Short-term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh Repair of Adult Ventral Hernia Using Echo PS with Ventralight Versus Symbotex Mesh: A Multicentric Retrospective Cohort Study and Literature Review

Background: Laparoscopic hernioplasty using intraperitoneal onlay mesh technique has emerged as a preferred approach due to its advantages over traditional open repair methods. The choice of mesh type is also critical for surgical success and long-term results. The Echo PS mesh and Symbotex mesh are two commonly used options in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, each with distinct characteristics and potential benefits.
Patients and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients diagnosed with primary ventral hernia, who underwent laparoscopic repair using the intraperitoneal onlay mesh technique between January 2019 and January 2022 at three hospitals. Demographic data, preoperative measures, intraoperative variants, and postoperative  complications were compared between patients who received Echo PS mesh (group A) and Symbotex mesh (group B). Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s X2 analysis and Mann–Whitney U test.
Results: A total of 47 patients were included in the study, with no significant differences observed between the two
groups in terms of demographic factors, preoperative measures, or intraoperative variants. Both mesh types demonstrated similar safety profiles, with minimal early and late postoperative complications reported. No instances of recurrence were observed during the follow-up period. However, procedures using Echo PS mesh had a longer operative time with a mean of 78.6 versus 61.1min compared with Symbotex mesh (P=0.006<0.05). The length of hospital stay was slightly longer for patients treated with Echo PS (44.1±14.4) as compared with Symbotex (40.6±9.5), although this difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Both Echo PS and Symbotex meshes are safe and effective options for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair
with comparable recurrence rates. Echo PS caused less pain 1 week after surgery despite a longer operative time. Further
research is warranted to explore potential differences in long-term outcomes associated with different mesh materials.