Polypropylene Mesh

By 1800, doctors were beginning to realize that sometimes it was necessary to strengthen the walls of the abdomen after some interventions.

But until 1959 the polyethylene mesh was not introduced, by the hand of Francis Usher.

• In 1945, Earle Shouldice theorizes about meshes and develops a series of concepts that today are basic in relation to surgical meshes.
• In 1948, the use of a nylon mesh to repair a hernia was pointed out, by the hand of Acquaviva and Bourret, two surgeons of French origin.
• In 1968, Dr. Irving L. Lichtenstein began to perform hernia surgical interventions in which he placed a hairnet to prevent the viscera from coming out.

Polypropylene meshes can be made of absorbable material (polyglactin 910) or non-absorbable material (polyester or polypropylene fibers among others). The meshes are usually woven through a process that intersects each joint of each of the fibers, so that elasticity is obtained in both directions. As a result, the mesh can be cut without fraying.

Characteristics common to all surgical meshes, of the type that are:

• Flexibility, to prevent chafing in other areas and to maintain its integrity.
• Porous, to favor drainage and fiber growth.

Specifically, meshes for hernias should also incorporate the following characteristics:

• Tensile strength
• Do not deform with body fluids.
• Do not produce allergies.
• Resist mechanical deformation.
• Adapt to the healing process and cell interaction.

Its most widespread use is in hernias. When a Polypropylene mesh is implanted for the correction of a hernia, what is done is to put in place the viscera that were coming out and retain them there using the mesh.

Depending on the pathology of the patient and many other variables related to this and his illness, it is the doctor who must decide what type of mesh will be placed, so that the ideal mesh is placed and that it remains there permanently and not brings complications in the future.

Depending on the origin of the materials, the meshes for abdominal hernias can be:

• Metallic origin: In the past, metals such as steel, silver or tantalum were used, combined with carbon fibers. Synthetic origin:  This type of mesh stays flexible, so it does not alter the healing of the wound. It is used to cover and reinforce, to provide support until the wound heals.

Polypropylene meshes of synthetic origin are the most commonly used and can be absorbable or non-absorbable:

• Over time and once the relevant tissue has been generated, the mesh is reabsorbed into the body itself.
• Within the synthetic origin, the most used materials are Polypropylene.
• Polypropylene (PP) meshes: It is a synthetic fabric, in the form of a net that allows human tissue cells to intermingle with their fibers and can form a resistant tissue. It is the most used material for surgical meshes, especially for those used in hernias. These meshes are incorporated without problem into the surrounding tissue and have high resistance to tension and infections, reducing its strength over time, but being a more inert material and resistant to contraction than others, it is the most used.

Polypropylene Mesh used for the hernia repair and other facial deficiencies that require the addition of a reinforcing or bridging material to obtain the desired surgical result.

It is a Non-Absorbable surgical mesh, used to span and reinforce traumatic or surgical wounds to provide extended support during and following wound healing. The Surgical Mesh material is not absorbed nor is it subject to degradation or weakening by the action of tissue enzymes.

It is use in repair in tissue or tissue interface without contact with the visceral peritoneum: it consists of a prosthesis that must be separated from the abdominal viscera in order to avoid adhesion. Usually, polypropylene & polyester, are used, the choice between one and the other must be made by the doctor.

• UNILENE Mesh Probably the best in kind
• An artificial wall which doesn’t feel
• The latest technology with perfection provides ultra-smooth surface results in optimum healing
• Knitting is as per the requirement of tissues results in no discomfort after surgery.
• Best used and ultimate mesh for: General Surgeon, Gynecologist, Endoscopic Surgeons
• It’s an Ultimate Mesh for Hernia Repair.

Polypropylene meshes are often used to repair hernias.

First, the viscera are put in place, then the mesh is put on to make them stay in place and not move. To implant a polypropylene mesh, it is usually necessary to use polypropylene sutures, since the polypropylene mesh can react with other materials and cause the body to identify them as foreign bodies and reject them. This material has a great resistance against acids and other.

If the mesh is not absorbable, it should be ensured, as expected, with non-absorbable sutures, preferably of the same mesh material, or staples.

If the mesh is absorbable, it can be secured with sutures that are absorbable or non-absorbable or with staples.

Once the mesh is in place, it is sutured around, trying to do it with the correct tension. Subsequently, the excess mesh is cut outside the suture and removed. Apart from the suture, there are more ways to hold the surgical mesh once placed.

After the implantation of a surgical mesh, it is common for patients to have swelling in the area, because of the fluid that remains in the area after insertion of the mesh. Frequently, this liquid disappears by itself, but on other occasions, it is necessary to drain the liquid.

As in any surgical intervention, it is possible to develop infections, but it is not serious, it is treated with antibiotics and they disappear within a few days.

Any unusual inconvenience, especially in the area where the mesh has been placed, must be brought to the doctor’s attention. If you have a fever, you should see a doctor immediately.

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