Is biological mesh a suitable option for laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh plus (IPOM plus) repair in the treatment of abdominal wall hernias?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of biological mesh in laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh plus (IPOM plus) repair of abdominal wall hernias. METHODS: From January 2021 to January 2022, the clinical data of 30 patients with various types of abdominal wall hernias were analyzed. All patients underwent laparoscopic IPOM plus repair, during which the hernia defect was closed with non-absorbable sutures prior to placement of the biological mesh. Preoperative general information, as well as complications, adverse events, and hospitalization costs, were monitored and analyzed. RESULTS: In this study, the patients' ages ranged from 28 to 65 years, and the length of their hospital stays ranged from 4 to 10 days. The surgical method employed was laparoscopic IPOM plus repair, with operation times ranging from 50 to 80 min. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-operation. No patients were lost to follow-up during this period. Additionally, there were no cases of abdominal hernia recurrence, intestinal fistula, intestinal obstruction, wound infection, mesh infection, chronic pain, or foreign body sensation. One patient developed seroma, which was cured via drainage. The patients' hospitalization costs ranged from $4,211 to $8,307 USD. CONCLUSION: The use of biological mesh for laparoscopic IPOM plus repair with non-absorbable suture closure of the hernia defect is both effective and safe, making it a valuable option for clinical application, especially for young patients.