[Synthetic prostheses used in surgery to repair abdominal wall defects (excluding groin hernias). Characteristics, in situ behaviour and applications]

Abstract

This study is an updating on synthetic prostheses used today to repair incisional hernias, eviscerations and abdominal wall defects due to a severe infection or a parietal excision of malignant tumours. The present prostheses are the fruits of the constantly developing plastic industry. Their characteristics and types (mesh or patch), together with the materials they are made of, are studied taking this development into account. The tissular reactions caused by prostheses are different depending on whether the material they are made of is an absorbable one or not. Published data on animal experimentation are largely used in this part of the study. A significant part is also allocated to the pathobiology of prostheses infection on which is based prevention of risk infection in the surgical practice. A synthetic prostheses has to be chosen depending on its characteristics and the tissular reactions it generates. In a septic environment, only absorbable prostheses can be used without risk. As for incisional hernias, which allows the authors to refer to their own expérience, the choice also depends on both the surgeon's own conception of the treatment and its purpose. The defect recovery after parietal excision of malignant tumours is eased by the use of a synthetic prostheses. In the future, synthetic prostheses will be even more used than today in the repair of abdominal wall. A present, the materials they are made of keep on being developed.