Long-term results of using titanium thread implants in the treatment of anterior abdominal wall hernias

The purpose of this work was to study the long-term results of treatment of anterior abdominal wall hernias with the use of mesh implants made of titanium thread.Material and methods: In this study, a comparative assessment of the long-term results of treatment of 118 patients with umbilical and inguinal hernias was performed. In 62 patients of the main group, a mesh implant made of titanium thread was used, and 56 patients of the comparison group were operated with a polypropylene mesh implant. In the main group, 14.5% of patients were operated from laparoscopic access, and 9% in the comparison group. The quality of life assessment was performed in 37 (60%) patients from the main group and in 31 (55%) patients from the comparison group.Results: the Median duration of temporary disability after discharge was 7 days and did not differ significantly in both groups. 3 months after the operation, the average area of titanium thread implants decreased by 1.8-2.3%, depending on the type of operation. There were no differences in the quality of life between patients of both groups within the period from 6 months to 2 years from the moment of surgery. 2 years after inguinal hernioplasty, no more than 4.8% of patients experienced discomfort at the site of surgery.Conclusion: the analysis of long-term results of treatment of anterior abdominal wall hernias using a mesh implant made of titanium thread showed no significant differences in the terms of temporary disability after discharge, the level of quality of life and the frequency of implant-associated complications in comparison with the use of a polypropylene implant. The degree of shrinkage of titanium thread mesh implants within 3 months after surgery is minimal.