Surgical treatment of large incisional hernias with an intraperitoneal Parietex Composite mesh: Our preliminary experience on 26 cases

Background: The authors analyse the results of a prospective study on the use of a new type of composite mesh, Parietex Composite (PC) (Sofradim, France), positioned intraperitoneally in incisional hernias. Methods: Twenty-six patients (9 men, 17 women), aged 51 on average (range 33−79), were treated with this mesh. Twenty-four patients underwent open surgery. Indications were: ventral hernias that were big, on the border, multirecurrent, or larger than 10 cm with important associated pathologies. Only two patients with small hernias were treated laparoscopically. Results: The average follow-up of our survey was 15 months (range 6–24). All patients underwent ultrasound scans of the abdomen before surgery and 6 months after the operation, according to the Sigel technique, in order to detect the presence of visceral adhesions to the mesh. In 23 patients (88%), the bowel’s motions, both spontaneous and induced, were in a normal range. We had neither intestinal occlusions nor fistulae. No deaths occurred. Postoperative complications were minor: two seromas (8%), one hematoma (4%), two parietal suppurations (8%). No mesh was removed. Only one recurrence occurred (4%). Conclusions: Our preliminary experience with PC is so positive that this mesh is currently the one of choice in our department when an intraperitoneal implant is required.