Advances in the use of absorbable mesh in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair

Laparoscopic technology has become an important choice for ventral hernia repair due to its advantages of minimal trauma and rapid recovery. Traditional non‑absorbable synthetic meshes are the most commonly used type of mesh in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Although they provide reliable mechanical support, their long‑term presence in the human body may cause mesh erosion and wrinkling, leading to complications such as intestinal fistula, abdominal adhesions, postoperative foreign body sensation, chronic pain, and infection, which are receiving increasing attention. Absorbable meshes, with their excellent biocompatibility and ability to induce tissue remodelling, can reduce the incidence of the above complications and are revolutionising laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. The authors introduce the types and characteristics of existing absorbable mesh, focusing on their clinical efficacy in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, existing challenges and countermeasures, as well as individualized surgical decision‑making in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.