Are mesh anchoring sutures necessary in ventral hernioplasty? Multicenter study.

Background: Avoiding mesh fixation to the surrounding tissue in ventral hernioplasty would simplify the operation, decrease the time of the procedure, and decrease the risk of suture-related complications.

Methods: Four hospitals included 111 patients according to the common protocol for prospective clinical evaluation of sutureless ventral hernioplasty. Surgical technique involves placement of the polypropylene mesh with flat-shape memory in either the retromuscular or preperitoneal space without suture anchoring.

Results: Local complication rate was low (12.6%, 14 patients), postoperative pain measured according to the visual analogue scale was minimal (mean 4, range 1-8). Three recurrences (3%) were recorded. Mild scar discomfort, which did not require treatment nor limit physical activity, was recorded in 28 (25%), 18 (17%), and 11 (14%) patients at 6-month, 1- and 2-year follow-up, respectively.

Conclusions: Results of the study suggest that the sutureless sublay technique is safe and effective in the treatment of ventral abdominal hernia, especially in small and medium defects.