Functional impairment and complaints following incisional hernia repair with different polypropylene meshes

The influence of mesh material on the clinical outcome of hernia repair has often been neglected, although recent studies have clearly demonstrated the importance of mesh properties for integration in the abdominal wall. Of particular significance are the amount of mesh material and the pore size. In the following study, patients received different mesh types with distinct amounts of polypropylene and of various pore sizes for incisional hernia repair. We investigated whether the type of material influenced the clinical and functional outcomes. Between 1991 and 1999, 235 patients received polypropylene meshes in a sublay position for incisional hernia repair: 115 patients were implanted with a Marlex heavy-weight mesh (Mhw mesh), 37 patients with an Atrium heavy-weight mesh (Ahw mesh) and 83 with a Vypro low-weight mesh (Vlw mesh). The study protocol included ultrasound examination and 3D-stereography in all patients, with a total follow-up of 24±13 months (Mhw-mesh), 11±8 months (Ahw-mesh) and 8±7 months (Vlw-mesh). Our findings demonstrate that the side effects of mesh implantation, comprising paraesthesia and restriction of abdominal wall mobility, were significantly affected by the type of material implanted. Three-dimensional stereographic examinations were well in accordance with our clinical findings. Our data support the hypothesis that the use of low-weight large-pore meshes is advantageous for abdominal wall function. Electronic Publication     

Evaluation of new prosthetic meshes for ventral hernia repair

Background In hernia repair, particularly laparoscopic hernia repair, direct contact between mesh and abdominal organs cannot always be avoided. Several mesh materials and composite meshes have been developed to decrease subsequent adhesion formation. Recently, new meshes have been introduced. In an experimental rat study, their value was established and compared with that of meshes already available on the market. Methods In 200 rats, eight different meshes were placed intraperitoneally and in direct contact with abdominal viscera. The following meshes were tested: polypropylene (Prolene), e-PTFE (Dualmesh), polypropylene– polyglecaprone composite (Ultrapro), titanium–polypropylene composite (Timesh), polypropylene with carboxymethylcellulose–sodium hyaluronate coating (Sepramesh), polyester with collagen-polyethylene glycol–glycerol coating (Parietex Composite), polypropylene–polydioxanone composite with oxidized cellulose coating (Proceed), and bovine pericardium (Tutomesh). At 7 and then at 30 days postoperatively, adhesion formation, mesh incorporation, tensile strength, shrinkage, and infection were scored by two independent observers. Results Parietex Composite, Sepramesh, and Tutomesh resulted in decreased surface coverage with adhesions, whereas Prolene, Dualmesh, Ultrapro, Timesh, and Proceed resulted in increased adhesion coverage. Parietex Composite, Prolene, Ultrapro, and Sepramesh resulted in the most mesh incorporation. Dualmesh and Tutomesh resulted in significantly increased shrinkage. There were no differences in mesh infection. Parietex Composite and Dualmesh resulted in a moderate inflammatory reaction, as compared with the mild reaction the other meshes exhibited. Conclusion Parietex Composite and Sepramesh combine minimal adhesion formation with maximum mesh incorporation and tensile strength. The authors recommend the use of these meshes for hernia repair in which direct contact with the abdominal viscera cannot be avoided.     

Composite prostheses for the repair of abdominal wall defects: effect of the structure of the adhesion barrier component

The component of a composite prosthesis, which makes contact with the visceral peritoneum, can be reabsorbable or non-reabsorbable, and laminar or reticular. This study was designed to determine whether the composition of this second, barrier component could improve its behavior at this interface. Abdominal wall defects in rabbits were repaired using a polypropylene prosthesis (PP), or the composites Sepramesh (PP+h) or Vicryl (PP+v). Fourteen days after surgery, the implants were evaluated by light and scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Prosthetic areas occupied by adhesions (PP: 71.08±5.09, PP+h: 18.55±4.96, P+v: 69.69±16.81%), neoperitoneal thickness (PP: 256.17±21.68, PP+h: 83.11±19.63, PP+v:213.72±35.90 μm) and macrophage counts (PP: 8.73±1.16, PP+h: 27.33±4.13, PP+v: 31.24±3.08%) showed significant differences (P<0.05). The tested biomaterials induced an optimal recipient tissue infiltration. Least adhesion formation was observed on the PP+h implants. This suggests that the second component, although reabsorbable, should be smooth in structure.     

Physicomechanical evaluation of absorbable and nonabsorbable barrier composite meshes for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair

Background  

This study aimed to compare the physicomechanical properties of composite prostheses for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) through standard testing and a proposed classification system.     

Modifications to Rives technique for midline incisional hernia repair

Between 1990 and 1997, 284 patients were treated in our hospital for abdominal hernias. In the original group, 239 patients (84.15%) had midline hernia, and 45 (15.8%) had lateral hernia. A total of 152 midline hernia patients (63.5%) were treated using our variant of Rives technique. In all these cases, preperitoneal and retromuscular polypropylene mesh was used as a reinforcement and was subsequently attached by means of absorbable sutures to the external border of the rectus muscles. There were no deaths. A total of 42 of all patients operated on (27.6%) suffered from long-term postoperative pain. In seven cases (4.6%) it was necessary to remove the prosthesis because of chronic infection, and there were two recurrences in patients in whom the prosthesis had to be removed. In our experience, the Rives technique is a suitable and safe treatment for the repair of midline incisional hernias. The use of absorbable sutures and fixation of the mesh to the external oblique aponeurosis can reduce the original problems of abdominal pain and unaesthetic skin scars. Electronic Publication     

Comparison of polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate (Dacron) meshes for abdominal wall hernia repair: A chemical and morphological study

For the first time, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), polypropylene (PP) excised meshes (ethylene oxide sterilized) for abdominal wall hernia repair have been shown to be greatly damaged physically, independently of the implantation time, while the polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or Dacron, ones (gamma radiation sterilized), did not undergo alterations due to the sterilization process and were not damaged, even after long implantation periods. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) study of PP and PET excised meshes, as well as of their extracts with cyclohexane, has shown the presence of species, such as squalene, palmitic and stearic acid, in some cases, cholesterol, transferred from the surrounding tissues to the polymer during the implantation period. In the case of PP meshes, these small organic molecules would reduce physical and mechanical properties of the material. A hypothesis is presented to account for the better behavior (not in the clinical sense) of PET meshes.     

生物补片一期修复污染状态下的腹壁疝和腹壁缺损

目的：评价生物补片用于污染或感染状态下腹壁缺损一期修复的安全性和有效性。方法 2010年4月以来17例腹壁缺损手术均因肠外瘘或肠造口、切口感染或同时肠道手术等原因而处于感染或污染状态：切口疝6例,腹股沟嵌顿疝1例,肠外瘘8例、直肠癌柱状切除术2例。腹壁缺损范围在(3 cm ×2 cm)～(6 cm×17 cm),均采用...     

部分可吸收腹壁疝修补材料的研究

目的 对聚丙烯网（polypropylene mesh，PPM）＋壳聚糖膜部分可吸收复合材料修补大鼠腹壁缺损的效果进行研究。方法 S-D大鼠80只，随机分为单纯PPM修补组（Ⅰ组），PPM＋壳聚糖膜复合材料修补组（Ⅱ组）和商品化防粘连复合补片组（Ⅲ组）。手术造成腹壁缺损，分别采用上述三种补片修补，术后分期进行腹腔内粘连评分，组织学检查及抗张强度的测定。结果 Ⅰ组大鼠术后各期腹腔粘连明显高于Ⅱ组及Ⅲ组（分别P〈0．05），而Ⅱ组及Ⅲ组之间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。电镜下，术后90d观察，Ⅰ组网片表面新腹膜的生长不规则，Ⅱ组网片表面有光滑、完整的新腹膜间皮细胞形成，Ⅲ组网片表面则没有新腹膜形成，而是形成纤维素性包裹层。术后60、90d，三组网片修复腹壁缺损后的抗拉强度差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论 本研究中利用PPM与壳聚糖膜这两种廉价材料组合后设计的部分可吸收复合网片，可安全放置腹腔，能有效的防止术后的粘连，并维持良好的修复强度，值得进一步研究和开发。     

Simplified technique for incisional hernia repair with mesh prosthesis

This paper describes a simplified technique for the repair of incisional hernias. The previous scar is resected, and the peritoneal sac is carefully dissected until it is completely exposed. The sac is opened to liberate structures adherent to the sac or to the area immediately surrounding the defect. The peritoneum is closed and invaginated to form a sac bed underlying the entire extent of the defect, and the mesh is laid on this sac bed. The mesh is then fixed with "U" stitches, reinforcing these by inserting a second line from the edge of the defect to the mesh. Suture material used is polypropylene 1/0 or 2/0. This procedure has been carried out on 15 patients, and after 1 year of follow-up, there has been no recurrence of the hernia. Operating time was reduced, and the surgical technique was found to be easier. Placing a mesh prosthesis inside the hernia sac and fixing it to the abdominal wall with two lines of suturing simplifies the repair procedure, reduces operating time, and is effective in the repair of all incisional hernias. A study is required to compare this outcome with the different mesh repair techniques.     

Polyurethane-covered dacron mesh versus polytetrafluoroethylene DualMesh for intraperitoneal hernia repair in rats

Purpose: Abdominal hernia repair using the intraperitoneal implantation of a prosthesis requires mesh with impervious properties, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). A newly developed polyurethane-covered polyester mesh with impervious properties has recently been introduced as a less expensive alternative to PTFE, and we compare these materials herein. Methods: The adhesion formation and stability of intraperitoneal abdominal hernia repairs with DualMesh (macroporous ePTFE mesh with a microporous component) and PolyesterComposite (the newly developed polyurethane-covered Dacron mesh) were compared in a rat model. Forty rats were randomly divided into two groups; ten animals from each group were killed after 14 days, and the other ten after 90 days. Results: The number and intensity of adhesions were comparable in the PolyesterComposite and PTFE groups. Loose adhesions were seen in 13 animals and appeared only selectively at the fixation sutures. Both PolyesterComposite and PTFE induced the formation of a smooth neoperitoneum on the intraperitoneal surface and showed a complete ingrowing of the prosthesis in the surrounding tissue. There were no significant differences between the prostheses in terms of clinical herniation pressure and hydroxyproline concentration. Conclusions: PolyesterComposite and PTFE are both suitable prostheses for intrapertoneal implantation, but PolyesterComposite is less expensive, which is an important advantage for clinical use. Received: September 27, 2001 / Accepted: January 8, 2002     

Laparoscopic repair of traumatic abdominal wall hernia from handlebar injury

A 14-year-old boy was seen at an outside hospital after falling over the handlebar of his bicycle and was discharged home. He was subsequently seen in our emergency department with complaints of persistent abdominal pain. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed disruption of the muscles of the upper right abdominal wall containing the hepatic flexure of the colon, with a small amount of intraperitoneal free fluid noted. The patient underwent laparoscopic exploration using 3 ports (2-5 mm and 1-12 mm) and 2 separate stab incisions. The traumatic abdominal wall hernia was repaired with interrupted sutures placed with an ENDO CLOSE (Covidien, Mansfield, MA) device, and a mesenteric defect in the colon was approximated with intracorporeal sutures. The trocar sites were sutured closed. The patient recovered well and was discharged home. Follow-up examination revealed no abdominal wall defect and resolution of his symptoms.Laparoscopic repair of a traumatic abdominal wall defect and exploratory laparoscopy after trauma is feasible and safe in the pediatric patient. It should be considered as an alternative approach with potentially less morbidity than an exploratory laparotomy for handlebar injuries in a stable patient.     

Fibrin sealing versus stapling of hernia meshes in an onlay model in the rat

Incisional and inguinal hernia repair are among the most common procedures of general surgery. Mesh fixation by means of staples or sutures may lead to severe complications. The use of fibrin sealant (FS) has been suggested as alternative, but data on biocompatibility and adhesive strength of FS in combination with macroporous meshes is limited. Ventral hernia (n=8 per group) was treated in rats in onlay technique with two types of meshes, fibrin sealed or stapled. TI-Mesh (TMxl) extralight and VYPROII (VPII) were tested 17 days post op. No failure in mechanical tests (tensile and burst strength) occurred in sealed or stapled meshes. Histology revealed equally good tissue integration and neovascularization in all groups. Fibrin sealant yields excellent fixation in experimental hernia repair. This rat model is suitable for testing meshes and fixation techniques. A.H. Petter-Puchner and R. Fortelny have contributed equally to this study     

Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal approach to place a polypropylene mesh on the abdominal wall: an experimental swine model of a technique that can be used for incisional hernia repair

Background The placement of intraabdominal polypropylene mesh entails risks of adhesions and fistulas that can be avoided by preperitoneal placement.Methods This comparative, open, experimental, prospective, randomized, and transversal study randomized pigs into two groups of 11 each for intraperitoneal (IPOM) or preperitoneal (TAPP) polypropylene mesh placement by laparoscopy. Diagnostic laparoscopy and tissue en-bloc resection was performed 28 days postoperatively for histopathologic analysis.Results The following data were observed for the two study groups: surgical time (IPOM: 35.73 ± 4.22 min; TAPP: 58.09 ± 6.28 min; p = <0.0001); adhesions (IPOM: 81.81%; TAPP: 27.27%; p = 0.032), grade III for IPOM and grade II for TAPP (p = 0.001); and interloop adhesions (IPOM: 81.81%; TAPP: 9.09%; p = 0.003). No fistulas were found in either group. The TAPP procedure showed better integration of mesh, without lesion to abdominal organs. Two complications, occurred with IPOM, and one with TAPP (p = 1.0, not significant).Conclusions The perperitoneal technique requires more time, but has fewer adhesions and less intraabdominal inflammatory response. It is a feasible technique that may diminish risks in the laparoscopic treatment of incisional hernias with polypropylene mesh.     

Reconstruction of the abdominal wall for incisional hernia repair

BACKGROUND: Abdominal wall reconstruction with mobilization of autologous tissue has evolved as a reliable option for patients with incisional hernias. METHODS: With the aim of evaluating morbidity and recurrence rates in patients who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction for incisional hernia repair, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of 188 patients treated between 1996 and 2003. RESULTS: Primary approximation of the fascial defect was achieved in 77% and was reinforced by either mesh placement or rectus muscle advancement. The remaining 23% were reconstructed either by mesh placement, components separation, or distant flap mobilization. Median follow-up was 15 months. Overall morbidity rate was 38%; recurrence rate was 13%. Dimensions of the hernia and intraoperative enterotomies were associated with postoperative complications. Lack of complete restoration of the myofascial abdominal wall continuity was associated with recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with incisional hernias, techniques involving autologous tissue mobilization are safe and associated with low recurrence rates.     

比较腹腔镜腹腔内与开放腹膜前间隙补片置入术治疗腹壁切口疝的效果

目的比较腹腔镜腹腔内补片置入术(IPOM)与开放腹膜前间隙补片置入术(Sublay)治疗腹壁切口疝的效果。方法选取2016-01—2019-01间在郑州大学第一附属医院接受疝修补术治疗的76例腹壁切口疝患者,将36例行腹腔镜IPOM术的患者作为腔镜组。将40例行开放Sublay术的患者作为开放组。回顾性分析患者的临床资料。结果2组患者均成功完成手术。2组手术时间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。腔镜组术中出血量、术后肠蠕动恢复时间及住院时间均少于开放组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。腔镜组术后近期疼痛发生率低于开放组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),其余并发症差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论腹腔镜IPOM术具有创伤小、恢复快、疼痛轻、出血少、并发症少等优点,具有更广阔的应用前景。     

The influence of the number of endoclips and of mesh incorporation on the strength of an experimental hernia patch repair

The strength conferred to a mesh by fixing it with laparoscopic staples and the effects of tissue incorporation have never been quantified.Eighteen dogs were divided into three groups sacrificed at 2 days (5 dogs), 2 weeks (6 dogs), and 2 months (7 dogs). One 3.5- by 5-cm piece of abdominal wall was removed from each side through a median laparotomy, leaving the skin intact. A polypropylene mesh (5 by 7 cm) was fixed over one defect with four Endopath EMS staples (Ethicon Endo-surgery) and over the other with 16 EMS staples. At sacrifice, bursting strength (BS) was measured with an Instron tester and specimens were studied histologically. One-way analysis of variance and the Newmann-Keuls multiple-comparison test were used.BS tests showed that for each period studied, the strength of the repair performed with 16 staples was significantly higher than that obtained when four staples were applied. They also showed that tensile strength increased significantly in both groups as time elapsed. Light microscopy supported the conclusion that the initial strength of the repair was related to the number of clips and was significantly increased by cellular infiltration at 2 weeks and significantly more by collagen deposition at 2 months. At 2 months, BS was significantly higher in the 16-staples group, suggesting that initial fixation still plays a significant role.Presented at the annual meeting of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), Nashville, Tennessee, USA, 18–19 April 1994     

Giant pseudocyst of the anterior abdominal wall following mesh repair of incisional hernia: a rare complication managed laparoscopically.

Giant pseudocyst formation of the anterior abdominal wall, following on-lay polypropylene mesh repair for incisional hernia is an under reported complication. We report an unusual case of a 56-year-old female who underwent a polypropylene mesh repair of incisional hernia 2 years back. Subsequently she developed a giant pseudocyst of the anterior abdominal wall, which was occupying the whole of the abdomen from the xiphisternum to the pubic bone, and over both the flanks. Over a period of one year, the cyst had defied multiple attempts at aspiration. The patient underwent a laparoscopic drainage of the collection with piecemeal excision of the entire cyst wall. Histopathology of the cyst wall revealed necrotic material with intervening areas of hemorrhage. No epithelial lining was seen. There has been no recurrence in the two years of follow-up. Conclusion: giant pseudocyst of the anterior abdominal wall is a rare complication following mesh repair of an incisional hernia. Such pseudocysts can be managed successfully by laparoscopic procedures.     

腹腔镜腹壁疝修补术联合围手术期康复训练对成人腹壁疝患者术后胃肠功能恢复及复发的影响

目的探讨腹腔镜腹壁疝修补术联合围手术期康复训练对成人腹壁疝患者术后胃肠功能恢复及复发的影响。 方法分析2016年2月至2018年12月在北京怀柔医院就诊的80例腹壁疝患者,根据患者所采取的手术方法分为对照组和观察组,各40例。2组均采用腹腔镜内补片植入术,观察组无康复介入,治疗组采用术前1周、术后3周的康复训练,训练内容包括腹式呼吸训练、腹内外斜肌、腹横肌、多裂肌、盆底肌等核心肌群激活训练。记录手术相关指标及胃肠功能恢复指标;检测并比较2组治疗前后血清白细胞介素-6（IL-6）、C-反应蛋白（CRP）水平;统计术中及术后并发症;随访1年,观察疝复发率。 结果相较于对照组,观察组术后疼痛时间和下床活动时间均缩短（P<0.05）,手术时间和术中出血量无明显差异（P>0.05）;观察组术后首次肠鸣音时间、肛门排气时间和首次排便时间均显著低于对照组（P<0.05）;术后2组IL-6和CRP水平均高于术前（P<0.05）,但观察组IL-6和CRP水平低于对照组（P<0.05）;观察组尿潴留发生率低于对照组（P<0.05）,2组患者的术中出血、肠管损伤、血清肿、慢性疼痛、复发率差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。 结论腹腔镜腹壁疝修补术联合围手术期康复训练可促进成人腹壁疝患者术后胃肠功能恢复,降低机体炎性反应,且安全性高,降低术后复发率,具有较好的临床推广应用价值。     

Biomechanical analysis of polypropylene prosthetic implants for hernia repair: an experimental study

Background

Although polypropylene (PP) is the most common biomaterial used for ventral and inguinal hernia repairs, its mechanical properties remain obscure.

Methods

Retraction, solidity, and elasticity of 3 large pore-size monofilament PP prostheses, 1 heavy-weight PP (HWPP), a second low-weight PP, and a third coated with atelocollagen were evaluated in a rabbit incisional hernia model. A small pore-size multifilament PP implant (MPP) also was tested.

Results

Unlike pore size, the weight of the prosthesis was not an influencing factor for retraction. Atelocollagen coating reduced retraction (P < .05). HWPP and MPP were less likely to rupture (P < .05). HWPP had comparatively better elasticity (P < .05), whereas MPP supported the greatest elastic force (P < .05). Nevertheless, the amount of shrinkage of MPP (30% of the original size) made this prosthesis unusable.

Conclusions

In this study, HWPP presented the most advantageous biomechanical compromise for hernia surgery.