The use of sterilised polyester mosquito net mesh for inguinal hernia repair in Ghana

Abstract

Polyester mosquito net mesh represents a cost-effective alternative to commercial meshes in developing countries, with a relatively low rate of early complications and similar short-term recurrence rates. The use of local anaesthesia may enhance this further.

A Randomized Trial of Low-Cost Mesh in Groin Hernia Repair

“…The mechanical properties of this mesh, which normally serves as a mosquito net, are similar to those of widely available commercial surgical meshes. 21 The control group received a commercial 100% polypropylene mesh (Parietene Light), manufactured by Covidien. Both were lightweight meshes (the low-cost mesh weighed 38.0 g per square meter, and the commercial mesh weighed 53.7 g per square meter), and the pore size was similar in the two meshes (1.5 mm and 1.9 mm, respectively).…”

“…17,18 Mosquito meshes, which are similar to commercial meshes, are currently used in some places as a low-cost alternative in hernia repair. [19][20][21][22][23] Previous studies on the use of mosquito mesh in groin hernia repair have shown promising results with respect to tissue reaction, outcome, and cost-effectiveness. 19,[21][22][23][24][25][26] However, data from randomized trials are lacking to inform the safety and long-term effectiveness of this practice.…”

“…[19][20][21][22][23] Previous studies on the use of mosquito mesh in groin hernia repair have shown promising results with respect to tissue reaction, outcome, and cost-effectiveness. 19,[21][22][23][24][25][26] However, data from randomized trials are lacking to inform the safety and long-term effectiveness of this practice. The aim of the current randomized trial was to assess the outcomes of groin hernia repair performed with the use of a low-cost lightweight mesh as compared with a commercial lightweight mesh in a low-income country in sub-Saharan Africa.…”

The Use of Biomaterials to Treat Abdominal Hernias

“…Clarke et al report their results, implanting sterilized polyester mosquito net mesh in 95 poor patients in Ghana, with 2% infection and no recurrences. They concluded that PE mosquito net mesh is a cost-effective alternative to commercial mesh for use in inguinal hernia repair in developing countries (Clarke et al, 2009). Optimistic results were also described in a study performed before this one, in Burkina Faso, using Nylon (100% Polyamide 6-6) mosquito net mesh, this time describing the complete absence of infection (Freudenberg et al, 2006).…”

Corrections to ‘The use of sterilised polyester mosquito net mesh for inguinal hernia repair in Ghana’

“…Calculations related to cost-eVectiveness included in the paper by Clarke et al [1] were drawn from a previous version of Shillcutt et al [2], which contained several errors that should be highlighted. The correct values within the following sentence are in parentheses: "DALYs were calculated in the reference case, with an average of 18.90 (9.32) DALYs averted per person, and a total of 2,136 (1,052) DALYs averted in the study.…”