Early Surgical Outcomes in the Use of Hybrid Mesh for Incisional Hernia Repair: Results From a Multicenter Italian Study

Overview

Background: Ventral hernia repair poses challenges for surgeons due to controversies in approach, patient selection, and mesh selection. The GORE® SYNECOR Intraperitoneal (IP) Biomaterial, a hybrid mesh, aims to balance durability and infection risk. Objective: To analyze extended-term outcomes of using the Intaperitoneal device for ventral and incisional hernia repair. Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing surgery in eight Italian Surgery Centers, evaluating pIPOM and sIPOM techniques with GORE® SYNECOR IP Biomaterial. Preoperative evaluations included anthropometric measurements, comorbidities, CT scans, and GIQLI assessments. Surgical procedures and interventions were recorded. Postoperative complications, GIQLI changes, cosmesis, hernia recurrence, and mesh bulging were assessed.

The management of ventral hernias, whether they are primary or incisional, presents a significant challenge for abdominal wall surgeons. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair has become a widely accepted technique on a global scale, with literature reporting favorable outcomes, even over the long term. Nevertheless, various substantial controversies have emerged concerning the ideal approach and patient selection and "ideal mesh". Permanent mesh materials with a macro-porous structure have demonstrated excellent durability, a low risk of infection in ventral hernia repair. Nevertheless, hernia recurrences and complications can still occur. The use of absorbable mesh materials may reduce the risk of infectious complications and the need for mesh removal. However, it might be associated with a higher likelihood of long-term recurrence when compared to permanent materials. In response to these challenges, hybrid mesh materials, combining both absorbable and permanent components, have been developed to strike a balance between achieving long-term durability and minimizing the risk of infection or "Mesh removal". These hybrid meshes can be utilized either intraperitoneally or extra-peritoneally depending on their composition. One example of such a hybrid mesh is the GORE® SYNECOR Intraperitoneal Biomaterial (referred to as the device), manufactured by W.L. Gore \& Associates, Inc. in Flagstaff, AZ. This composite mesh comprises a bioabsorbable 3D web scaffold and a permanent dense polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) monofilament macro-porous knit. The device is specifically designed for intraperitoneal placement, using either an underlay or intraperitoneal onlay technique.