Background: A reliable method of fixation of intraperitoneal mesh is required both in laparoscopic and open surgery for ventral hernia. We evaluated anchoring capacity of 3 fixation devices available for clinical use.
Materials and methods: Anchoring capacity of 3 commercially available fixation devices were compared by counting the number of sheets anchored by a single firing under a fixed pressure. A total of 5 trials were conducted for each device.
Results: The number of sheets fixed (mean+/-SD) were, 12.4+/-1.1 for a coil type; 11.4+/-1.3 for a helical type; and 5.8+/-0.5 for a staple type tacker. The fixation capacity of the staple type was significantly lower than the other 2 types (P<0.0001). However, there was not statistically significant difference between the coil type and the helical type tackers.
Conclusions: The helical and coil type tackers in ventral hernia equally provide deep penetration that may contribute to strong fixation of the intraperitoneal mesh to the abdominal wall.