Mesh fixation to fascia during incisional hernia repair results in increased prevalence of pain at long-term follow up: a multicenter propensity score matched prospective observational study.

At long-term follow-up, no difference in pain was identified between open and laparoscopic incisional hernia repair. Mesh fixation by sutures to fascia was identified to be associated with increased pain 36 months after surgery. Omitting mesh fixation by sutures to the fascia may reduce long-term postoperative pain after hernia repair.