Absorbable versus non-absorbable tacks for mesh fixation in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis

We found no difference in clinical outcomes between absorbable and non-absorbable tacks for mesh fixation in patients undergoing laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. The quality of the available evidence is moderate with a possibility of type 2 error. High quality RCTs with adequate statistical power are required to provide more robust basis for definite conclusions. Considering the similarity of both techniques in terms of clinical outcomes, the cost-effectiveness of each technique would be an important outcome determining which technique should be used; this needs to be considered as an outcome of interest in future studies.