Magnetic resonance visible 3-D funnel meshes for laparoscopic parastomal hernia prevention and treatment

• Published in: European surgery 2015-06, Vol.47 (3), p.127-132
• Main Authors: Köhler, G., Wundsam, H., Pallwein-Prettner, L., Koch, O.O., Emmanuel, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abdominal Surgery; Cardiac Surgery; General Surgery; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Article; Surgery; Vascular Surgery
• ISSN: 1682-8631; 1682-4016
• DOI: 10.1007/s10353-015-0319-7

Summary Background Funnel mesh implants can be used for both prevention and repair of parastomal hernia (PSH). We aimed to prove the practice of such implants as well as the magnetic resonance (MR) presentability in humans. Methods Five patients were surgically treated for laparoscopic PSH prevention, and five patients underwent laparoscopic repair of manifest and symptomatic PSH with iron-loaded 3-D funnel meshes in an intraperitoneal onlay technique. MR investigation was performed on postoperative day 7 to assess mesh delineation, and additionally 6 and 12 months postoperatively to evaluate hernia recurrences and biocompatibility of mesh integration. Results We could demonstrate precise mesh depiction and delineation with MR in all 10 cases, as well as accurate assessment of the surrounding tissue. No funnel alterations and no functional change of the stoma bowel patency occurred due to the tightly fitting funnel implant. We documented no mesh-related complications, no PSH formation, and no stoma prolapse occurrence during the follow-up period of 1 year comprising all ten cases. Conclusion The pilot use of a new method of MR investigation using a mesh with enhanced signal through the addition of iron particles into the polyvinylidene fluoride base material provides detailed mesh depiction. Furthermore, funnel mesh implantation seems to offer a safe and promising surgical alternative for both PSH prevention and treatment.