Functional failure of fascia lata allografts

OBJECTIVES: Fascia lata allografts are commonly used in urogynecologic procedures. Functional failure of several grafts has occurred, and such failure has been recognized as a materials problem in 12 patients. STUDY DESIGN: Twelve patients with failure of an initial urogynecologic procedure performed with irradiated and freeze-dried donor fascia lata grafts underwent reoperation. Portions of the implanted fascia lata grafts could be retrieved in 7 cases. Graft specimens underwent histologic processing followed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS: Histopathologic analyses of the retrieved material demonstrated several ongoing processes in the failed grafts. A few grafts showed areas of ideal remodeling. Most grafts, however, showed areas of disorganized remodeling and areas of graft degeneration. Evidence of immune reaction to the graft was observed in some cases. CONCLUSION: The high materials failure rate associated with the use of irradiated and freeze-dried donor fascia lata grafts suggests that such tissue should not be used for urogynecologic procedures.