Purpose Laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh in hernia repair can result in adhesions leading to intestinal obstruction and fistulation. The aim of this systematic review is to compare the effects of mesh coatings reducing the tissue-to-mesh adhesion in animal studies. Methods Pubmed and Embase were systematically searched. Animal experiments comparing intraperitoneally placed meshes with coatings were eligible for inclusion. Only studies with comparable follow-up, measurements, and species were included for data pooling and subsequent meta-analysis. Results A total of 131 articles met inclusion criteria, with four studies integrated into one comparison and five studies integrated into another comparison. Compared to uncoated polypropylene (PP) mesh, PP mesh coated with hyaluronic acid/ carboxymethyl cellulose (HA/CMC) showed significantly reduced adhesion formation at follow-up of 4 weeks measured with adhesion score of extent (random effects model, mean difference,− 0.96, 95% CI − 1.32 to − 0.61, P < 0.001, I 2 = 23%; fixed effects model, mean difference,− 0.94, 95% CI − 1.25 to − 0.63, P < 0.001, I 2 = 23%). Compared to PP mesh, polyester mesh coated with collagen (PC mesh) showed no significant difference at follow-up of 4 weeks regarding percentage of adhesion-area on a mesh, using random effects model (mean difference − 11.69, 95% CI − 44.14 to 20.76, P = 0.48, I 2 = 92%). However, this result differed using fixed effects model (mean difference − 25.55, 95% CI − 33.70 to − 7.40, P < 0.001, I 2 = 92%). Conclusion HA/CMC coating reduces adhesion formation to PP mesh effectively at a follow-up of 4 weeks, while the antiadhesive properties of PC mesh are inclusive comparing all study data.

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Purpose With this retrospective case series, we aim to identify predictors for reduction of pain after mesh revision surgery in patients operated for inguinal hernia or pelvic organ prolapse with a polypropylene implant. Identifying these predictors may aid surgeons to counsel patients and select appropriate candidates for mesh revision surgery. Methods Clinical records before and after mesh revision surgery from 221 patients with chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP) and 59 patients with pain after pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery were collected at two experienced tertiary referral centers. Primary outcome was patient reported improvement of pain after revision surgery. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to specify predictors for pain reduction. Results The multivariable logistic regression was performed for each patient group separately. Patients with CPIP had higher chances of improvement of pain when time between mesh placement and mesh revision surgery was longer, with an OR of 1.19 per year. A turning point in chances of risks and benefits was demonstrated at 70 months, with improved outcomes for patients with revision surgery ≥ 70 months (OR 2.86). For POP patients, no statistically significant predictors for reduction of pain after (partial) removal surgery could be identified. Conclusion A longer duration of at least 70 months between implantation of inguinal mesh and revision surgery seems to give a higher chance on improvement of pain. Caregivers should not avoid surgery based on a longer duration of symptoms when an association between symptoms and the location of the mesh is found.