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Repair of ventral hernias with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch
E M Balén1, A Díez-Caballero, J L Hernández-Lizoáin
1Department of General Surgery, Clinica Universitaria, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
The British Journal of Surgery
|October 22, 1998
Summary
Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is a well-tolerated prosthetic material for abdominal hernia repair. This study found ePTFE to be highly reliable, with a very low recurrence rate in ventral hernia operations.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Innovation
- Biomaterials in Medicine
- Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
Background:
- Large and recurrent abdominal hernias present significant challenges with high recurrence rates.
- Prosthetic materials have been shown to reduce recurrence rates in hernia repair.
- Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is recognized for its good tolerance in surgical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in abdominal wall hernia repair.
- To assess the recurrence rates and complication profiles associated with ePTFE use.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 45 ventral hernia repairs using ePTFE for closure or reinforcement.
- Included midline incisional, transverse, and pararectal hernias, with 13 recurrent cases and 3 emergency procedures.
- ePTFE patches were secured with non-absorbable sutures; 12 patients underwent concurrent intra-abdominal procedures.
Main Results:
- Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) demonstrated good patient tolerance.
- Five patients experienced complications, with three major events including cutaneous necrosis and prosthesis infection.
- After a mean follow-up of 39 months, only one hernia recurrence was observed.
Conclusions:
- Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) is a highly reliable prosthetic material for abdominal wall hernia repair.
- The study supports the use of ePTFE in managing ventral hernias, including complex and recurrent cases.