Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Mesh in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: A 5-Year Prospective Study
Summary: Prospective 5-year follow-up (n=300 abdominal hernia repairs) evaluated synthetic mesh complications, finding 15% wound-related events (infection 8%, seroma 4%, recurrence 3%). Infection risk highest in contaminated fields (OR 4.5); prophylactic antimicrobials reduced rates 40%. Mesh type (absorbable vs permanent) showed no difference in long-term hernia recurrence (12% both). Recommends routine surveillance for early intervention in high-risk patients.
Key Highlights:
- Complications: 15% at 5 years; infection OR 4.5 in contaminated cases.
- Antimicrobials: Reduced infections 40%; no impact on recurrence.
- Mesh Types: Absorbable vs permanent: similar 12% recurrence.
- Method: Prospective; Kaplan-Meier for time-to-event.
- Authors: Garcia M, Patel R, Thompson L et al.
Keywords: surgical mesh, abdominal wounds, long term outcomes, infection, recurrence, M Garcia, R Patel, L Thompson