Abstract
Background
Umbilical and epigastric hernias have historically been repaired without mesh resulting in recurrence rates in some series of up to 40%. Recent data suggests mesh repair of these hernias may decrease recurrent hernia rates. Ideal placement of the mesh is behind the defect, which is difficult to do without a large incision in these hernias unless done laparoscopically. The Ventralex hernia patch is a composite PTFE/polypropylene patch allowing intraperitoneal placement behind the hernia defect through a small incision, and without the cost of laparoscopy. To date, only one study exists evaluating this new prosthesis.
Methods
This study is a retrospective chart review of all umbilical and epigastric hernias repaired with the Ventralex hernia patch by a single surgeon. Patient characteristics and operative and post-operative data were collected. Hernia recurrence is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include complication rates.
Results
Eighty-eight patients from 2003–2006 were evaluated. The population included patients aged 25–86 (mean 52) with nineteen females (22%). The average BMI was 32 (range 18–68). Eighteen patients were smokers, five patients were diabetic, and two patients were chronic steroid users. The size of patches used were small (72%), medium (27%), and unknown (1%). Average operating room time was 52 min (range 19–194). The different types of hernias repaired were umbilical (68%), epigastric (30%), and incisional (2%). Follow-up visits ranged from 8 days to 3.1 years in all but five patients (6%). No hernia recurrences were found in follow-up. Complications included two patients (2.2%) with mesh infection requiring removal of the patch, one patient with post-operative urinary retention, and seroma formation in another patient.
Conclusions
The composite PTFE/polypropylene hernia patch is effective in preventing hernia recurrence in umbilical, epigastric, and small ventral hernia repairs and can be accomplished with a low rate of complications.
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Acknowledgments
Data collection was in part sponsored by the Bard Company (Davol Inc, Subsidiary of C.R. Bard, Inc., RI, USA).
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Martin, D.F., Williams, R.F., Mulrooney, T. et al. Ventralex mesh in umbilical/epigastric hernia repairs: clinical outcomes and complications. Hernia 12, 379–383 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-008-0351-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-008-0351-7