Surgical treatment of large incisional hernias with an intraperitoneal Parietex Composite mesh: our preliminary experience on 26 cases.

BACKGROUND

The authors analyse the results of a prospective study on the use of a new type of composite mesh, Parietex Composite (PC) (Sofradim, France), positioned intraperitoneally in incisional hernias.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients (9 men, 17 women), aged 51 on average (range 33-79), were treated with this mesh. Twenty-four patients underwent open surgery. Indications were: ventral hernias that were big, on the border, multirecurrent, or larger than 10 cm with important associated pathologies. Only two patients with small hernias were treated laparoscopically.

RESULTS

The average follow-up of our survey was 15 months (range 6-24). All patients underwent ultrasound scans of the abdomen before surgery and 6 months after the operation, according to the Sigel technique, in order to detect the presence of visceral adhesions to the mesh. In 23 patients (88%), the bowel's motions, both spontaneous and induced, were in a normal range. We had neither intestinal occlusions nor fistulae. No deaths occurred. Postoperative complications were minor: two seromas (8%), one hematoma (4%), two parietal suppurations (8%). No mesh was removed. Only one recurrence occurred (4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary experience with PC is so positive that this mesh is currently the one of choice in our department when an intraperitoneal implant is required.