AIMS OF THE STUDY: To evaluate post-operative complications and the recurrence rate after repair of large ventral incisional hernia with an open technique using intraperitoneal composite mesh and an associated aponeurotic overlay.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included a total of 280 patients who underwent repair of large incisional hernia using Parietex(®) composite mesh.

RESULTS: The post-operative mortality rate was 0.35%. Six patients (2%) developed subcutaneous surgical site infection without infection of the prosthesis. Six other patients (2%) developed a deep-seated infection; in three cases, the mesh had to be removed. Nine patients (3.2%) developed recurrent incisional hernia.

CONCLUSION: Large ventral incisional hernias can be effectively treated by the intraperitoneal placement of Parietex(®) composite mesh overlaid by an aponeurotic graft; the incidence of complications in this prospective study was very low.