PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF COMPOSITE-MATER IALS FOR THE REPAIR OF INCISIONAL HERNIAS

Recent investigations have shown that direct exposure of the intestine s to currently available absorbable and nonabsorbable biomaterials can result in their adhesion to the bowel. This can then lead to bowel ob struction or migration of the mesh into the intestinal lumen and forma tion of intestinal fistula. It has been suggested by some authors that an absorbable covering of the peritoneal side of a nonabsorbable mesh would prevent adhesions and biomaterial related intestinal fistula fo rmation. However, the effectiveness of such a combination has not been substantiated by recent experimental and clinical studies. This preli minary report examines the feasibility of combining porous and non-por ous biomaterials for the creation of a composite that would incorporat e with the abdominal wall without adhering to the intestines.