Composite mesh (polypropylene-e-PTFE) in the intraperitoneal positionA report of 30 cases

The treatment of incisional hernias, on occasions, imposes the use of an intraperitoneal prosthesis. Though none of the available biomaterials is entirely satifactory, the choice often reflects a compromise. Polypropylene and polyester have been associated with bowel obstruction, fistulization and transmigration through a viscus. These problems are almost unknown with e-PTFE. All three however can cause adhesions. On the other hand, the solidity of a repair is a function of the penetration of a prosthesis by fibroblasts and collagen. Polyester and polypropylene manifest such a penetration. e-PTFE less so. The combination of e-PTFE internally and polypropylene externally seems to provide a reasonable composite which has been used in 30 cases in the last six years. During that period no patient presented with an intestinal occlusion or fistula.