Tissue ingrowth and laparoscopic ventral hernia mesh materials: An updated review of the literature

Abstract

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) is an accepted means of treating incisional and ventral hernias and has been associated with a number of benefits, including low wound infection rates, low recurrence rates, low postoperative pain rates, and short hospital length of stay [1]. However, LVHR requires the intraperitoneal placement of a mesh prosthesis, which can increase the risk of visceral adhesion formation and its sequelae [2]. In addition, there is a risk, although small, of recurrence due to improper mesh fixation resulting from inadequate technique or inadequate adherence of the mesh to the abdominal wall. Therefore, mesh used for LVHR requires two unique properties: an antiadhesive side to minimize adhesions to the viscera and a side that optimizes tissue ingrowth to minimize recurrence rates and mesh migration. The demand for this optimal two-sided prosthetic for LVHR has led to the research and development of a number of biomaterials specifically designed to optimize adhesiveness to the peritoneum while decreasing adhesion formation to viscera. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.