Classification of prosthetics used in hernia repair based on weight and biomaterial

• Published in: Hernia : the journal of hernias and abdominal wall surgery 2012-02, Vol.16 (1), p.9-20
• Main Authors: Coda, A., Lamberti, R., Martorana, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abdominal Surgery; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Herniorrhaphy; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Review; Surgical Mesh - classification; Weights and Measures
• ISSN: 1265-4906; 1248-9204
• DOI: 10.1007/s10029-011-0868-z

Purpose The aim of this study was to classify the polymeric prosthetics used for hernia repair based on biomaterial composition and weight in an effort to clarify to surgeons what kinds of material they are dealing with and to provide a standardized system of categorization. Materials and methods An intensive research effort was carried out on prosthetics that are commercially available worldwide. We conducted a search of the medical literature and companies’ websites to find the weights and thicknesses of commercially available prosthetics. Where these data were lacking, we contacted manufacturers directly in order to render the research more complete. A total of 166 products were considered for classification based on biomaterial properties. Among these, a homogeneous group of 80 polypropylene monofilament knitted or woven prosthetics was selected for classification based on weight. Weights were provided for 70 prosthetics (87%), and both the weight and thickness was provided for 40 prosthetics (50%). Results Classification based on weight: Ultra-light