Semi-resorbable and long-term resorbable meshes have been developed to reduce long-term foreign-body mass while preserving early mechanical support in inguinal hernia repair. These devices share a central biological assumption: as the temporary polymer component loses strength and/or resorbs, host tissue remodeling and scar maturation will provide durable load-bearing reinforcement. Clinical evidence supporting this concept in the inguinal region remains limited and heterogeneous. In this narrative review we synthesize verified clinical reports restricted to open inguinal hernia repair in humans published within the last two decades, excluding animal studies, ventral/incisional hernia literature, laparoscopic approaches, and animal-derived biologic meshes. We summarize outcomes and recurrence signals reported for fully absorbable meshes, long-term resorbable synthetic meshes, and partially absorbable hybrid meshes used in Lichtenstein-type repairs. Across studies, recurrence patterns and reoperation findings support the hypothesis that, in selected settings, resorption and mechanical transition may outpace effective scar substitution, resulting in insufficient neo-fascial reinforcement.
Keywords: Inguinal Hernia; Lichtenstein; Resorbable Mesh; Semi-Resorbable Mesh; Polypropylene; Poly-L-Lactic Acid; Scar Substitution; Recurrence.
Citation: Bencini, C. (2026). Absorbable and Semi‑Resorbable Meshes in Open Inguinal Hernia Repair : Biological Assumptions, Scar Substitution, and Verified Clinical Evidence of Recurrence. J Sur & Surgic Proce.,4(1):1-4. DOI : https://doi.org/10.47485/3069-8154.1028