H
ow
much
hernia
mesh
should
you stock? If you have
several surgeons per-
forming hernia repair,
you'll stock several dif-
ferent types of mesh —
some of it quite expen-
sive. Unlike other
implants or medical
devices, where research
clearly supports one product over another, a mesh-implanted patient's
outcome depends largely on the patient's characteristics and condi-
tion. Though many surgeons rely on conventional, permanent synthet-
ic meshes (polypropylene is the most popular material) in light, mid
and heavy weights, in some patients it may contribute to an adverse
reaction, and we're still not 100% sure why. Often surgeons find a mid-
weight synthetic is sufficient for their routine cases, but they may use
7 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6
Torn Between Two Meshes
Hernia mesh options are
no longer just biologics
or conventional — you
have new options for
more complex cases.
Bruce Ramshaw, MD, FACS
Knoxville, Tenn.
