Does mesh offer an advantage over tissue in the open repair of umbilical hernias? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine the best surgical approach for the open repair of primary umbilical hernias.

METHODS: Studies were identified through searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database, as well as hand-searching references. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing mesh to suture repair for primary umbilical hernias published between January 1965 and October 2009 were included. Data regarding the recurrence rate, complications, number of subjects, length of follow-up, size of hernia, and type of mesh were extracted. Log odds ratios were calculated and weighed by the Mantel-Haenszel method to obtain a pooled estimate with 95% confidence interval (CI). A fixed effects model was used.

RESULTS: Three RCTs and ten observational studies were identified. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for RCTs was 0.09 in favor of mesh (95% CI 0.02-0.39). The pooled OR for observational studies was 0.40 in favor of mesh (95% CI 0.21-0.75). There was no difference in complication rates between mesh and tissue repair in RCTs or observational studies.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of mesh in umbilical hernia repair results in decreased recurrence and similar wound complications rates compared to tissue repair for primary umbilical hernias.