[Polyglycolic acid mesh in surgery of the liver and spleen]

Since 1987 absorbable PGA-mesh (Dexon) has been used as a pad for mattress sutures and as remaining tamponade in surgery of the liver and spleen. In 25 cases atypical resections of liver tumors have been performed using PGA-mesh to secure mattress sutures. Blood loss was below 500 cm3 in all cases, operating time was decreased and no infection was seen. Six times this technique was also used in cases with splenic trauma. In all patients the organ could be preserved. In 10 patients with severe trauma of the liver PGA-mesh was successfully used as a remaining tamponade. Also in these cases no infection occurred although 50 mesh had been implanted in one case.