Examples of types of mesh
Mesh is manufactured by several medical companies and is made from different materials. It comes in a multitude of shapes and sizes and thickness. It can be 'woven' in different ways to make it stretch.
Mesh is reasonably flexible but can become rigid with time. Mesh can be coated to enhance incorporation into the tissue or to prevent bowel sticking to it.
​
Mesh can be absorbable or partially absorbable. However it is most commonly permanent.
​
This common mesh type is made from polypropylene.
​
Mesh will cause an inflammatory response and proliferation of 'fibroblasts' that results in tissue ingrowth and integration.
The rather complex porous weave of the BARD 3D mesh above can be seen. The size of the pores will affect ingrowth of tissue.
This is a polypropylene mesh woven into a 3 dimensional shape to suit the shape of the body.
Mesh is held in place by sutures or staples or Tacks. While the staples are usually made of titanium and are permanent. Tacks like this small screw are made of absobable material and 'dissolve' over a few weeks.
Mesh complications.
Although mesh hernia repair has become very common, it can cause problems. A search of the internet will find many unhappy patients. Mesh can curl up, erode into surrounding tissue and get infected and may need to be removed. This appears to be a major problem with the use of Mesh in pelvic prolapse repairs. This use of mesh is different from the typical abdominal wall use of mesh where complications are less common.
In groin surgery the overall complication rate directly related to mesh is low.​ Mesh can migrate, become infected or perforate other organs. Occasionally mesh will fail to integrate and is treated as a foreign body. Mesh removal may be needed, however this can be difficult.
​
Mesh is passive and can not contract. It may bulge under pressure and will not fully correct the mechanics of the abdominal wall.
​
Despite this mesh has become the mainstay of many hernia operations and helped most patients. However mesh should always be used with caution.
