Umbilical Herniorrhaphy Reinforced with Biologic Mesh

The true recurrence rate after umbilical hernia repair in not known. After simple closure, the reported rate of recurrence in the literature is as high as 54 per cent. With synthetic mesh repair, the recurrence rates are lowered to less than 10 per cent. However, synthetic mesh is associated with complications such as enterocutaneous fistula and mesh infections. This preliminary study looks at the safety and effectiveness of biologic extracellular matrix mesh reinforcement in the repair of umbilical hernias. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent repair of an umbilical hernia defect (2-3 cm) with primary approximation of the margins and reinforced using a biologic mesh placed beneath the umbilical fascia from 2007 to 2009. Demographic data were collected. Patients were followed prospectively at 2 weeks, 8 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Data were reviewed for postoperative complications, hernia recurrence, and patient satisfaction. During the study period, 16 patients completed the 1 year follow-up. There were 10 men and six women. Ages ranged from 28 to 75 years with a mean age of 47.6 years. The hernias were 2 to 3 cm in size. Complications were minimal. Overall patient satisfaction with the procedure was high. There were no mesh infections. During a mean follow-up of 12 months, only one patient had recurrent hernia (6%). This preliminary evaluation shows promise for an alternative treatment of umbilical hernias using biologic extracellular matrix mesh added as an underlay to reinforce a primary closure. The biologic mesh has a low incidence of infection and complications and results in high patient satisfaction. This preliminary study begs for a randomized, prospective evaluation with long-term follow-up.