Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair: Mesh Options and Outcomes

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) offers a minimally invasive option for the repair of congenital or incisional abdominal wall hernias. A key component of LVHR is the placement of a prosthetic or biological mesh intraperitoneally to cover the defect without reapproximating the fascial edges with a primary suture repair. The optimum mesh provides high tensile strength, reducing the risk of recurrence, stimulates host tissue ingrowth without promoting adhesion or fistula formation, resists secondary infection and seroma formation, and is affordable. Numerous mesh materials are available on the market, each with specific advantages and disadvantages. However, no single mesh possesses all the qualities of the ideal mesh and relatively few studies have been performed comparing meshes of different materials and design. Currently, the choice of mesh continues to be driven by surgeon preference and individual clinical situation. Here, we review the properties and outcomes of mesh materials currently available for use in LVHR.