Biology of Biological Meshes Used in Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: outcomes in primary versus incisional hernias: no effect of defect closure

“…The crosslinked meshes have shown little ability to instigate this remodeling, but a supporting scar plate develops as a function of encapsulation. The non-crosslinked meshes perform better in remodeling, but in the long-term they do not reinforce the native tissue as well [63,64]. In addition, in case of infection the biologic meshes degrade rapidly.…”

Biomaterial Implants in Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair: A Review on the Importance of the Peritoneal Interface

“…However, some authors [9] concluded that cross-linking does not significantly impact the tensile strength or stiffness of the graft-tissue composites in the long term. While cross-linking these materials slows down the material absorption [109], thus increasing the mesh stability, this process can also result in a similar foreign body reaction as seen in permanent synthetic meshes [110]. Thereby, the desired effect of the so-called biocompatibility would be reduced.…”

Use of Biologic Grafts in Surgery

“…Other clinical indications have emerged also and vary from creating better cosmetics results in breast reconstruction, reconstruction after major cranioplasties, facial reconstruction or skin coverage after major burns or other musculocutaneous defects. Tissue engineering is used for new bone grafts [ 3 ], to cover major burn [ 4 ], to create new bladder or urethra [ 5 ], trachea [ 6 ], heart valves [ 7 ], fascia [ 8 ], or to cover major abdominal wall defects. All of these are already happening but at a much lower scale than we need.…”