BIOMATERIALS AND ABDOMINAL-WALL HERNIA SU RGERY - APPLICATIONS AND PRINCIPLES

A study was made of the distinct biomaterials used in surgery and the requirements to be fullfilled and principles applied for their use in the repair of abdominal wall hernias. The biomaterials most frequently used in hernia surgery are: politetrafluorethylene (PTFE) sheet (Gore -Tex(R)), the multifilament PTFE mesh (Teflon(R)), the multifilament p olypropylene mesh (Surgipro(R)), the mono-filament polypropylene mesh (Marlex(R)), the double filament polypropylene mesh (Prolene(R)) and t he multi-filament polyester mesh (Mersilene(R)). Requirements for use in hernia surgery: the material must be inert, permanent and non-reabs orbable, resistant to infection, become rapidly fixed and incorporated into the host tissues, and not adhere to abdominal viscera. Principle s for use: based on the overlapping of the mesh with the aponeurotic p lane such that abdominal pressure aids fixation to this plane; contact with abdominal viscera must be avoided. Conclusions: based on the pub lished experimental and clinical experience of the authors and other r esearchers, polypropylene is judged to be the most appropiate material for the repair of abdominal hernias.