三种复合补片在污染环境下修补大鼠腹壁缺损的比较研究

目的观察聚丙交己内酯(polylactide-co-caprolactone,PLC)、透明质酸(hyaluronic acid,HA)、胶原蛋白与聚丙烯(polypropylene,PP)网片复合,在污染环境下修补大鼠腹壁缺损后粘连情况和修补效果,比较3种复合补片特点及一期修补可行性。方法成年雄性Wistar大鼠93只,体重150～250 g,随机分为3组(n=31):PP/PLC复合补片组(A组),PP/HA/PLC复合补片组(B组),PP/胶原蛋白/PLC复合补片组(C组)。各组取1只大鼠小肠制备污染源匀浆。其余大鼠制备直径约1 cm的腹壁疝模型后,根据分组将直径1.5 cm的复合补片缝合于腹壁缺损处。术后观察大鼠一般情况;于术后30、60、90 d处死大鼠,大体观察腹腔脏器粘连情况;切取补片及其周围组织进行组织学观察。结果术后10～70 d共6只大鼠死亡,其中A组2只,B组3只,C组1只;死亡原因均与补片修补无关。术后各时间点各组均见腹腔脏器与补片粘连,主要为肠管、网膜、肝。按照修正的Katada粘连评分方法,术后30、60 d各组间粘连评分比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);90 d时C组粘连评分显著低于A、B组(P<0.05)。组织学观察,术后30 d各组补片周围可见炎性细胞浸润,成纤维细胞出现且胶原分泌增加,可吸收材料残留;60 d时补片周围炎性细胞较前减少,成纤维细胞数量及胶原分泌较前增加,各组仅见PLC残留;90 d时成纤维细胞日趋成熟,可见胶原充填,腹腔面可见间皮层逐渐形成,各组残留PLC较前减少。结论 在污染环境下,PP/胶原蛋白/PLC复合补片在腹腔粘连及局部组织反应方面均优于PP/PLC及PP/HA/PLC复合补片,更适于一期修补大鼠腹壁缺损,但其远期效果及安全性仍待进一步确定。     

防粘连细菌纤维素复合补片动物模型的建立及实验研究

目的将防粘连细菌纤维素复合补片应用于大鼠实验中,进一步探索并验证该补片腹腔内的防粘连效果,为新型补片的研发提供理论基础。方法采用随机数字表法将48只成年Wistar大鼠平均分成2组(每组24例),分别为聚丙烯组(PP组)、防粘连复合补片组(PP/BC组)。每组再随机平均分成2个亚组(每组12例),即短期组(10 d)和长期组(60 d),分别予植入后10 d和60 d肉眼观察补片粘连情况,并取补片及其周围腹壁组织进行组织学观察,比较及评价各组补片的抗粘连效果。结果术后第10天,细菌纤维素复合补片防粘连评分明显优于聚丙烯补片(P0.05)。复合补片周围新生细胞外沉积较多(P0.05),腹腔侧有更明显的纤维结缔组织覆盖,较少的炎细胞浸润(P0.05)。术后第60天,细菌纤维素复合补片粘连评分与聚丙烯补片相比,差异无统计学意义(P0.05),炎细胞浸润较多、多核巨细胞浸润较少(P0.05)。结论细菌纤维素复合补片腹腔内修补的防粘连效果较佳,是一种潜在的腹腔内防粘连疝补片,但能否临床转化仍需进一步研究。     

载有纳米银新型复合补片在污染条件下大鼠腹壁缺损修补中的运用

目的观察载有纳米银新型复合补片在污染条件下对大鼠腹壁缺损修补的应用效果,对其耐受感染和防粘连效果进行评价,进而探讨新型补片在感染条件下腹壁缺损一期修复中应用的可行性。方法成年雄性SD大鼠60只,体重200~280 g,随机分为普通聚丙烯补片组(A组)和新型纳米银复合补片组(B组),制备污染条件下大鼠腹壁缺损模型(缺损面积2 cm×2 cm),分别使用以上两种补片完成一期修复,术后对比观察两组大鼠一般情况及伤口愈合情况,术后30 d处死大鼠观察腹腔脏器粘连情况,同时切取补片及其周围组织进行病理学观察。结果术后30 d内共4只大鼠死亡,其中A组3只,B组1只,死亡原因与补片修补无关。切口愈合情况B组优于A组(P0.05),术后30 d二组均见腹腔脏器与补片粘连,主要为肠管、网膜,B组轻于A组,按照修正的Katada粘连评分方法,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);组织学观察,术后30 d,光镜下聚丙烯补片组依然有大量炎细胞浸润,可见毛细血管生长,成纤维细胞开始大量增生,胶原分泌增多,局部肉芽组织形成。新型纳米银复合补片组创面可见少量炎细胞浸润,成纤维细胞增生,胶原纤维和毛细血管大量增多,肉芽组织结构致密,成熟度高。结论新型纳米银复合补片在污染条件下腹壁缺损的一期修复中,具有更好的耐受感染、抗腹腔粘连特性,具有较好的临床应用前景,但其远期效果及生物安全性尚需进一步研究和评价。     

纳米仿生防粘连复合补片修复大鼠腹壁缺损中胶原合成功能的研究

目的评估纳米仿生、防粘连复合型疝补片修复腹壁疝的胶原蛋白合成功能的优劣,为临床提供实验依据。 方法选择成年SD雄性大鼠90只,随机分为3组：纳米仿生、防粘连复合型疝补片（nano-bionic and anti-adhesive compound hernia patch,NT）组,聚丙烯补片（polypropylene patch,PP）组及聚酯补片（polyester patch,PE）组,构建腹壁疝模型。根据分组将大小约3 cm× 2 cm的3组补片缝合于腹壁缺损处。术后观察大鼠一般情况,分别于术后4、6、8周处死大鼠各10只,大体观察腹腹壁手术区域胶原组织形成情况;剪取补片及其周围组织进行组织学观察,分析胶原蛋白表达情况,并进行Western bolt分析各组腹壁修复区域Ⅰ型胶原蛋白及Ⅲ型胶原蛋白表达量。 结果各组大鼠术后一般情况均良好,未出现死亡等不良事件;腹壁手术区域,NT组触感柔软,异物感较少,未见明显腹腔脏器突出,纤维组织生长情况良好;PP组触感较僵硬,皮下可见大量新生血管长入,异物感较重,纤维组织生长情况一般;PE组大鼠腹壁修复区触感僵硬,皮下可见较多新生血管长入,纤维组织生长较好。组织学观察：术后各个时间点,NT组修补效果优于PP、PE组,NT组Ⅰ型胶原表达更多,Ⅲ胶原表达更少,比例更加合理,纤维结构更加成熟稳定。组织蛋白含量：随着时间推移,术后各组Ⅰ型胶原蛋白随着时间进展逐步增加,而且NT组在各个时间点明显高于PP组及PE组,差异有统计学意义;术后6周及术后8周NT组的Ⅰ/Ⅲ型胶原蛋白比例基本保持在4∶1左右,较术后4周明显增加,而且在各个时间点上NT组均高于PP、PE组,差异有统计学意义。 结论在常规腹壁缺损无张力修补术过程中,NT补片在组织重构过程中比PP及PE补片更早形成成熟稳定的纤维结构,提供更加稳固的修复效果,适用于目前常规的腹壁疝修补,尤其是巨大腹壁缺损引起的腹壁疝。     

国产新型防粘连复合补片与进口同类产品在腹外疝腹腔内修补术中的对比研究

目的：对比应用国产善释防粘连复合疝修补片与同类进口产品在腹外疝及腹壁缺损患者中行腹腔内的修补手术,探讨善释防粘连复合补片在腹外疝及腹壁缺损治疗中的应用价值。方法采用前瞻性随机分组对照研究,将符合条件的患者分为二组,试验组使用善释防粘连复合补片,对照组使用进口同类补片,每组各25例患者。记录二组患者手术前后的临床参数及术后各种并发症的发生例数,通过超声检查,记录术后7d及术后3个月补片下内脏移动距离,对疝修补片的防粘连性能做出客观评估,并对数据进行统计学分析。结果对二组的近期疗效、手术前后临床参数和术后并发症发生情况等方面进行统计学对比分析,二组患者在手术时间、术后住院日数、近期疗效、手术前后临床参数、术后补片下内脏移动距离和术后并发症发生情况等方面差异均无统计学意义。结论善释防粘连复合补片是一种安全、可靠的腹外疝及腹壁缺损腹腔内修补的国产新型材料。     

丝素蛋白降低聚丙烯补片表面粘连的研究

目的 观察聚丙烯补片经丝素蛋白涂覆后,其表面粘连程度的变化,并探讨其作用机制.方法 将40只Sprague-Dawle大鼠随机分为两组,每组各20只.按组于腹腔内分别植入丝素蛋白涂覆聚丙烯材料(丝素面朝向腹腔,聚丙烯面朝向腹壁)和聚丙烯补片,于术后3、7、14、90 d分批处死大鼠,比较植入补片表面粘连程度及粘连面积,并行病理及扫描电镜检查.结果 丝素蛋白涂覆聚丙烯材料组,术后3、7、14、90d检查基本无腹腔内粘连形成,补片表面粘连面积占总面积的(6.04±4.78)%,粘连程度为(0.8±0.4);单纯聚丙烯组全部大鼠术后并发腹腔内粘连面积占总面积的(86.61±12.25)%,粘连程度为(3.4±0.6),有5只(5/20,25.0%)大鼠分别于术后2～9d因肠管与聚丙烯粘连引起肠梗阻或肠瘘死亡,两组的术后腹腔内粘连面积和粘连程度差异均存在统计学意义(P均<0.05).结论 丝素材料能促进腹膜间皮细胞长入,于聚丙烯补片表面腹膜化,形成新的间皮细胞层,可有效降低聚丙烯补片与腹腔内器官发生粘连的程度及范围.     

腹壁肿瘤切除术后遗留腹壁巨大缺损39例修复与重建

目的探讨采用聚丙烯（Polypropylene,PP）补片或复合补片修复腹壁肿瘤切除术后遗留腹壁巨大缺损的方法和效果。方法收治的39例腹壁巨大肿瘤患者均采取了手术切除治疗。采用直接缝合腹膜关闭腹腔,并在腹膜外用PP补片修复缺损6例,采用带蒂大网膜加PP补片修复缺损19例,采用复合补片修补腹壁缺损14例。结果 39例中因术后发生急性心肌梗塞死亡1例。术后肺部感染1例,经抗感染治疗治愈。术后出现皮下积液5例,经穿刺抽吸,理疗和引流等措施治愈。随访34例,随访时间1～5年。在访的4例结肠癌患者和4例胃癌患者术后12～27个月均因肿瘤腹腔内复发及肝脏广泛转移死亡,术后肿瘤局部复发1例,随访的全部患者未发生腹壁切口疝和肠梗阻等并发症。结论采用PP补片或复合补片修复腹壁肿瘤切除后遗留腹壁巨大缺损并发症发生率低,效果良好。     

孕晚期宫内修补胎羊腹壁缺损的初步实验研究

目的探讨孕晚期行宫内手术修补胎羊腹壁缺损的可行性。方法取8只孕110～115 d的健康山羊,体重14～22 kg,随机分为两组,分别为可吸收缝线组(A组,3只)及生物型补片组(B组,5只)。两组首先切除胎羊全层腹壁分别制备大小约5 cm×1 cm及5 cm×2 cm的腹壁缺损模型后,分别采用可吸收缝线缝合及两层生物型补片修补腹壁缺损。观察术后母羊及出生后小羊一般情况;于出生后第10天处死小羊观察腹腔内粘连情况,并取切口瘢痕组织行生物力学测定和组织学观察。结果术后共3只母羊流产,其中A组1只,B组2只;其余母羊均顺利娩出小羊。A组小羊腹壁切口愈合好,瘢痕呈线形,腹腔内粘连轻;瘢痕厚度为4～5 mm。B组小羊腹壁切口均未完全愈合,腹腔内粘连轻;瘢痕厚度为3～4 mm。生物力学测定A组瘢痕组织皮条断裂力为16、20 N,B组为10、14、18 N。组织学观察示,A组瘢痕组织范围小;B组见皮肤溃疡面和其下的纤维结缔组织,伴炎性细胞浸润。结论 孕晚期行宫内手术修补胎羊腹壁缺损可行;对于腹壁缺损较小者可直接缝合修补,缺损较大者可采用生物型补片修补。     

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。     

腹腔镜下腹壁切口疝修补术15例

目的探讨腹腔镜下应用补片行腹壁切口疝修补术的方法、安全性及临床疗效。方法2008年5月至2009年5月,对15例腹壁切口疝进行腹腔镜下补片修补术。结果14例腹腔镜下行腹腔粘连松解和补片固定,顺利完成切口疝修补手术;1例因肠管与腹壁及疝环致密粘连而中转开放切口疝修补术。术后腹壁修补区域疼痛10例(71.4%),疝环和补片间出现浆液肿4例(28.6%),无肠瘘和死亡病例,未发生手术相关的感染。术后随访3～12个月,平均7.5个月,未见复发。结论在腹腔镜下行腹腔粘连松解,采用疝钉合器与缝线贯穿腹壁全层固定补片可以修补大多数腹壁切口疝,同时还可以发现其他的隐匿性疝,是一种安全、有效的微创手术方法,值得临床推广。     

Influence of polyglecaprone 25 (Monocryl) supplementation on the biocompatibility of a polypropylene mesh for hernia repair

Background: Supplementary polyglecaprone 25 (Monocryl) monofilaments were added to a lightweight pure monofilament polypropylene mesh (PP mesh) to improve intraoperative handling (PP+M mesh). This study was designed to evaluate the influence of this additional supplementation on the biocompatibility in a rodent animal model. Methods: Two mesh materials, a composite mesh (PP+M) and the pure polypropylene variant (PP), were compared after subcutaneous implantation in a standardized rat model. Histological analysis of the inflammatory response was performed after 28, 56 and 84 days of implantation. Material absorption, inflammatory tissue reaction, fibrosis and granuloma formation were investigated, as well as the percentage of proliferating and apoptotic cells at the interface. Results: Both mesh materials showed a slight foreign body reaction involving mainly macrophages and foreign body giant cells. Total absorption of the Monocryl filaments of the PP+M mesh occurred between 56 and 84 days of implantation. Both the inflammatory and the fibrotic reaction were decreased (n.s.) in the PP+M mesh group compared to the pure PP mesh. Whereas the percentage of proliferating cells showed no significant difference, the rate of apoptotic cells was significantly decreased in the PP+M mesh group over the whole implantation period. Conclusion: Compared to the pure polypropylene mesh, our data confirm that the use of a polypropylene mesh supplemented with absorbable Monocryl filaments is feasible without additional short-term mesh-related complications in the experimental model or negative side effects on biocompatibility.     

Adhesion formation of a polyvinylidenfluoride/polypropylene mesh for intra-abdominal placement in a rodent animal model

Background  Effective laparoscopic ventral herniorrhaphy mandates the use of an intraperitoneal mesh. Visceral adhesions and shrinkage of prosthetics may complicate repairs. The aim of this study was to compare adhesion formation, mesh shrinkage and tissue ingrowth after intra-abdominal placement of a novel two-component monofilament mesh structure made of polypropylene (PP) and polyvinylidenfluoride (PVDF) with current alternatives. Materials and methods  Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. Mesh samples were fixed as intra-abdominal only mesh at the right lateral abdominal wall. The study groups were: PVDF+PP (polypropylene parietally and polyvinylidenfluoride viscerally), PP+Col (polypropylene with a collagenoxidized film), ePTFE (smooth surface viscerally and a textured surface parietally), and PP (a pure polypropylene mesh serving as control). The meshes were explanted after 30 days. Adhesions were scored as a percentage of explanted biomaterials’ affected surface area; prosthetic shrinkage was calculated. Foreign-body reaction to mesh materials was measured by investigating the amount of inflammatory infiltrate and fibrotic tissue formation. Results  In terms of adhesion score, the pure PP mesh showed the highest values followed by the ePTFE, PVDF+PP, and PP+Col meshes. Quantitative assessment of adhesion area revealed a significantly higher value of the pure PP mesh sample (62.0 ± 22.1%) compared with the PP+Col (26.8 ± 12.1%) and the PVDF+PP mesh (34.6 ± 8.2%). Percentage of shrinkage showed a significantly higher value of the ePTFE mesh (52.4 ± 13.9%) compared with all other mesh modifications (PP+Col 19.8 ± 13.9%, PVDF+PP 19.9 ± 7.0%, and PP 26.8 ± 9.5%). Inflammatory infiltrate was significantly reduced in the PVDF+PP mesh group compared with all other mesh samples. Conclusion  The use of the novel two-component monofilament mesh structure made of polypropylene and polyvinylidenfluoride was found to be favorable regarding adhesion formation and mesh shrinkage compared to conventional mesh materials used for intra-abdominal placement.     

Differences in polypropylene shrinkage depending on mesh position in an experimental study

BACKGROUND: Polypropylene (PP) mesh is one of the most frequent materials used in hernia repair. We have experimentally evaluated the shrinkage of PP mesh depending on the place of implantation. METHODS: In 15 New Zealand rabbits a muscular defect measuring 3 x 3 cm was created in both pararectal sides of the abdominal wall. The defect was repaired using a PP mesh measuring 5 x 3.5 cm that was placed in the right side in the sublay location and in the left side in the onlay location. Five animals were killed on the 30th, 60th, and 90th postoperative days. Macroscopic measurement and microscopic study of the prosthesis-host tissue interfaces were performed. RESULTS: One rabbit was killed because of severe infection in the onlay mesh. Another 2 infections were tolerated in the onlay mesh side. All the prostheses were integrated in the host tissue at death. In the macroscopic evaluation the mesh areas were reduced by 25.92% on the 30th day, by 28.67% on the 60th day, and by 29.02% on the 90th day. The mesh shrinkage was greater in the onlay group than in the sublay group at the 3 time intervals. More inflammatory leukocyte and mononuclear responses also were seen in the onlay group. CONCLUSIONS: These observations support the theory of PP mesh shrinkage as a consequence of the incorporation of the biomaterial to the scarring tissue. This shrinkage is significantly more intense if the meshes are placed in the onlay position.     

Vypro II mesh in hernia repair: impact of polyglactin on long-term incorporation in rats

BACKGROUND: To the Vypro II mesh, a large-pore-sized multifilamentous polypropylene mesh for hernia repair, supplementary polyglactin 910 multifilaments were added to improve intraoperative handling. As it has been suggested that polyglactin induces fibroplastic reactions and wound complications, this study was designed to evaluate the long-term tissue reaction to polyglactin in the Vypro II mesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two mesh materials, the Vypro II composite mesh (PP + PG) and the pure polypropylene variant (PP), were compared after inlay implantation in a standardized rodent animal model. After 14, 28, 42, 56, 84 and 112 days of implantation, histological analysis of the inflammatory response was performed: material absorption, inflammatory tissue reaction, fibrosis and granuloma formation were investigated. RESULTS: Total absorption of polyglactin filaments of the Vypro II mesh occurred between 56 and 84 days of implantation. Both the inflammatory and the fibrotic reaction were initially increased in the PP + PG mesh group. These differences disappeared in the following implantation period. After 112 days, inflammation was even less pronounced in the PP + PG mesh group. CONCLUSION: The present data confirm a short-term polyglactin-induced increase in inflammation and fibrosis around implanted Vypro II meshes in rats. With regard to the long-term tissue response, even an anti-inflammatory property of polyglactin multifilaments in low-weight and large-pored polypropylene meshes cannot be ruled out.     

Experimental Study of the Effect of Different Meshes on Bacterial Translocation

Implantation of intraabdominal biomaterials promotes bacterial translocation (BT). In this study we planned to determine the effect of different types of mesh on the induction of BT. Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups: control, polypropylene (PP), polyglactin 910 (PG), and dura mater (DM). At hour 0, an abdominal wall defect was created in all animals. In the control group the defect was closed primarily. PP, PG, and DM meshes were used to repair the defects such that the intestines were in contact with the mesh in the remaining three groups. BT was evaluated 4, 24, and 48 hours later. At 4 hours total BT increased in the PP group compared with that in the control (p= 0.0321) and DM (p= 0.0098) groups. At 24 hours the PG group had increased BT compared with the controls (p= 0.0392) and the DM group (p= 0.0274), whereas the PP group had increased BT compared with the DM group only (p= 0.0477). At 48 hours both PG and PP groups had increased BT compared with controls (p= 0.0431 and p= 0.0001, respectively); the PP group had also increased BT compared to the DM group (p= 0.001) and the PG group (p= 0.017). In the control, DM, and PP groups there was no intragroup statistical difference. In the PG group there was a significant increase in BT at 24 hours compared to that at 4 hours (p= 0.0274). Prosthetic meshes led to increased BT compared to that with the DM mesh. This effect might be attributed to the different organic and physical properties of the meshes.     

Titanium coating of a polypropylene mesh for hernia repair: Effect on biocompatibilty

Titanium and its alloys are used worldwide in surgery. The favorable characteristics that make this material desirable for implantation are corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Concerning hernia repair, a mesh modification has been developed using titanium layering of a polypropylene mesh implant, which is said to lead to an improved biocompatibility compared to commercially available mesh materials. To analyze the pure effect of titanium coating, two different mesh structures were studied using a standardized animal model. The titanium-coated monofilamentous, large porous, and lightweight mesh made of polypropylene and coated with titanium (PP+T) was compared to a pure polypropylene mesh manufactured with a similar structure and amount of material serving as a control (PP). In Sprague-Dawley rats, mesh samples were placed in a subcutaneuous position. Then 56, 84, and 182 days after mesh implantation, three animals from each group were sacrificed for morphological observations (amount of inflammatory and connective tissue formation, percentages of proliferating and apoptotic cells, percentage of macrophages). Both mesh modifications investigated showed an overall good biocompatibility. Macroscopic clinical observation after implantation of up to 182 days was uneventful. The tissue response to the PP as well as to the PP+T mesh was characterized by a moderate inflammatory tissue reaction limited to the perifilamentary region as is known for low weight, large porous, and monofilamentous mesh structures. No significant improvement of biocompatibility was found when analyzing the effect of titanium coating compared to the pure polypropylene mesh structure.     

Laparoscopic ventral hernia meshplasty with "double-breasted" fascial closure of hernial defect: a new technique

BACKGROUND: Absence of recurrence, seroma, and pain eludes the laparoscopic surgeon managing ventral and incisional hernias. Multifactorial etiology (i.e., obesity, comorbidity, and dyscollagenemia) is a challenge. Surgeons have risen to this challenge by providing laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR). Stability of mesh in a standard LVHR is attributed to Pascal's Principle (PP). PP, based upon concentration of forces at the point of least resistance, has been classically applied in hydraulic jacks to move large masses. Application of PP in LVHR is thus misplaced where the hernial defect becomes a point of concentration of intra-abdominal forces. This makes the mesh inherently unstable. For a stable mesh aided by PP, benefits of defect closure needed to be explored. METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2004, 30 nonsmoker patients with incisional, primary ventral, and recurrent ventral hernias were operated on. Laparoscopic closure of the defect augmented with intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM), as done in standard LVHR, was preformed. RESULTS: Thirty patients with 34 defects of a mean "closed defect" length of 5.7 cm (range, 3-10) were operated on. Mean operative time was 90 minutes (range, 75-110). There were no conversions, visceral injury, postoperative visible bulge, or seroma. No painkiller except Paracetamol was required. There was no recurrence in a mean follow-up of 58 months (range, 26-84). Restored abdominal contour was achieved by all the patients. CONCLUSION: Closure of hernial defect augmented with IPOM is a safe, patient friendly, and scientific way of doing LVHR.     

Impact of Polypropylene Amount on Functional Outcome and Quality of Life after Inguinal Hernia Repair by the TAPP Procedure Using Pure,Mixed, and Titanium-coated Meshes

Background Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair requires the use of prosthetic material. This prospective, single-center study was intended to investigate the impact of the amount of polypropylene (PP) mesh used in hernia repair on functional results and quality of life. Methods For this series, 672 consecutive patients with primary inguinal hernia undergoing transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP) using a heavyweight PP mesh (Prolene 10 × 15 cm, 1.5 g, group I, n = 232), a mixed PP- and Polyglactin mesh (Vypro II, 10 × 15 cm, 0.53 g, group II, n = 217), or a light-weight titanized PP mesh (Ti-Mesh, 10 × 15 cm, 0.24 g, group III, n = 223) were compared in terms of postoperative complications (seroma, wound healing disorders), quality of life score (pain development, physical condition, urologic disorders), and hernia recurrence. Results During a 12-month follow-up there were no significant differences in the recurrence rate (1.3%-1.7%). Patients with a pure PP mesh (group I) showed significantly more postoperative seromas (12.1% versus 4.1%/1.8%), foreign body sensations (9.1% versus 5.5%/3.5%), and sensitivity to weather changes (5.6% versus 3.2%/2.2%) compared to groups II and III. In all groups, the quality of life score was improved postoperatively. However, among those patients in our series with few preoperative complaints, the postoperative quality of life was worsened when heavy-weight PP meshes (group I+II) were used but significantly improved when light-weight titanized PP meshes were used. Conclusions Comparable functional results, fewer postoperative complications, and improved quality of life can be achieved by reducing the amount of PP in meshes used for laparoscopic hernia repair by TAPP procedure.     

Effectiveness of Hyalobarrier and Seprafilm to prevent polypropylene mesh shrinkage: a macroscopic and histological experimental study

Introduction and hypothesis

Polypropylene (PP) mesh shrinkage represents a serious complication, as a significant cause of pain and recurrence of pelvic organ prolapse or ventral hernias, frequently requiring several surgical interventions. The retraction seems to be caused by the host, in response to the implantation, through the occurrence of periprosthetic adhesions and fibrosis. We hypothesized that avoiding the postoperative adhesions can prevent PP mesh shrinkage.

Methods

Sixty rats were randomly assigned to three groups. A standardized hernia defect was induced on the abdominal wall, which was repaired using an extraperitoneal PP mesh alone (group 1), with application of a hyaluronate carboxymethylcellulose-based bioresorbable membrane (Seprafilm®, group 2), or an auto-cross-linked polysaccharide hyaluronan-based solution (Hyalobarrier® gel, group 3). Eight weeks after the procedure, a repeat laparotomy was performed. After scoring the adhesion and measuring the mesh surface, a microscopic study of the prosthesis-host tissue interfaces was performed.

Results

Group 1 displayed a median shrinkage of 29 % of the mesh. The Seprafilm® group (p?=?0.0238) and Hyalobarrier® gel group (p?=?0.0072) displayed a significantly smaller reduction of 19.12 and 17 %, respectively. Control group 1 displayed a significantly greater adhesion score (30.40) than the Seprafilm® (11.67, p?=?0.0028) and Hyalobarrier® gel groups (11.19, p?=?0.0013). The fibrosis was reduced in the Hyalobarrier® gel group only.

Conclusion

This experimental study revealed that Hyalobarrier® gel and Seprafilm® can prevent PP mesh shrinkage and postoperative adhesions. They might be integrated in a mesh size-saving strategy, which should preserve the quality and durability of the surgical repair and limit the postoperative pain.