The Impact of Mesh Reinforcement with Components Separation for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

The goal in abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) is to minimize morbidity and prevent hernia recurrence. Components separation and mesh reconstruction are two options, however, with advantages and disadvantages. The purpose of this review was to investigate outcomes in patients with abdominal wall hernia undergoing primary closure with component separation (CS) versus CS with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) reinforcement (CS + mesh). Medical records of consecutive patients who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction using CS with or without ADM reinforcement were retrospectively reviewed. Primary fascial closure was achieved in all patients. ADM reinforcement when used was performed using the underlay technique. Reconstructive technique and postoperative complications including delayed healing, skin necrosis, fistula, seroma, hematoma and surgical site infection, recurrence, and reoperation were recorded. Comparisons between the two groups were assessed. One hundred and seven patients were included (mean age, 55.7; 51.4% male; median follow-up 297 days). Twenty-six patients (24%) underwent CS alone; whereas 81 patients (76%) CS + mesh placement. Patient comorbidities, including smoking (26%), diabetes (20%), and hypertension (46%); body mass index (mean 32.3 ± 7.6); and albumin level on the day of surgery (mean 3.4 ± 0.5 mg/dL) were not significantly different between groups. Surgical site infection was significantly higher among CS + mesh patients (22.2%) versus CS only patients (3.9%) (P = 0.02). The recurrence rate of abdominal hernia was significantly lower in CS + mesh patients compared with CS only (14.8% vs 34.6%; P = 0.02). No significant differences in other postoperative complications were identified between the two groups. ADM reinforcement at the time of components separation is often selected in more complex, higher risk patients. Although the incidence of infection was higher in these patients, it was usually treated without mesh removal and recurrence rate was significantly lower when compared to CS alone.