Aim of the study: Intraperitoneal (IP) ventral hernia repair is advantageous because of reduced dissection, shorter operative time and less postoperative pain. However, the IP positioning of the mesh is suspected to increase the risk of visceral adhesion and induce complications. To overcome these drawbacks, an innovative mesh: Parietex Composite (RC) was developed with one side protected by a hydrophilic resorbable film. The purpose of this study was to compare using ultrasonography the rate of visceral adhesions after IP placement of a conventional mesh (RP) versus RC mesh.
Patients and methods: Twenty-six patients who received a Parietex Composite were prospectively compared to a retrospective series of 26 consecutive asymptomatic patients who received a non protected polyester mesh (RP). In order to objectively assess visceral adhesion toward the abdominal wall, an ultrasound specific examination was used after previous validation by comparison of preoperative ultrasonographic data with peroperative gross appearance in both groups.
Results: With a mean follow up of 33 months, both groups were equivalent in term of inclusion criteria excepted for age which was older the RP group. US validation data were: sensitivity 72%, accuracy 69%, negative predictive value 67%. Using this procedure, 81% of the patients exhibit visceral adhesion to the mesh in the RP group, versus 27% in the PC group (P =0.0002, chi2).
Conclusion: US examination represents a suitable tool to evaluate postoperative adhesions to the abdominal wall. A significant reduction of visceral adhesion in the RC group was shown.