Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41618036›Full record

SynthesisHernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery2026

Prophylactic mesh at stoma reversal reduces incisional hernia without increasing early complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials.

Rathin Gosavi, Raelene Tan, Paul McMurrick, William Teoh, Vignesh Narasimhan

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Hernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Rathin GosaviDepartment of Colorectal Surgery, Cabrini Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7489-8624
Raelene TanDepartment of Colorectal Surgery, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Paul McMurrickDepartment of Colorectal Surgery, Cabrini Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
William TeohDepartment of Colorectal Surgery, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Vignesh NarasimhanDepartment of Colorectal Surgery, Cabrini Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. Vignesh.narasimhan@monash.edu.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundStoma-site incisional hernias (SSIHs) are a common complication following ileostomy or colostomy reversal. Prophylactic mesh placement during stoma closure may reduce this risk, but adoption is limited by concerns regarding mesh safety and uncertainty regarding long-term benefit.

methodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing prophylactic mesh with standard fascial closure during elective stoma reversal. The primary outcome was SSIH within 12 months. Secondary outcomes included surgical-site infection (SSI), mesh-related complications, anastomotic leak, operative time, and patient-reported outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using ROB 2.0, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE.

resultsThree RCTs comprising 957 patients (mesh: n = 477; control: n = 480) were included. Prophylactic mesh significantly reduced SSIH at 12 months (risk ratio 0.25, 95% CI 0.08-0.76), with an absolute risk reduction of 13.6%. SSI (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.84-1.74) and anastomotic leak (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.50-2.33) did not differ significantly between groups. Operative time was longer in the mesh group (mean difference + 25.25 min, 95% CI 15.83-34.68). Mesh-related complications were rare, and no explantations occurred. Two trials reported improved hernia-specific quality of life with mesh.

conclusionProphylactic mesh during elective stoma closure significantly reduces SSIH without increasing early complications. While operative time is modestly increased, the clinical benefit and safety profile support routine consideration of mesh, particularly in high-risk patients. Longer-term follow-up and cost-effectiveness data are needed to guide broader implementation.

Indexed as

ColostomyIleostomyIncisional HerniaSurgical MeshSurgical StomasColorectal Surgical ProceduresHumansRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicSurgical Wound InfectionIncisional hernia preventionProphylactic meshStoma closureStoma reversalStoma site incisional hernia

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.