Danish Hernia Database

In Reply Mesh reinforcement is almost always used in elective repair of an incisional hernia to minimize the risk of recurrence,1 as well as in repair of small umbilical and epigastric hernias.2 The expert consensus recommendation for the use of mesh was based on evidence from randomized trials from specialized hernia centers with high internal validity and from clinical nationwide prospective databases reporting “real-world” outcomes with high external validity.

Question  What are the long-term consequences in patients undergoing incisional hernia repair? Findings  In this registry-based nationwide cohort study including 3242 patients, mesh repair was associated with a lower risk of reoperation for recurrence compared with nonmesh repair over a 5-year follow-up period. However, a risk of long-term mesh-related complications for open and laparoscopic mesh repairs partially offset these benefits.