Lightweight polypropylene mesh fixation in laparoscopic incisional hernia repair

Introduction: The choice of the mesh and fixation methods in laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is a crucial issue in preventing complications and recurrence. The authors report a series of 40 consecutive laparoscopic incisional hernia repairs, focusing on the use of lightweight polypropylene mesh and on the way of mesh fixation. Material and methods: Forty laparoscopic incisional hernia repairs performed consecutively in 38 patients (16 males, 22 females) were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups depending on tacks used: Titanium tacks vs absorbable tacks. Results: All patients received totally laparoscopic incisional hernia repair by the use of lightweight polypropylene mesh. No major postoperative complications were reported. Post-operative pain (evaluated by VNS) was higher in Group A (titanium tacks, p < 0.05). No differences in follow-up as well as in recurrence incidence (one case in both groups, < 6 months time interval) were reported. Conclusions: Securestrap (TM) absorbable tacks are safe and effective and easy to use and did not increase the risk of mesh dislocation compared with non-absorbable tacks. The specific design well fits the lightweight polypropylene mesh Physiomesh (TM). Further evaluations in larger randomized studies are needed to confirm these preliminary data.