Review: Biomaterials for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Authors

Roger K. J. Simmermacher, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
Robert P. Bleichrodt, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
Jeff M. Schakenraad, University of Groningen, The Netherlands

Abstract

The reconstruction of large abdominal wall defects still is a major surgical problem. Many different techniques have been developed for this purpose, most of which appeared to be unsatisfactory. The lack of sufficient tissue requires the insertion of prosthetic material. Non-absorbable prostheses used to reconstruct abdominal wall defects showed the best results . Polypropylene mesh (PPM) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) soft-tissue patch are the most frequently used materials for this purpose . However, PPM induces extensive visceral adhesions and erosion of the skin, whereas ePTFE is insufficiently anchored to the adjacent tissue and therefore both materials are not ideal. As a result of own clinical and experimental studies , we constructed a new prosthesis that combines the favourable properties and avoids the drawbacks of PPM and ePTFE and tested it in an experimental study in the rat. The results are promising and warrant future study to find the ideal non -absorbable prosthesis to reconstruct large abdominal wall defects.

Recommended Citation

Simmermacher, Roger K. J.; Bleichrodt, Robert P.; and Schakenraad, Jeff M. (1992) "Review: Biomaterials for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction," Cells and Materials: Vol. 2: No. 4, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cellsandmaterials/vol2/iss4/2