Hernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery
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To evaluate the biocompatibility of heavyweight polypropylene (HWPP), lightweight polypropylene (LWPP), and monofilament knit polytetrafluoroethylene (mkPTFE) mesh by comparing biomechanics and histologic response at 1, 3, and 5 months in a porcine model of incisional hernia repair. ⋯ The maximum tensile strength of mesh in the abdominal wall decreased over time for HWPP, LWPP, and mkPTFE mesh materials alike. This trend may actually reflect inability to adequately grip specimens at later time points rather than any mesh-specific trend. Histologically, inflammation decreased with time (P = 0.000), and tissue ingrowth increased (P = 0.019) for all meshes. No specific trends were observed between the polypropylene meshes and the monofilament knit PTFE, suggesting that this novel construction may be a suitable alternative to existing polypropylene meshes.
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Establishing the existence of inguinal neuritis, and defining patterns of nerve involvement in primary inguinal hernia repair. ⋯ The overall incidence of inguinal neuritis was 34% in primary inguinal hernia repairs. The ilioinguinal nerve was most commonly affected in these primary inguinal hernia repairs, and inguinal neuritis was most likely to occur at the external oblique neuroperforatum.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
The design of an industry-sponsored randomized controlled trial to compare synthetic mesh versus biologic mesh for inguinal hernia repair.
Biologic prostheses are designed to support tissue regeneration rather than just result in a strong scar plate, as is the case with synthetic mesh. It is not known if these newer materials will result in earlier return to normal activities and/or less post-herniorrhaphy groin pain. METHOD/STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, controlled, third-party-blinded multicenter trial was designed to compare the use of a non-cross linked porcine dermis biologic graft [Strattice(TM) Reconstructive Tissue Matrix (RTM), LifeCell, Branchburg, NJ] versus light weight, large pore polypropylene mesh (UltraPro(TM), Ethicon, Somerville, NJ). The study design called for recruitment of 170 men. These men are being followed for a minimum of 2 years. The primary aim of this study is to compare the safety and effectiveness of the two materials in a Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair as measured by resumption of activities of daily living. Secondary outcomes include chronic pain, postoperative complications and the incidence of re-herniation at 12 and 24 months. ⋯ We report the design of a multi-center, third-party blinded, randomized clinical trial comparing a new surgical device with existing technology in the repair of inguinal hernias. We believe this investigator-designed and conducted trial could serve as a model for similar trials examining surgical devices performed in collaboration with industry.
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Incisional hernias repaired with mesh can be expected have a lower recurrence rate than with primary repair. Biologic implants have replaced synthetic meshes in certain complex settings. We compared two porcine-dermis derived implants--cross-linked Permacol™ biologic implant and non-cross linked Strattice-firm™ tissue matrix--in a ventral hernia animal model. Our hypothesis is that cross-linked biologic implants are remodeled differently and thus behave differently than non-cross-linked biologic implants. ⋯ Cross-linked materials may prove more durable in the remodeling process as suggested by the increased thinning and weakening observed in non-cross-linked biomesh.