Use of mesh during ventral hernia repair in clean-contaminated and contaminated cases: outcomes of 33,832 cases.

Objective: To analyze and compare postoperative occurrences following ventral hernia repairs (VHRs) using mesh in clean-contaminated and contaminated wounds.

Background: Ventral hernia repairs using mesh is one of the most common surgical procedures performed. However, guidelines and outcomes of repairs in clean-contaminated or grossly contaminated ventral hernias have not been established.