Hernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery
Systematic review and meta-analysis of mesh versus suture repairs of small umbilical hernias (≤ 2 cm)
By Moore L, Smith G, Mansur A and 2 others.
Abstract
Background
Updated guidelines of approaches to small umbilical hernia repairs (UHRs) ≤ 2 cm defect size are inconclusive. Operations to resolve small UHRs remain high heterogeneous depending upon local guidelines and surgical expertise, therefore there is no clear optimal approach nor guideline. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate mesh versus suture methodological approaches in small UHR.
Methods
Systematic search of four databases (EMBASE, PubMed, OVID, MEDLINE) retrieved relevant studies after screening, de-duplication, eligibility assessment and full-text analyses were conducted. Descriptive and numerical analysis was achieved for each included study in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Risk of bias assessment was achieved using Cochrane risk of bias methodologies (Risk of bias in non-randomised studies, ROBINS-I; Risk of bias tool, RoB-2). Primary outcome assessed was recurrence; secondary outcomes included haematoma, bleeding, infection, systemic complications and patient-reported pain scores.