Safety and efficacy of a Ventralight ST echo ps implant for a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair – a prospective cohort study with a one-year follow-up

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair has become popular technique. Every year, companies are introducing new products Thus, every mesh prior to introduction in clinical settings should be tested with a dedicated tacker to discover the proper fixation algorithm. The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the Ventralight ST implant with an ECHO positioning system and a dedicated fixation device, the SorbaFix stapler, in a prospective cohort of patients. Material and methods. The study was a prospective single centre cohort study with a one-year followup period. Fifty-two patients received operations for a ventral hernia using a laparoscopic IPOM mesh – Ventralight ST ECHO PS. The size of the mesh and the fixation method were based on mathematical considerations. A recurrence of the hernia and pain after 1, 2 and 12 months were assessed as the primary endpoints. Results. Two recurrences were noted, one in parastomal and one in a large incisional hernia. Pain was observed in 22 patients (41%) and mostly disappeared after 3 months (7%). The intensity of pain was low (VAS <2). However, 2 patients still experienced severe pain (VAS>6) until the end of the study. Conclusion. The Ventralight ST Echo PS implant fixed with a Sorbafix stapler is a valuable and safe option for a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. In our opinion, the implant could be used in all patients due to the hernia ring diameter. According to the mathematical models and clinical practice, we do not recommend this implant in orifices with a width larger than 10 cm.