Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How to prevent hernias after dog surgery?
By Ibrahim M et al.·2026·Department of General Surgery·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Prophylactic Mesh Reinforcement Versus Primary Suture for Midline Laparotomy Closure: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Plain-English summary
After certain types of abdominal surgery, a common problem is the development of incisional hernias, which are bulges that can occur at the site of the surgical cut. Researchers looked at whether using a special mesh to support the area during closure could help prevent these hernias compared to just stitching it up. They reviewed several studies involving over a thousand patients and found that using the mesh significantly lowered the chances of hernias forming after surgery, without increasing serious complications. This suggests that using mesh could be particularly beneficial for patients who are at higher risk for developing hernias. Overall, the treatment with prophylactic mesh appears to work well in reducing hernia risk after surgery.
Abstract
Incisional hernia remains a common postoperative complication following elective midline laparotomy. Prophylactic mesh reinforcement has been proposed to reduce hernia formation, although concerns regarding postoperative complications and variation in operative technique have limited routine adoption. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines and registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251172749). A comprehensive search identified RCTs comparing prophylactic mesh reinforcement with primary suture closure in elective midline laparotomy. The primary outcome was incisional hernia incidence at ≥12 months follow-up. Data were pooled using fixed-effects meta-analysis. Four RCTs comprising 1,006 patients met criteria for quantitative synthesis. Prophylactic mesh significantly reduced the incidence of incisional hernia compared with primary suture closure (relative risk (RR) 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27-0.57). Heterogeneity was moderate (I² = 44.6%). Observational studies supported similar trends without evidence of increased clinically significant wound morbidity. Prophylactic mesh reinforcement reduces the risk of incisional hernia following elective midline laparotomy without clear evidence of increased postoperative complications. Selective use in high-risk patients may improve long-term abdominal wall outcomes, although further standardized studies are warranted.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41890471