Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

The use of prosthetic biomaterials for incisional and ventral hernias larger than four square centimeters greatly reduces the recurrence rate.¹ At the same time, the use of a biomaterial can increase the infection rate. Postoperative infection has been shown to be a significant factor in hernia recurrence. Studies have shown that it takes fewer organisms to produce an infection if biomaterials are present.

Traditionally, surgeons have used various prophylactic regimens when a prosthetic material is used. These have had limited results in reducing the incidence of infection. This may be especially true in the repair of recurrent hernias where a significant increase in the incidence of infection has been demonstrated. Additional individual patient characteristics (i.e., diabetes, ascites, steroid therapy) may also increase the risk of infection.

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc the innovator and leader in expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) technology has combined an innovative surgical biomaterial with two antimicrobial preservative agents. GORE DUALMESH® PLUS Biomaterial features not only the anti-microbial agents of chlorhexidine diacetate and silver carbonate, but also an advanced tissue ingrowth surface.

¹ Hesselink VJ, Luijendijk RW, de Wilt JHW, Heide R, Jeekel J. An evaluation of risk factors in incisional hernia recurrence. Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics 1993;176:228-234.

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