Ventral hernia repair with T-line hernia mesh: A multi-institutional experience

Abstract

Introduction

Ventral hernia repair (VHR) is a common procedure complicated by high hernia recurrence rates exceeding 30 % over ten years. The T-Line® Hernia Mesh is a synthetic, polypropylene mesh featuring mesh extensions designed to prevent anchor point failure by evenly distributing tension to reduce ventral hernia recurrences. This study evaluates the outcomes of the T-Line® mesh in VHR with 1–3 year follow-up.

Methods

This study is a multi-institutional retrospective cohort study on patients who underwent VHR with T-Line® mesh between October 2020 and December 2022. Patient demographics, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using HerQLes and ACHQC surveys.

Results

Fifty-seven patients underwent VHR with the T-Line® mesh with a median age of sixty years and BMI of 30.8 kg/m². The median follow-up was 454 days with a range of 365 to 1192 days. The median defect area was 97.0 cm² and mesh area was 300 cm². Seventeen patients (29.8 %) underwent hernia repair with panniculectomy. Postoperatively, seven patients (12.3 %) presented to the emergency department within 30 days, with five patients (8.8 %) requiring readmission. Eight patients (14.0 %) experienced complications within thirty days, with the majority being surgical site infections (n = 7, 12.3 %). Of the five patients that reported feeling a slight bulge at their previous hernia site, upon clinical evaluation two patients had a recurrence (one recurrence was caused by the suture tearing through the underlying laparotomy repair while the mesh remained anchored intact above the repair, and the second recurrence was caused by inadequate mesh fixation at the caudal border of the mesh), while no patients reported using pain medication for abdominal wall discomfort.

Conclusions

The T-Line® Hernia Mesh demonstrated safety and effectiveness in ventral hernia repair, with low recurrences and postoperative complications rates over a 1–3-year period, suggesting it is a valuable tool for complex hernia repairs.