Safety and efficacy of prophylactic onlay resorbable synthetic mesh with a comprehensive wound bundle at laparotomy closure in high-risk emergency abdominal surgery: an observational study

Background: There has been a slow uptake of wound bundles and prophylactic mesh augmentation (PMA) strategies despite evidence supporting their role in reducing burst abdomens and incisional hernias (IH). This study evaluates outcomes of resorbable synthetic prophylactic mesh augmentation in reducing these rates and assesses the complication profile in emergency abdominal surgery. Methods: A retrospective ethically approved observational study of all patients who underwent emergency open abdominal surgery using supplemental prophylactic onlay TIGR^® Mesh at Letterkenny University Hospital between September 2017 and April 2024 was undertaken to assess safety, complication profiles and outcomes. Comprehensive wound bundles and subcutaneous space closure were used. Results: Of the 49 patients included, the mean age was 64 years (± 16.4, 31–86), 33/49 (67%) were female, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 27 (± 7.4,17.3–45). 20% of patients had previous abdominal surgery. 19/49 (38%) patients experienced postoperative complications, of these 8 (42%) were Clavien-Dindo Grade I-II, and 11 (58%) were Grade III-IV. There were 7 in-hospital post-operative deaths (Grade V). 8 patients had open abdomens. Thirteen surgical site occurrences (SSO) were identified in 9 (18%) patients. There were no burst abdomens. Four of the superficial SSIs responded to antibiotics while one required opening and wound NPWT. Three patients (6%) developed an incisional hernia, which was detected at a mean follow-up of 353 days. Conclusion: A comprehensive, evidence-based wound bundle using onlay PMA with a synthetic resorbable mesh, achieves efficacious, safe abdominal wall closure in high-risk, emergency laparotomy patients, including those who require delayed abdominal wall closure.