Repair of a Pulmonary Hernia after Thoracotomy with an Intrapleural Mesh: a Case Report.

Pulmonary hernias are rare. They can be congenital, but mostly are acquired. Usually asymptomatic, they are diagnosed on physical examination or, incidentally, on imaging exams. Surgical treatment is required for large, increasing, or symptomatic hernias, and incarcerated or strangulated ones. This is a clinical case of a symptomatic postoperative pulmonary hernia. It occurred two years after a posterolateral thoracotomy for the resection of an intercostal myxolipoma. The tumor was resected en bloc with a partial segment of the 10th left rib and immediate reconstruction was made with an onlay polypropylene mesh. The postoperative hernia was successfully treated with a double-faced mesh of polypropylene and ePTFE. This surgery provided a functional and aesthetic enhancement for the patient, greatly improving his quality of life. This approach is, therefore, considered safe and effective.

Comparison of the results of using a self-adhesive mesh and a polypropylene mesh in open inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized controlled study.

<b> Introduction:</b> Inguinal hernia repair is the most common operation worldwide. The essential factors in hernia repair have been the postoperative quality of life, early return to work, low recurrence rate, and chronic pain prevention. </br></br> <b>Aim:</b> The aim of this study was to compare the short- and long-term results of the self-adhesive mesh and the conventional polypropylene mesh in Lichtenstein repair. </br></br> <b> Material and methods:</b> A total of 100 male patients were randomized and operated on, 50 with the self-adhesive mesh (S group), 50 with the conventional polypropylene mesh (P group). Prospectively, the patients were followed for an average of 36 months. The two groups were compared for the duration of surgery, duration of hospital stay, duration of daily activity/resumption of work, postoperative pain, chronic pain, recurrence, wound infection, hematoma/seroma formation, and postoperative analgesic consumption. </br></br> <b>Results:</b> The study involved 39 patients in the P group and 37 patients in the S group who underwent inguinal hernia surgery. The P group had a longer mean operation time than the S group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (45.1 ± 6.6 min vs. 28.8 ± 3.0 min, P = 0.0001). In recurrence, postoperative discomfort, chronic pain, length of hospital stay, daily activity/return to work, wound infection, hematoma/seroma, and postoperative analgesic use, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. </br></br> <b>Conclusion:</b> It was found that the self-adhesive mesh did not produce statistically significant advantages over the conventional polypropylene mesh, except for operative time, in the Lichtenstein repair.

In situ identification and G4-PPI-His-Mal-dendrimer-induced reduction of early-stage amyloid aggregates in Alzheimer's disease transgenic mice using synchrotron-based infrared imaging.

Amyloid plaques composed of Aß amyloid peptides and neurofibrillary tangles are a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer Disease. In situ identification of early-stage amyloid aggregates in Alzheimer's disease is relevant for their importance as potential targets for effective drugs. Synchrotron-based infrared imaging is here used to identify early-stage oligomeric/granular aggregated amyloid species in situ in the brain of APP/PS1 transgenic mice for the first time. Also, APP/PS1 mice show fibrillary aggregates at 6 and 12 months. A significant decreased burden of early-stage aggregates and fibrillary aggregates is obtained following treatment with poly(propylene imine) dendrimers with histidine-maltose shell (a neurodegenerative protector) in 6-month-old APP/PS1 mice, thus demonstrating their putative therapeutic properties of in AD models. Identification, localization, and characterization using infrared imaging of these non-fibrillary species in the cerebral cortex at early stages of AD progression in transgenic mice point to their relevance as putative pharmacological targets. No less important, early detection of these structures may be useful in the search for markers for non-invasive diagnostic techniques.

How common are complications following polypropylene mesh, biological xenograft and native tissue surgery for pelvic organ prolapse? A secondary analysis from the PROSPECT trial.

OBJECTIVE: To report complication rates following prolapse surgery using polypropylene mesh inlay, polypropylene mesh kit, biological collagen xenografts and native tissue repairs. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of the PROSPECT randomised controlled trial and cohort study. SETTING: Thirty-five UK hospitals. POPULATION: A total of 2632 women undergoing anterior and/or posterior vaginal prolapse repair. METHODS: Event rates were calculated for all complications. Analysis was by treatment received. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: IUGA/ICS classification of complications and validated patient reported outcome measures. RESULTS: At baseline, 8.4% of women had 'generic' pain/discomfort; at 2 years following surgery, there was an improvement in all four groups; however, 3.0% of women developed de novo extreme generic pain. At 24 months de novo vaginal tightness occurred in 1.6% of native tissue, 1.2% of biological xenograft, 0.3% of mesh inlay and 3.6% of mesh kit. Severe dyspareunia occurred in 4.8% of native tissue, 4.2% of biological xenograft, 3.4% of mesh inlay repairs and 13.0% of mesh kits. De novo severe dyspareunia occurred in 3.5% of native tissue, 3.5% of biological xenograft, 1.4% of mesh inlays and 4.8% of mesh kits. Complications requiring re-admission to hospital, unrelated to mesh, affected 1 in 24 women; the most common reasons for re-admission were vaginal adhesions, urinary retention, infection and constipation. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to address the complications of vaginal mesh used for prolapse surgery alongside data from both native tissue and biological xenograft. It demonstrates the complexity of assessing pain and that all types of prolapse surgery have low surgical morbidity and a low rate of severe complications. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: A prospective study of 2362 women undergoing vaginal mesh, xenograft or native tissue repair found low surgical morbidity and low rates of severe complications.

Polypropylene and polyvinylidene fluoride transobturator slings for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: 1-Year outcomes from a multicentre randomized trial.

AIMS: To compare the effectiveness and safety of polypropylene (PP) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) transobturator tapes (TOT) for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: This is a multicentre randomized trial. Women with SUI or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence and scheduled for a TOT procedure were randomized to PP or PVDF slings. The primary outcome was 1-year cure or improvement rate using composite criteria. Complications were also compared. Relationships with outcomes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regressions models. RESULTS: From April 2016 to January 2018 285 participants were randomized. PP and PVDF slings showed similar high cure or improvement rate (91.0% vs. 95.6%, p = .138). Improvement in validated questionnaires was also similar. PVDF slings were associated with a lower rate of de novo urgency incontinence (adjusted odds ratio = 0.35; 95% confidence interval = 0.15-0.80). We found no statistical differences in complications rates, although a higher incidence of long-term pain events were observed in the PP group. The study is underpowered to find differences in specific complications owing to the low number of events. CONCLUSION: PP and PVDF TOTs are equally effective, although PVDF is associated with fewer cases of de novo urgency incontinence. Further studies are needed to give robust conclusions on safety profiles.

Consenso de la Asociación Española de Urología sobre el uso de mallas en la cirugía del prolapso de órganos pélvicos / Consensus statement of the Spanish Association Of Urology on the use of meshes in pelvic organ prolapse

INTRODUCCIÓN: Recientemente la Food and Drug Administration ha prohibido el uso de mallas transvaginales para el tratamiento quirúrgico de los prolapsos de órganos pélvicos (POP) en Estados Unidos. Esto ha suscitado una repercusión a escala mundial en el manejo de la patología del suelo pélvico por parte de los diferentes especialistas. OBJETIVO: Lograr un consenso sobre el uso de mallas en el tratamiento quirúrgico de los POP. ADQUISICIÓN DE DATOS/EVIDENCIA: Se organizó un Comité de expertos de la Asociación Española de Urología (AEU) para una revisión de la literatura y analizar la seguridad y eficacia del uso de mallas de polipropileno en la cirugía de los POP. RESULTADOS/EVIDENCIA DE LA LITERATURA: La evidencia refleja que el uso de mallas, comparado con el uso de tejidos nativos, ofrece una mejor eficacia a expensas de nuevas complicaciones y una mayor tasa de revisiones quirúrgicas, siendo estas menores en manos de cirujanos expertos. CONCLUSIONES: La cirugía del POP debe ser realizada por cirujanos con experiencia, adecuadamente formados y en centros de referencia. El paciente debe recibir una información correcta acerca de las diferentes opciones de tratamiento. Las mallas transvaginales solo deben indicarse en casos complejos y en recidivas tras cirugía del POP. PROPUESTA AEU: Creación de una guía clínica y de un registro nacional para la evaluación a largo plazo. Elaboración de un Consentimiento Informado a disposición de todos los profesionales y pacientes, así como un plan de formación específico para conseguir una mejor capacitación en la cirugía compleja del suelo pélvico

INTRODUCTION: Recently the Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of transvaginal meshes for the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in the United States. This has caused a worldwide impact on the management of pelvic floor pathology by different specialists. OBJECTIVE: To achieve a consensus on the use of meshes in the surgical treatment of POPs. ACQUISITION OF DATA/EVIDENCE: A Committee of experts of the Spanish Association of Urology (AEU) was organized to review the literature and analyze the safety and efficacy of the use of polypropylene meshes in POP surgery. RESULTS/EVIDENCE FROM THE LITERATURE: The evidence reflects that the use of meshes, compared to the use of native tissues, offers better efficacy at the expense of new complications and a higher rate of surgical reviews, these being minor in the hands of expert surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: POP surgery must be performed by experienced surgeons, properly trained and in referral centers. The patient should receive correct information about the different treatment options. Transvaginal meshes should only be indicated in complex cases and in recurrences after POP surgery. AEU PROPOSAL: Creation of a clinical guideline and a national registry for long-term evaluation. Preparation of an Informed Consent available to all professionals and patients, as well as a specific training plan to achieve better training in complex pelvic floor surgery

Reconstruction of orbital floor fractures with Polypropylen mesh.

AIM: Various materials for reconstruction of bone defects in orbital floor fractures have been developed and clinically applied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the contribution of using the Polypropylene mesh as a reconstructive material for orbital floor mean-size defects. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of 40 patients who underwent post traumatic orbital floor reconstructive surgery. The selection criterias were : unilateral Blow-out orbital floor fracture with a defect size less then 2 cm² and the presence of diplopia, orbital tissue incarceration or enophtalmous ≥ 2mm. RESULTS: A male predominance was observed (82.5%) with a mean age of 31.3 years. The main injury etiology was vehicle accidents (62.5%). Preoperatively, diplopia (62.5%) and enophtalmous (50%) were predominant. The diagnosis of fracture was confirmed by the computed tomography. The orbital floor was explored via a transconjunctival approach in the majority of cases (92.5%). The reconstruction was made with polypropylene mesh. No infection or exposure of the material had happened. Postoperatively, diplopia remained in 36% of cases, enophtalmos in 15% of cases and infraorbital nerve hypoesthesia in 33.3% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that since the availibility, the non resorbable character, the easy manipulation and the stability of the postoperative results which are similar to those of other studies, the Polypropylene mesh could be introduced in the reconstruction of the mean-size orbital floor fractures.

Could polypropylene mesh impair male reproductive organs? Experimental study with different methods of implantation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the vas deferens and testicles of rats submitted to bilateral inguinotomy and polypropylene (PP) mesh placement. METHOD: Sixty Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: Control (inguinotomy only), mesh placement over the vas deferens (Mesh-DD) or under the spermatic funiculus (Mesh-SF). The following analyses were performed: vas deferens morphometry (lumen area and wall thickness), quantification of collagen fibers, spermatogenesis, apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3 and TUNEL) and cellular proliferation (Ki67). Quantitative gene expression (qPCR) for apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated by RT-PCR. RESULTS: In the apoptosis pathway, Mesh-DD showed one upregulated gene (Il10) and three downregulated genes (Fadd, Tnfrsf1b and Xiap). In Mesh-SF, 17 genes were downregulated. In the inflammation pathway (Mesh-DD), one gene was upregulated (Il1r1), and one gene was downregulated (Ccl12). In Mesh-SF, three genes were upregulated (Il1r1, Tnfsf13b and Csf1), and two were downregulated (Ccl12 and Csf2). PP mesh placement preserved spermatogenesis and did not alter the vas deferens or the testicle. In the ductus deferens, there was reduced luminal area (30 days), increased wall thickness (90 days), and increased type III collagen and cell proliferation (30 and 90 days) (p < 0.05). In the testicle, cell proliferation was greater in the Mesh-DD (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PP mesh, whether or not in direct contact with spermatic funicular structures, induces changes that were not sufficient to cause damage to the evaluated organs.

Application of Acellular Tissue Matrix for Enhancement of Weak Abdominal Wall in Animal Model.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal wall weakness occurs when the strength of muscle decreases due to physiological reason or iatrogenic injury. However, the treatment of this disease is complicated. AIM: To study the therapeutic effect of acellular tissue matrix (ACTM), compared with the polypropylene mesh. METHODS: An abdominal wall weakness model was established in rabbits through motor nerves cutting. The polypropylene mesh and ACTM were implanted in the left and right abdomen sides, respectively. Mechanical testing of abdominal wall muscle and histology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation of abdominal tissue explants were performed. RESULTS: In animal model establishment, the abdominal length of healthy and weakened abdominal wall was 17.0 ± 0.7 cm and 19.0 ± 1.2 cm, respectively (P=0.022), and the weak abdominal wall group showed a significant decrease of 1.116 ± 0.221 MPa in tensile stress (P=0.022), and the weak abdominal wall group showed a significant decrease of 1.116 ± 0.221 MPa in tensile stress (P=0.022), and the weak abdominal wall group showed a significant decrease of 1.116 ± 0.221 MPa in tensile stress (P=0.022), and the weak abdominal wall group showed a significant decrease of 1.116 ± 0.221 MPa in tensile stress (P=0.022), and the weak abdominal wall group showed a significant decrease of 1.116 ± 0.221 MPa in tensile stress (P=0.022), and the weak abdominal wall group showed a significant decrease of 1.116 ± 0.221 MPa in tensile stress (P=0.022), and the weak abdominal wall group showed a significant decrease of 1.116 ± 0.221 MPa in tensile stress (. CONCLUSION: The abdominal wall weakness model in rabbits was successfully established. ACTM is a promising biological material to be possibly further applied in clinical surgery in patients with abdominal wall weakness.

A Meshless Practical Laparoscopic Sacrohysteropexy Modification and Long-term Outcomes.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe a new modification of laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy without using a mesh and report the 3-year outcomes. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Minimally Invasive Gynecology Unit, Bursa Uludag University Hospital, Turkey. PATIENTS: Women who were diagnosed with ≥ stage 2 uterine prolapse. INTERVENTIONS: A laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy modification using a polyester fiber suture instead of a standard polypropylene mesh. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was the anatomic success of the repair, with success defined as objective parameters using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system. The secondary outcomes were subjective outcomes, which were assessed using the quality-of-life scales. Forty-seven women who underwent the procedure were followed up for a minimum of 3 years. Forty-four of the 47 patients had stage 0 or 1 prolapse at the end of the second year, according to the primary outcomes. The anatomic success rate was 93.6%. In the secondary outcomes, 2 patients were not satisfied with their pelvic floor after the second year. The subjective cure rate was 95.7%. There was a statistically significant improvement in both pelvic organ prolapse quantification and quality-of-life scores in the third postoperative year. The mean operating time was 84.6 minutes, and the mean estimated blood loss was 21.3 mL. There were no bladder or bowel complications in the perioperative or postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy can be performed safely with this meshless modification in uterine prolapse as an alternative.

Anti-inflammatory coating of hernia repair meshes: a 5-rabbit study.

PURPOSE: Polymeric mesh implantation has become the golden standard in hernia repair, which nowadays is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in the world. However, many biocompatibility issues remain to be a concern for hernioplasty, with chronic pain being the most notable post-operative complication. Oxidative stress appears to be a major factor in the development of those complications. Lack of material inertness in vivo and oxidative environment formed by inflammatory cells result in both mesh deterioration and slowed healing process. In a pilot in vivo study, we prepared and characterized polypropylene hernia meshes with vitamin E (α-tocopherol)-a potent antioxidant. The results of that study supported the use of vitamin E as potential coating to alleviate post-surgical inflammation, but the pilot nature of the study yielded limited statistical data. The purpose of this study was to verify the observed trend of the pilot study statistically. METHODS: In this work, we conducted a 5-animal experiment where we have implanted vitamin E-coated and uncoated control meshes into the abdominal walls of rabbits. Histology of the mesh-adjacent tissues and electron microscopy of the explanted mesh surface were conducted to characterize host tissue response to the implanted meshes. RESULTS: As expected, modified meshes exhibited reduced foreign body reaction, as evidenced by histological scores for fatty infiltrates, macrophages, neovascularization, and collagen organization, as well as by the surface deterioration of the meshes. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, results indicate that vitamin E coating reduces inflammatory response following hernioplasty and protects mesh material from oxidative deterioration.

Implantation Time Has No Effect on the Morphology and Extent of Previously Reported "Degradation" of Prolene Pelvic Mesh.

OBJECTIVES: Prolene polypropylene ("Prolene") meshes demonstrate no in vivo degradation, yet some claim degradation continues until no more Prolene polypropylene can be oxidized. We studied whether implantation time affects the morphology/extent of previously reported as cracking/degradation of completely cleaned Prolene explants. METHODS: Urogynecological explants (248 patients) were collected. After excluding non-Prolene/unknown meshes and those without known implantation times, completely cleaned explants (n = 205; 0.2-14.4 years implantation) were analyzed with light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Based on implant times and storage (fixative or dry), representative specimens were randomly selected for comparison. Controls were unused ("exemplar") TVT specimens with and without intentional oxidation via ultraviolet light exposure. RESULTS: Prolene explants included 31 dry (18 TVT; 7 Prolift; 4 Gynemesh; 2 others) and 174 wet (87 TVT; 47 Prolift; 10 Gynemesh; 30 others) specimens. Specimens had similar morphologies before cleaning. Progressive cleaning removed tissue and cracked tissue-related material exposing smooth, unoxidized, and nondegraded fibers, with no visible gradient-type/ductile damage. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of the explants confirmed progressive loss of proteins. Cleaning intentionally oxidized exemplars did not remove oxidized carbonyl frequencies and showed deep cracks and gross fiber rupture/embrittlement, unlike the explants and nonoxidized exemplars. CONCLUSIONS: If in vivo Prolene degradation exists, there should be wide-ranging crack morphology and nonuniform crack penetration, as well as more cracking, degradation, and physical breakage for implants of longer implantation times, but this was not the case. There is no morphologic or spectral/chemical evidence of Prolene mesh degradation after up to 14.4 years in vivo.

Surgical Management Of Male Incontinence, With Prolene Mesh Fixing With Prolene Sutures; A Prospective Novel Study For The Treatment Of Male Incontinence At Tertiary Care Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence is an uncommon problem in males but has major impact on daily living. This study aimed to highlight the outcome of surgical treatment in terms of safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness in the management of urinary incontinence.. METHODS: A Total of 48 patients, prospective experimental study, in the duration of 4 years conducted at Department of Urology, Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College. Patients having moderate to severe urinary incontinence for 1 year after transurethral resection of prostate, radical prostatectomy, road traffic accident with pelvic fracture causing neurologic damage were included in this study. Patients having mild incontinence, having multiple co-morbid conditions were excluded from this study. Outcome of surgery was noted during follow up visit after 13 month (median). The data was obtained and analysed by using SPSS version 20. Mean and standard deviation for quantitative data, frequency and percentage for categorical variables were presented. RESULTS: Out of 48 patients having urinary incontinence, 28 (58.3%) had severe urinary incontinence while 20 (41.7%) had moderate incontinence. After surgery, 28 (58.3%) patient had no leakage all day, 12 (25%) had some leakage while bending and 8 (16.7%) had no improvement in symptoms. On ultrasound recorded after voiding in post-surgery patients, 40 (83.3%) had no residual found in bladder while 8(16.7%) could not be assessed due to persistence of urinary incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: Our study predicted that in patients having moderate to severe urinary incontinence, Prolene Mesh repair anchoring with Prolene suture can be an efficient and costeffective treatment for the urinary incontinence with least complications.

Abdominal wall reconstruction with large polypropylene mesh: is bigger better?

PURPOSE: Hernia repair for large and complex hernias presents challenges related to the availability of larger mesh sizes. When sizes beyond those manufactured are required, multiple meshes (MM) may be sutured to create a larger graft. With the availability of large polypropylene mesh up to 50 × 50 cm (LM), abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) may be accomplished with a single mesh. This study evaluates clinical and economic outcomes following AWR with component separation utilizing MM and LM. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed with review of health records and cost accounting data. Patients that underwent AWR with LM were case matched 1:1 with patients undergoing MM repair based upon comorbidities, defect size and wound class. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients underwent AWR with LM. Twenty patients (10F, 10 M) who underwent AWR with LM were matched with 20 MM AWR (11F, 9 M). Age, BMI, ASA 3 + , never smoker, diabetes, and hernia characteristics were similar between LM and MM. Operative cost ($4295 vs $3669, p = 0.127), operative time (259 min vs 243 min, p = 0.817), length of stay (5.5 vs 6.2, p = 0.484), wound complication (30% vs 20%, p = 0.716), infected seroma (5% vs 5%, p = 1), and readmission (5% vs 15%, p = 0.605) were similar between LM and MM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of patients undergoing AWR with a large 50 × 50 cm prolene mesh. In this small cohort, clinical outcomes were similar between those undergoing repair with multiple sutured mesh sheets and a single large mesh.

Resultados a largo plazo de la cirugía de prolapsos genitales con mallas de polipropileno / Long-term results of genital prolapse surgery with polypropylene mesh

Introducción y objetivo: El riesgo de intervención por prolapso urogenital en la vida de una mujer es del 11,1%. Las recidivas después de la cirugía clásica alcanzan el 38%. Para tratar de mejorar estos resultados se usan kits de mallas de polipropileno transvaginales. El propósito del estudio es describir los resultados de eficacia y seguridad a largo plazo de la cirugía de prolapsos vaginales con mallas de polipropileno, evaluar los síntomas subjetivos pre- y postoperatorios y el grado de satisfacción. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de 58 mujeres con prolapsos genitales sintomáticos operadas con mallas de polipropileno entre septiembre de 2011 y noviembre de 2016. La edad media fue 66,53 años; el 98,27% eran menopáusicas, el 77,59% tenía sobrepeso/obesidad, el 29,31% contaba con cirugías ginecológicas previas y el 55,17% con prolapsos combinados. Se insertaron 46 Elevate anterior y 12 Elevate posterior. La media del seguimiento fue de 34,02 meses. Se aplicó el cuestionario PFDI pre- y posquirúrgico y un cuestionario de satisfacción. Resultados: El índice de curación fue del 91,38%. Las recidivas se asociaron con un mayor IMC y con el antecedente de recidiva de cirugía previa. Estancia media: 2,5 días. El 70,69% no necesitó analgesia al alta. Complicaciones Clavien-Dindo: una tipo I (retención urinaria), 5 tipo II (infección urinaria) y una tipo IIIa (erosión). La incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo de novo se presentó en el 3,44%, mientras que la dispareunia de novo ocurrió en el 14,28%. El 89,36% de las pacientes habían mejorado de los síntomas subjetivos y el 95,92% se mostraron satisfechas. Conclusión: Esta cirugía consigue altas tasas de curación, con escasas complicaciones, mejoría subjetiva de los síntomas y alto grado de satisfacción de las pacientes

Introduction and objective: The risk of intervention due to urogenital prolapse in a woman's life is 11.1%. Recurrences after classic surgery reach up to 38%. With the aim of improving these results, transvaginal mesh kits are used. The purpose of the study is to describe the results of efficacy and long-term safety of vaginal prolapse surgery with polypropylene mesh, assess subjective symptoms before and after surgery and the level of satisfaction. Patients and methods: A descriptive, retrospective study of 58 women with symptomatic genital prolapses operated with polypropylene mesh between September / 2011-November / 2016. Mean age: 66.53 years, 98.27% menopausal women, 77.59% overweight/obesity, 29.31% with previous gynaecological surgery and 55.17% with combined prolapse. 46 Elevate anterior and 12 posterior were inserted. The mean follow-up period was 34.02 months. The PFDI questionnaire was used pre and post-surgery, as well as the satisfaction questionnaire. Results: Healing rate of 91.38%. Recurrences were associated with a higher BMI and with background of recurrence of previous surgery. Mean length of stay: 2.5 days. 70.69% did not need analgesia at discharge. Clavien-Dindo complications: 1 type I (urinary retention), 5 type II (urinary tract infection) and 1 type IIIa (erosion). De novo stress urinary incontinence occurred in 3.44%, while de novo dyspareunia 14.28%. 89.36% patients improved subjective symptoms, and 95.92% were satisfied. Conclusion: This surgery achieves high healing rates, with few complications, improvement of subjective symptoms and high level of satisfaction of the patients

Dynamic creep properties of a novel nanofiber hernia mesh in abdominal wall repair.

PURPOSE: Incisional hernia is the most common complication following abdominal surgery. While mesh repair is common, none of the current meshes mimic the physiology of the abdominal wall. This study compares suture only repair with polypropylene mesh and a prototype of a novel implant (poly-epsilon-caprolactone nanofibers) and their influence on the physiology of an abdominal wall in an animal model. METHODS: 27 Chinchilla rabbits were divided into six groups based on the type of the implant. Midline abdominal incision was repaired using one of the compared materials with suture alone serving as the control. 6 weeks post-surgery animals were killed and their explanted abdominal wall subjected to biomechanical testing. RESULTS: Both-hysteresis and maximum strength curves showed high elasticity and strength in groups where the novel implant was used. Polypropylene mesh proved as stiff and fragile compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: Poly-epsilon-caprolactone nanofiber scaffold is able to improve the dynamic properties of healing fascia with no loss of maximum tensile strength when compared to polypropylene mesh in an animal model.

Poly(propylene imine) dendrimers with histidine-maltose shell as novel type of nanoparticles for synapse and memory protection.

Poly(propylene imine) dendrimers have been shown to be promising 3-dimensional polymers for the use in the pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Our aims of this study were first, to synthesize a novel type of dendrimer with poly(propylene imine) core and maltose-histidine shell (G4HisMal) assessing if maltose-histidine shell can improve the biocompatibility and the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, and second, to investigate the potential of G4HisMal to protect Alzheimer disease transgenic mice from memory impairment. Our data demonstrate that G4HisMal has significantly improved biocompatibility and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier in vivo. Therefore, we suggest that a maltose-histidine shell can be used to improve biocompatibility and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier of dendrimers. Moreover, G4HisMal demonstrated properties for synapse and memory protection when administered to Alzheimer disease transgenic mice. Therefore, G4HisMal can be considered as a promising drug candidate to prevent Alzheimer disease via synapse protection.

Sacrospinous hysteropexy with a low weight transvaginal polypropylene mesh for treatment of complete uterovaginal eversion.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is a common condition in elderly resulting from the weakening of the organ suspension elements of multifactorial origin. It compromises significantly the quality of life and can affect more than 50% of multiparous women. Stage IV prolapse or complete uterovaginal eversion corresponds to 10% of the cases and the only form of curative treatment is the surgical correction. The aim of this video is to demonstrate our technique of sacrospinous hysteropexy with a low weight transvaginal polypropylene mesh for treatment of this challenge condition, focusing on technical details in order to prevent mesh related complications. Major, but rare complications, include: infection, prolapse recurrence, abscess formation, bladder perforation and urinary fistula. These situations are related mostly to low volume centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 70 years old female with a stage IV POP had obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms. Only after reducing prolapse, it was possible to urinate, but without stress urinary incontinence. No topic estrogen was prescribed before the surgery and she also didn´t take any kind of hormone replacement therapy. Transvaginal ultrasound and the Pap smear screening were done with normal results. Cystoscopy wasn´t employed at anytime of this procedure. Hydrodissection of vaginal wall was followed by longitudinal incision from the level of bladder neck to the cervix. Notice that the ideal dissection should maintain the vaginal thickness, and address the plane of the connective tissue between the bladder and the vagina. Bladder base is then released from the anterior aspect of the cervix in order to create a site to pericervical ring repair and to fix the apex of the Calistar Soft® with polypropylene 3.0 stitches. A blunt dissection extended downwards through the lateral aspect of the levator ani fascia till the identification of the ischial spine and sacrospinous ligaments bilaterally. Two polypropilene 2.0 threads mounted on a specially designed tissue anchor system (TAS) are then fixed into each sacrospinous ligament 1.5 to 2 cm away from the ischial spine and repaired for further prosthesis anchoring. Then, a longitudinal incision is done at the posterior vaginal wall and the recto-vaginal fascia detachment from the posterior aspect of the pericervical ring is identified and corrected with interrupted polypropylene 2.0 stitches to the cervix and to the pericervical aspect of elongated uterosacrus ligaments bilaterally. The Calistar Soft A (anterior) and P (posterior)® prosthesis were fixed at the anterior and posterior aspects of the cervix, respectively, with interrupted polypropylene 3.0 stitches and meshes' arms are fixed to the sacrospinous ligament using the previously implanted TAS. Then, the distal Calistar Soft A® arms were bilaterally fixed into the internal obturator muscles using its fish spine-like multipoint fix device in order to prevent mesh folding. Finally, perineal body repair was done and vaginal wall was closed with individual absorbable interrupted polyglactin 2.0 sutures and a 16 Fr Foley catheter as well as a vaginal pack embedded on neomicin-bacitracin cream were kept overnight. RESULTS: A high satisfaction rate has been computed with synthetic mesh to POP surgery correction. Approximately 10% of cases of mesh exposure may occur, most of them oligosymptomatic and easy handed by excision or with topic estrogen preparations. After 1 year follow-up, our patient is still satisfied without any complain and no relapse. CONCLUSION: We described a successful treatment of stage IV POP in an old female patient. This technique can be used for advanced end stage POP patients, especially those with some contraindication to sacropromontopexy, but who want to keep vaginal length and uterus. Anatomical knowledge, obedience to technical care, and intensive training are the keys for minimizing the risk of complications. Although we had success with this technique, more studies with proper randomization are necessary to compare success and complications of sacrospinous hysteropexy with a low weight transvaginal polypropylene mesh to sacropromontopexy.

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for neovaginal prolapse in a patient after male-to-female sex reassignment surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Male / female sex reassignment surgery is performed on transsexuals, and includes removal of the male external genitalia, and creation of the neovagina from the skin of the penis, usually allowing sexual intercourse (1, 2). The incidence of the prolapse of the neovagina is not known; however, such complication is observed relatively rarely (3, 4). the long-term outcomes of prolapse treatment in transsexual patients are not available in the literature. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy to repair a neovagina prolapse in a patient after male-to-female sex reassignment surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In september 2013, a laparoscopic repair was performed on a 44-year-old woman who presented a neovaginal prolapse of pelvic organ prolapse quantification (pop-q) stage iii, twenty one years after sex reassignment surgery. This condition caused painful or even indisposed intercourse. in may 2013, the patient underwent unsuccessful vaginal treatment with the suturing device. Before the initial surgery, the patient was examined with cystoscopy, urodynamics and microbiology; no pathologies were found. laparoscopic repair of the neovaginal prolapse followed the principles described previously in the natural female (5). In the supine lithotomy position, a standard multiport laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy was performed with the use of the polypropylene mesh (Artisyn® y-shaped mesh, ethicon, inc somerville, nj.) and coated polyglactin sutures. The following steps were applied: exposure of the anterior and posterior neovaginal walls; suturing the bifurcated end of the mesh to the neovagina; longitudinal incision of the parietal peritoneum and creation of a tunnel for the mesh; fixation of the proximal end of the mesh to the promontorium; and closure of the parietal peritoneum over the mesh that was placed retroperitoneally. The draining tube was left for 24 hours. RESULTS: The operation was completed successfully, with no blood loss or complications. The operative time was 115 minutes. The patient was discharged on the 2nd postoperative day. In a four-year follow-up, the patient presented significant improvement of symptoms, a small prolapse of approximate pop-q stage i, and declared performing satisfying intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with the use of a polypropylene mesh to repair a neovaginal prolapse in transsexuals seems to be a valuable alternative to other procedures. Further observations and evaluation of a greater number of patients will be necessary to assess the actual value of the method.

Ultrasound visualization of sacrocolpopexy polyvinylidene fluoride meshes containing paramagnetic Fe particles compared with polypropylene mesh.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Paramagnetic Fe particles can be added during synthetic mesh production to allow visibility on magnetic resonance imaging. Our aim was to evaluate whether transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) allows visualization, measurement, and characterization of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF mesh) containing Fe particles compared with regular polypropylene (PP) meshes used for sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: Women up to 1.5 years after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy who were implanted with a PP or PVDF mesh underwent clinical examination and 2D, 3D, and 4D TPUS. Acquired volumes were analyzed offline for mesh position at rest and maximal Valsalva and for mesh dimensions and characteristics, with the operator blinded to group assignment. The two groups were compared. RESULTS: There were 17 women in the PP and 25 in the PVDF mesh group, without differences in baseline demographics. None had significant prolapse, recurrence, symptoms, or complications. On TPUS, mesh was visible in all patients both caudally (perineal) and cranially but was more echogenic in the PVDF mesh group. Mesh length from distal to proximal that was visible on TPUS was longer for PVDF mesh, for both anterior and posterior vaginal arms (all P < 0.05), and for mesh above the vaginal apex (P = 0.002). The inferior aspects of the mesh showed areas of double mesh layers, suggesting folding in 80% of women in both groups, without symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: PVDF mesh permits clearer visualization and is seen over a longer stretch on TPUS, with longer visible mesh arms. The latter can be due to differences in operative technique, presence of microparticles, implant textile structure, or patient characteristics.