biostudies-literatureSmith LEuropean Hernia Society272https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12411575biostudies-literatureUnknown29(1)<h4>Purpose</h4>Mesh-augmented abdominal wall closure (Mesh prophylaxis) reduces incisional hernia rates in high-risk patients. In spite of a large body of evidence supporting its efficacy and safety, use of mesh prophylaxis is low in the US and UK, possibly due to negative perceptions of surgical mesh^(1-2). This study aimed to assess the acceptability of mesh to patients and determine factors that influence acceptability.<h4>Methods</h4>Following ethical approval, a convergent mixed-methods study was conducted whereby patients who had undergone elective or emergency surgery (n=332) were approached to participate in a questionnaire assessing knowledge and opinions regarding mesh prophylaxis Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a subset of participants (n=12) and thematicHernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgeryThe invite study: incisional hernia prevention: prophylactic mesh from the patient's perspective.PMC12411575European Hernia SocietyWatts TCornish JKnight LMeggy ATorkington JSmith LfalseThe invite study: incisional hernia prevention: prophylactic mesh from the patient's perspective.<h4>Purpose</h4>Mesh-augmented abdominal wall closure (Mesh prophylaxis) reduces incisional hernia rates in high-risk patients. In spite of a large body of evidence supporting its efficacy and safety, use of mesh prophylaxis is low in the US and UK, possibly due to negative perceptions of surgical mesh^(1-2). This study aimed to assess the acceptability of mesh to patients and determine factors that influence acceptability.<h4>Methods</h4>Following ethical approval, a convergent mixed-methods study was conducted whereby patients who had undergone elective or emergency surgery (n=332) were approached to participate in a questionnaire assessing knowledge and opinions regarding mesh prophylaxis Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a subset of participants (n=12) and thematic2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Sep2026-07-15T09:45:08.768Z2026-07-04T03:11:59.033ZS-EPMC124115754090601410.1007/s10029-025-03463-z