20 Feb Mesh Hernia Repairs Associated with Fewer Recurrences

Posted at 05:25h in Author Interviews, JAMA, Surgical Research by

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Mike K.Liang, MD,
Department of Surgery,
The University of Texas Health
Sciences Center, Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital,Houston, TX 7702

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study?

Dr. Liang: Compared to suture repair, mesh repair of primary ventral hernias (umbilical, epigastric, spigelian, lumbar), the most common type of ventral hernias, is associated with fewer hernia recurrence but slightly more seromas and surgical site infections.

MedicalResearch.com: Were any of the findings unexpected?

Dr. Liang: In current practice, many surgeons continue to repair primary ventral hernias with suture repair only believing that they can obtain the same outcomes.  This study reinforces the concept that even for small hernias, mesh reinforcement is associated with improved long term outcomes at a slightly increased risk of more short term adverse events.

MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Liang:

  • Clinicians:  meta-analysis is not to answer questions but rather to frame questions properly.  Further prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to properly assess the best role of mesh and suture repair of primary ventral hernias.
  • Patients:  in most situations, mesh repair of primary hernias improve long term outcomes with slight increase in more short term adverse events.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Liang:

  • More high quality prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to asses the role of mesh versus suture repair of primary ventral hernias.
  • Given the current evidence, use of mesh in most primary hernias will yield better long term outcomes with a slight increase in short term complications.

Citation:

Comparison of Outcomes of Synthetic Mesh vs Suture Repair of Elective Primary Ventral Herniorrhaphy

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

 

Last Updated on February 20, 2014 by Marie Benz MD FAAD

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