Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Comparing biosynthetic and synthetic mesh for cancer-related belly
By Levy J et al.·2026·Department of Surgery, United States·View original on Europe PMC →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Biosynthetic Versus Synthetic Mesh in Oncologic Ventral Hernia Repair.
Plain-English summary
In this study, researchers looked at how well two types of mesh—biosynthetic and synthetic—work for repairing ventral hernias in cancer patients, who often have weaker tissues and other health challenges. They reviewed the records of 207 patients who had surgery between 2010 and 2023, finding that the complication rates were similar for both types of mesh, with about 24% for biosynthetic and 18% for synthetic. Hernia recurrence, which is when the hernia comes back after surgery, was also comparable, occurring in about 8.8% of those with biosynthetic mesh and 6.7% with synthetic mesh. The study concluded that biosynthetic mesh is a good alternative to synthetic mesh for these patients, as it performed similarly in terms of complications and recurrence.
Abstract
<h4>Introduction</h4>Ventral hernia repair in oncologic patients is challenging due to poor tissue quality, immunosuppression, malnutrition, and prior operations. Limited data exists comparing the outcomes of biosynthetic (Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate) and synthetic mesh in this population. This study aims to assess the outcomes in patients who undergo hernia repair using one of two mesh types.<h4>Methods</h4>Patients undergoing ventral hernia repair by the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery service and general surgery after oncologic resection from 2010 to 2023 were included, with patient records reviewed and cases identified in a prospectively maintained database by the Plastic and Reconstructive Service. Repairs were done in a retrorectus, underlay, or onlay fashion with either biosynthetic or synthetic mesh. Primary endpoints included complication rates (hematoma, infection/cellulitis, wound dehiscence, abscess, seroma) and hernia recurrence.<h4>Results</h4>207 patients underwent repair (102 biosynthetic, 105 synthetic) and were included. Baseline demographics were similar between groups. No significant difference was observed in complication rates (biosynthetic: 24%, synthetic: 18%; p=0.3). Hernia recurrence was noted in 8.8% of biosynthetic and 6.7% of synthetic mesh cases (p>0.6). Subgroup analysis of wound classes II-IV showed consistent results. Up to two years postoperatively, synthetic mesh did not significantly reduce hernia recurrence risk compared to biosynthetic mesh (Subdistribution Hazard Ratio (sHR): 0.66; 95% CI, 0.27-1.59; p=0.4). Bilateral external abdominal oblique release (sHR: 0.31; 95% CI, 0.11-0.87, p=0.026) and retromuscular mesh placement (sHR: 0.08; 95% CI, 0.02, 0.35, p<0.001) exhibited a protective role.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Biosynthetic mesh can be considered a reasonable alternative to synthetic mesh in this high-risk population.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41604244