SELECTION OF PROSTHETIC MESH IMPLANTS

Both absorbable and nonabsorbable prosthetic surgical mesh implants ar e available for use in reconstructive soft tissue surgery. To select t he best mesh for the patient, surgeons must understand the material pr operties of prosthetic mesh, including composition, porosity, strength , and stiffness. Prosthetic materials used to manufacture surgical mes h include polypropylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylen e terephthalate, polyglycolic acid, polyglactin 910, and plastic. Post surgical complications associated with mesh implants can be diminished by proper selection and application. Absorbable and nonabsorbable mes h implants have been placed successfully in contaminated tissues.