Multicentre prospective feasibility study on the repair of hernias and incisional ventral hernias with an innovative Tintrap mesh

Summary Background The aim of this study is to assess an innovative prosthesis Tintrap Mesh and its inserter in the repair of hernias and incisional ventral hernias. The inserter helps the deployment of the mesh the same way an umbrella would open, which prevents the enlargement of the wound. Method Four centres took part in this study. A questionnaire was completed preoperatively, postoperatively and after 1 month of surgery. Data on pain and complications, patients’ satisfaction, as well as the ease of installation and the quality of deployment of the mesh was gathered and assessed. Results From January 2009 to December 2009, 80 patients were assessed. The prosthesis, ease of installation and the deployment quality were rated “very good” and “good”. The average operating room time was 20.86 min (range: 10–50 min). Postoperative pain was rated level 0 and 3 on VAS score in 73 cases (91.25%). After 1 month, no occlusion or relapse were reported on 77 patients; 82.47% of patients had no pain. One seroma required the removal of the mesh. Conclusion The first set of results on 80 cases is encouraging judging by the simplicity of implantation, low postoperative pain and patient's satisfaction.