randomized controlled clinical trials are available.