Prophylactic Mesh Reinforcement After Open Aortic Aneurysm Repair: a Retrospective Study

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate whether reinforcing the abdominal wall with a mesh during closure after open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair can prevent incisional hernias (IH). The study is retrospective and observational, focusing on patients who had this mesh reinforcement technique between 2019 and 2024. Researchers want to understand if mesh use reduces hernia rates and how often related postoperative complications occur compared to cases without mesh reported in the literature. The treatment studied is prophylactic retromuscular mesh reinforcement, where a mesh is placed behind the rectus abdominis muscles during abdominal closure to strengthen the wall and reduce hernia risk. This is done by carefully dissecting muscle layers and placing a self-gripping polyester or composite mesh extending beyond the midline without tension. The mesh is secured and the abdominal layers are sutured closed. The study looks at patients treated at one hospital over several years with this technique. Participants underwent clinical follow-ups and abdominal ultrasounds to detect incisional hernias. They also completed quality-of-life questionnaires including EQ-5D and PROMIS. The primary outcome measured is the rate of incisional hernias within a specific timeframe (January to April 2025). Secondary outcomes include rates of complications such as fascial dehiscence, seromas, surgical site infections, hematomas, and operative time. The study relies on reviewing medical records and follow-up data from at least one year after surgery.

Prophylactic Mesh Reinforcement After Open Aortic Aneurysm Repair