Biologic versus Synthetic Mesh for Ventral Hernia Repair: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Review question / Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes of utilizing biologic mesh versus synthetic mesh during ventral hernia repair (VHR). Eligibility criteria: Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials comparing biologic and synthetic mesh in ventral hernia repair. Studies were included if they were focused on adults (over age 18), human subjects, and were published in the English language. Studies were limited to only VHR and needed to compare biologic with synthetic mesh. Repair could be done open, laparoscopically, or robotically. Exclusion criteria included: (1) articles that only included synthetic or biologic mesh (ex. comparing two types of biologic mesh) or (2) procedures for other types of hernias, for example inguinal or hiatal.