Incisional Hernia Repair

This study compares two surgical techniques for closing the abdominal wall in adult patients who have an incisional hernia (a weakness or opening in a previous surgical incision) or who require prophylactic mesh placement during a laparotomy. In one group, the abdominal wall is closed using the standard technique, in which a polypropylene mesh is fixed independently from the fascial suture. In the other group, a new technique called Integrated Mesh-Fascial Closure (IMFC), developed by the research team, is used: the mesh is incorporated directly within the same continuous suture line that closes the abdominal wall, aiming to better distribute tension across the surgical wound. The choice of technique is made by the patient after receiving information about both options and providing informed consent. Participants will be followed clinically and with imaging for 18 to 24 months to evaluate the safety, technical feasibility, and reproducibility of the IMFC technique, and to determine the incidence of hernia recurrence in both groups.

The participating researchers register all adult patients (who have given informed written consent) scheduled for elective repair of an abdominal wall hernia (NOT inguinal hernias) via minimally invasive operation technique (i.e.: laparoscopy or robotic repair) and perform a follow up of 5 years to analyze clinical outcome parameters. These parameters include recurrence of the hernia, intra- and postoperative complications, quality of live, esthetic outcome and pain. The patients will be reviewed in person by the participating researchers at 2-3 moths, 1 year, 3 years and 5 years after surgery. A computed tomography will be performed at 1 year after surgery and in case of suspicion of complications, for example hernia recurrence. The treatment and follow-up of the participating patients does not differ from the standard treatment protocol (and the not participating patients).

Patients with large, complex, or giant incisional hernias often require advanced preoperative optimization to facilitate safe abdominal wall reconstruction and reduce postoperative complications. Several strategies are currently used in clinical practice, including botulinum toxin A injection, progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum, and their combination. However, the optimal differentiated approach based on hernia characteristics and abdominal wall tissue deficiency remains unclear. This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of different preoperative preparation strategies in patients with large postoperative ventral hernias and loss of abdominal wall domain. Outcomes of patients receiving botulinum toxin A, progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum, combined preparation, or no specific preparation will be analyzed. The study will evaluate operative feasibility, ability to achieve fascial closure, postoperative complications, recurrence, and overall treatment outcomes.