Early Outcomes of Large pores vs. Small pores for Ventral Mesh Hernioplasty
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65761/pjcr.2026.327Keywords:
Ventral Hernia; Hernioplasty; Polypropylene Mesh; Postoperative Pain; Surgical Site Infection; Hernia Recurrence.Abstract
Background: Ventral hernia repair is a commonly performed procedure, and mesh selection may influence postoperative recovery and complications. Large-pore polypropylene meshes are designed to facilitate tissue integration and reduce foreign body reaction compared with small-pore meshes. This study compared early outcomes of large-pore and small-pore meshes in patients undergoing ventral mesh hernioplasty.
Methods: This comparative study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, from January 2026 to August 2026. A total of 120 patients undergoing elective ventral mesh hernioplasty were enrolled and divided into two groups: Group A received large-pore mesh (n=60), while Group B received small-pore mesh (n=60). Outcomes included postoperative pain, seroma formation, surgical site infection, hospital stay, and early recurrence. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23.0, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Mean age was 46.8 ± 11.2 years in Group A and 48.1 ± 10.7 years in Group B. Large-pore mesh was associated with significantly lower pain scores at 72 hours (3.1 ± 1.2 vs. 4.0 ± 1.4; p=0.002) and shorter hospital stay (2.8 ± 0.9 vs. 3.5 ± 1.1 days; p=0.001). Seroma formation (6.7% vs. 16.7%) and surgical site infection (5.0% vs. 13.3%) were less frequent in Group A. Early recurrence occurred in 1.7% and 5.0% of patients, respectively.
Conclusion: Large-pore polypropylene mesh was associated with improved early postoperative outcomes, including less pain, shorter hospitalization, and fewer complications. Larger prospective studies with longer follow-up are needed to establish long-term outcomes
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