Migration of biomaterials used in gastroenterological surgery.
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.


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.
Andrzej
A
Ratajczak
Tomasz
T
Kościński
Tomasz
T
Banasiewicz
Małgorzata
M
Lange-Ratajczak
Jacek
J
Hermann
Adam
A
Bobkiewicz
Michał
M
Drews
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D046449:Hernia, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D059685:Herniorrhaphy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible