Safety of prosthetic mesh hernia repair in contaminated fields

Abstract

For years, surgical dictum has posited that permanent synthetic mesh is contraindicated in the repair of a hernia in a contaminated field. Numerous investigators, however, have demonstrated the acceptably low morbidity associated with the use of heavy-weight polypropylene mesh in clean-contaminated and contaminated fields. Recently, experience utilizing more modern, light-weight polypropylene mesh constructs in contaminated fields has grown considerably. The time has come to critically reevaluate the unfounded fear of utilizing permanent synthetic mesh in contaminated fields, as we will review the data speaking to the safety of mesh in these contaminated fields.

Keywords: Biological; Hernia; Mesh; Prosthetic; Repair; Synthetic.