SHORT-TERM outcome after ventral hernia repair using self-gripping mesh in sublay technique – A retrospective cohort analysis

Abstract Background Hernia repair in sublay technique is widely accepted for ventral hernias, as it appears to be advantageous in terms of complication and recurrence rates. Self-gripping meshes are increasingly used for hernia repair with retromuscular mesh positioning. However, real-life data on the safe use in that specific indication are still lacking. The purpose of this study is the evaluation of short-term postoperative outcome of self-gripping versus conventional non-self-gripping meshes in sublay hernia repair. Materials and Methods This retrospective analysis assessed patients undergoing ventral hernia repair in sublay technique between January 2011 and July 2018 at the Deptartment of Surgery, Medical University of ***. 244 consecutive patients were eligible for final analysis. Patients were grouped according to the utilized mesh. Baseline characteristics and peri-as well as postoperative outcome was assessed. Results There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Median follow-up was 11 months (IQR 3-30). The overall complication rate (28.3% versus 13.7%, p=0.005) due to an increased rate of seromas (17.3% versus 6.8%, p=0.013) and surgical site infections (12.6% versus 4.3%, p=0.021) was significantly higher in patients with a self-gripping mesh. Significantly more patients with a self-gripping mesh needed a surgical intervention (21.3% versus 9.4%, p=0.011). Conclusion In sublay ventral hernia repair, the use of self-gripping meshes is associated with a higher overall complication rate and an increased rate of complication-associated surgical interventions when compared to non-self-gripping mesh placements.