Necessary duration of follow-up to assess complications of mesh in hernia surgery: a time-lapse study based on 460 explants

ConclusionsFollow-up of more than 15  years is needed to fully assess complications after mesh hernia repair. Especially longer periods are needed to detect mesh erosion into organs and complications in younger males. Presently, short observations and lack of reporting standard in the literature prohibit accurate assessment of compl ication risks. We propose to use cumulative incidence for standardized risk reporting (y% risk at x years). This will show time-dependent patterns and allow comparisons between different techniques and studies of variable duration. Standardization will also help to  predict long-term risks beyond shorter (practical) follow-ups and facilitate real-time monitoring during surveillance.
Source: Hernia - Category: Sports Medicine Source Type: research