A reinforcement device [10] comprises a biocompatible material such as a mesh sheet [12] to provide guidance for surgeons reinforcing the closure of a surgical incision including an elongated abdominal incision. The biocompatible material may provide one or more of a column of hooks [16a 16b] or a column of apertures [31a 31b] or markings [51a 51b] to indicate where puncturing/suturing is to occur. A disclosed ratio of suture [22] length to incision length is 4: 1. The reinforcement device [10] when implanted through surgery may reduce the likelihood of and/or prevent incisional hernias. The reinforcement device [10] may be included in a surgical kit.
