This is a material used in the repair of a hernia, with the aim of creating a tension free repair. Mesh improves the outcome of the repair and reduces the recurrence rate of the hernia.

It is generally accepted that the use of mesh for hernia repair has resulted in clinically significant reduction of recurrence rate. ^{i, ii}

1. Luijendijk RW, Hop WC, van den Tol MP, et al. A comparison of suture repair with mesh repair for incisional hernia. N Engl J Med. 2000;343:392–398
2. Burger JW, Luijendijk RW, Hop WC, et al. Long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial of suture versus mesh repair of incisional hernia. Ann Surg. 2004;240:578–583

The hernia recurrence rate has been further reduced with the use of mesh in conjunction of component separation techniques of hernia repair. ^{iii, iv}

3. Butler CE, Campbell KT. Minimally invasive component separation with inlay bioprosthetic mesh (MICSIB) for complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;128:698–709.
4. Novitsky YW, Elliott HL, Orenstein SB, et al. Transversus abdominis muscle release: a novel approach to posterior component separation during complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Am J Surg. 2012;204:709–716.

However, the large number of commercially available meshes has made it extremely challenging and onerous for surgeons to scientifically decide on the appropriate mesh for each hernia repair. The choice of mesh has to be objective, based on the desired properties of the mesh, as well as the operative surgical field conditions.

Mesh can be divided into two main groups:

• Synthetic mesh
• Biologic mesh.

Synthetic meshes can be further divided into:

• Permanent meshes
• Absorbable meshes

The use of mesh in hernia repair has been shown to improve the outcomes of hernia repair and reduce hernia recurrence rates.

However, complications have been reported associated with the use of mesh in hernia repairs.

These complications are influenced by the type of hernia repair, the environment of the repair, the type of mesh used and also the position of the mesh placement.

The complications reported included pain, infection, recurrence, adhesion, bowel obstruction, and perforation.