Mesh abdominal hernia repairs associated with fewer recurrence rates

Using surgical mesh with suturing to repair abdominal hernias can reduce recurrence rates in comparison with suturing (rows of stitching) alone, but it increases other surgical risks, according to a review of studies by Mylan T. Nguyen, M.S., of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and colleagues. More than 350,000 abdominal hernia repair surgeries occur in the United States annually, of which 75 percent are primary ventral hernias (weakening of the abdominal walls, usually at the navel).