From the Research
Mesh is used in the majority of hernia repair surgeries, with a frequency of over 90% for inguinal hernias and approximately 85-95% for ventral and incisional hernias, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The high frequency of mesh usage in hernia repair surgeries is due to its effectiveness in reducing hernia recurrence rates compared to non-mesh repairs.
- The use of mesh provides tension-free reinforcement of the abdominal wall, distributing pressure more evenly across the repair site and creating a stronger barrier against recurrence.
- Mesh selection varies based on hernia type, size, patient factors, and surgeon preference, with options including synthetic (polypropylene, polyester), composite, and biologic materials depending on the specific clinical scenario.
- The study by 1 reported a large series of hernia repairs with mesh, with low rates of mesh-related complications and excellent long-term quality of life for the majority of patients.
- While other studies, such as 2, 3, and 4, have compared different techniques for hernia repair, including the use of mesh, the most recent and highest quality study 1 provides the strongest evidence for the frequency of mesh usage in hernia repair surgeries.
- Another study 5 surveyed surgeon practice and found that mesh is commonly used in hiatal hernia repair, with a reported recurrence rate lower than that obtained historically without mesh. However, the study by 1 is the most relevant and highest quality study, and its findings should be prioritized when determining the frequency of mesh usage in hernia repair surgeries. Therefore, based on the strongest and most recent evidence, mesh is used in the majority of hernia repair surgeries, with a frequency of over 90% for inguinal hernias and approximately 85-95% for ventral and incisional hernias 1.