Surgical mesh for ventral hernias

Status:

In progress

Technology type:

Device

Decision:

Selected

Reason for decision:

Anticipate the topic will be of importance to patients, carers, professionals, commissioners and the health of the public to ensure clinical benefit is realised, inequalities in use addressed, and help them make the best use of NHS resources

Description:

A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall. This can cause a visible bulge and sometimes pain or discomfort especially during movement and straining and may get worse over time if left untreated. Hernia repairs are among the most frequently performed surgeries, with over 100,000 procedures carried out annually in the UK and Ireland (British Hernia Society). One of the most common types of hernias is ventral hernias (including incisional hernias, which can occur after previous surgery). Surgical mesh is used in hernia repair to reinforce weak tissue and lower recurrence rates. When implanted, the mesh acts as a support structure, promoting tissue ingrowth that integrates it into the body’s internal scar tissue, providing long-term structural support. There are different types of surgical mesh available, and features of mesh such as porosity, material weight and absorbability can influence the performance of mesh for integrating and reducing risk of complications such as chronic pain, adhesions, or erosion into nearby organs. Mesh design has advanced over time, with adjustments in weight, pore size, and material composition leading to a wide variety of available options.

Provisional Schedule

Scoping workshop:

21 January 2026

Final scope:

06 February 2026

Project Team

Project lead

Deonee Stanislaus

Email enquiries

If you have any queries please email diagnostics@nice.org.uk

External Assessment Group:

Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter

Timeline

Key events during the development of the guidance:

For further information on our processes and methods, please see our HealthTech programme manual.