Objective:

To compare the long-term recurrence rates of incisional hernias repaired with slowly absorbable versus non-absorbable sutures, focusing on specific outcomes such as recurrence and complications.

Key Findings:

• 7.3% of patients underwent operation for hernia recurrence during follow-up, highlighting the significance of recurrence rates.
• Patients with recurrence were significantly younger and more likely to have had non-absorbable sutures used for closure, indicating a potential risk factor.
• 51.2% of cases used slowly absorbable sutures, which were associated with lower recurrence rates, suggesting a beneficial trend.

Interpretation:

The use of slowly absorbable sutures in open incisional hernia repairs is linked to a lower long-term recurrence rate compared to non-absorbable sutures, suggesting a potential benefit in surgical practice that warrants further investigation.

Limitations:

• The study is observational and may be subject to confounding factors, which could influence the results.
• Data derived from a single national registry may limit generalizability, necessitating caution in applying findings broadly.

Conclusion:

Slowly absorbable sutures may reduce the long-term risk of recurrence in open incisional hernia repairs, supporting their use in surgical guidelines and highlighting the need for further research.