Migration of biomaterials used in gastroenterological surgery

Abstract

Mesh biomaterials have become the standard in the treatment of hernias, regardless the location. In addition to the obvious advantages of the methods based on implantable biomaterials, one should be aware of the possible complications, such as their migration to the abdominal organs.

Material and methods: The study group comprised patients operated at the Department of General, Gastroenterological Oncology, and Plastic Surgery during the period between 2008 and 2011, due to hernia surgery with mesh implantation. We also analysed the number of patients operated, due to complications of mesh migration during the same period.

Results: 368 patients were subject to mesh implantation, due to hernias during the period between 2008 and 2011. Three patients underwent surgery because of symptomatic migration of the mesh (ileus, fistula).

Conclusions: The frequency of mesh migration is difficult to determine because of the different criteria of migration, observation period, and other factors. In patients after mesh implantation the potential migration of the biomaterial should be considered in case of unclear or acute abdominal symptoms.