Devices and methods for preventing incisional hernias

A surgical kit for reinforcing closures of an abdominal surgical incision, comprising:

• biocompatible mesh having a center line marked along its length;
• a marking aid with delineated distance markings configured for aligning and positioning marks where sutures enter and exit the mesh to close and reinforce an abdominal surgical incision such that the marks are configured to be indicative of a ratio of suture length used to close an incision to incision length that is from 3.8:1 to 4.2:1, wherein the marking aid includes a series of apertures for receiving a device capable of marking fascia surrounding the abdominal surgical incision.

A device for reinforcing a closure of an abdominal surgical incision, comprising:

• a mesh sheet having two spaced apart parallel columns of suture apertures sized and shaped for passage of suture through the mesh sheet, the mesh sheet being continuous and uninterrupted between the apertures of the two spaced apart parallel columns of apertures;
• and
• a length of suture, wherein the suture apertures are spaced such that for every 1 cm of length of an incision required to be closed about 4 cm of suture is provided to connect the device to the abdominal fascia.