Abdominal wall hernia repair with a composite ePTFE/polypropylene mesh: clinical outcome and quality of life in 152 patients.
OBJECTIVE
No consensus has yet been reached regarding the optimal mesh for the repair of small ventral hernias. A composite polytetrafluoroethylene/polypropylene mesh (Ventralex(®)) is designed for this purpose, and this paper reports its use in a larger series of patients.


METHODS
Open repair for a small ventral hernia was undertaken in 152 patients between April 2006 and June 2008. Data from medical files were gathered, and follow-up questionnaires were retrieved. Patients were asked about pain, intake of analgesics and various physical capabilities. Patients with postoperative complaints were offered a follow-up visit. Ultrasonography was performed if recurrence was suspected.


RESULTS
Median surgery time was 39 min (range 16-129 min). Junior surgeons performed 63% of the operations. Questionnaires were returned by 81.6% with a mean follow-up of 15.6 months. Eighteen patients (11.8%) had complications. Pain score was significantly lower and the physical capabilities of the patients were significantly enhanced after the operation. Recurrent hernia was reported in four patients (2.6%). Five patients (3.3%) had the mesh removed due to deep infection, chronic pain or early recurrence. The training level of the surgeon had no influence on the incidence of complications. A 93.8% majority of the patients would recommend this specific procedure to others.


CONCLUSIONS
The intraperitoneal placement of this composite mesh is associated with a high level of patient satisfaction as well as low rates of both recurrence and infection.
Iversen
E
E
Department of Surgery K, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen, NV, Denmark.
Lykke
A
A
Hensler
M
M
Jorgensen
L N
LN
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005260:Female; D046449:Hernia, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011788:Quality of Life; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene