Carcinogenic potential of commonly used hernia repair prostheses in an experimental model.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the carcinogenic potential of commonly used hernia repair prostheses in an animal model.

METHODS

Three types of prosthetic material (monofilament polypropylene, multifilament polypropylene and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) were implanted in CBA/H mice. Flat (1 cm(2)) and rolled pieces of the same material were placed subcutaneously in either flank, and a further flat piece was placed in the preperitoneal space. Owing to a high incidence of mesh extrusion in the polypropylene groups, the study protocol was modified to allow only preperitoneal placement of the material. A fourth, control, group had the pockets for the prostheses created but no material implanted. After modification of the protocol there were approximately 60 mice in each group. The mice were followed for 2 years, then killed and assessed histologically for tumour development.

RESULTS

No sarcoma developed at the site of mesh implantation in any of the groups.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the risk of sarcoma formation at the site of hernia repair prostheses is very low.