Vicryl mesh in pelvic floor reconstruction

A new synthetic absorbable mesh made of polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) fiber was used to reconstruct the pelvic floor in seven women undergoing pelvic exenteration. The technique is described. The follow-up ranged from three to 31 months and no patient developed a bowel problem. The material seems to be appropriate for this use, is completely absorbed, and acts as a latticework for the deposition of granulation tissue. The technique can be applied in patients requiring pelvic irradiation following surgery for malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts. The small bowel is effectively held out of the pelvis and the radiation field, and is spared the effects of the radiation beam.