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Amato G, Agrusa A, Puleio R, Micci G, Cassata G, Cicero L, Di Buono G, Calò PG, Galia M, Romano G. A regenerative 3D scaffold for inguinal hernia repair. MR imaging and histological cross evidence. Qualitative study. Int J Surg 2021; 96:106170. [PMID: 34775110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2021.106170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inguinal hernia is a degenerative disease occurring in a high motile surround. Stopping degeneration and promoting tissue regeneration should be the treatment goal. Groin hernias are conventionally managed with static flat meshes, mostly fixated to the delicate inguinal environment. Far from a regenerative effect, the biologic response of conventional hernia meshes is characterized by a foreign body reaction leading to a stiff/shrunken scar plate, which is often the source of unpleasant complications. Recently, a newly engineered 3D device for inguinal hernia repair - ProFlor-has been developed to produce a regenerative biological response. Unlike conventional hernia meshes, this regenerative 3D hernia scaffold seems to demonstrate suitable features for a pathogenetical and physiological coherent treatment of the disease. The aim of this manuscript is to cross evidence these features through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology. STUDY DESIGN The biological response of ProFlor at three defined post-implantation stages has been evaluated through MRI signal intensity and compared to neighbouring muscles and fat. As additional proof, histology of tissue specimens excised at the same post-implantation periods from porcine models during an experimental attempt were also evaluated. RESULTS MRI of newly ingrown tissue in ProFlor demonstrated similar signal intensity of muscles while fat tissue showed remarkably higher values. These data matched with the histology of ProFlor biopsies excised from pigs. CONCLUSIONS The motile compliance to groin movements of ProFlor appears to induce a probiotic biologic response comparable to a regenerative scaffold, allowing to physiologically resolve the degenerative source of inguinal hernia disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Amato
- Postgraduate School of General Surgery, University of Cagliari, Italy Department of General Surgery and Emergency, University of Palermo, Italy Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute A. Mirri, Palermo, Italy Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostic University of Palermo, Italy Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
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Lechner M, Meissnitzer M, Borhanian K, Bittner R, Kaufmann R, Mayer F, Jäger T, Mitterwallner S, Emmanuel K, Forstner R. Surgical and radiological behavior of MRI-depictable mesh implants after TAPP repair: the IRONMAN study. Hernia 2019; 23:1133-1140. [PMID: 31367964 PMCID: PMC6938468 DOI: 10.1007/s10029-019-02019-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Knowledge of postoperative behavior of mesh implants used for hernia repair is generally limited to cases of recurrence, local complications or return to the previous operative field in other pathological conditions. Previous studies with MRI-visible mesh implants in different parts of the abdominal wall have led to variable findings with regard to mesh properties and mostly described a reduction in size over time with subsequently limited mesh overlap over hernia defects which could contribute to recurrence. We aimed to evaluate implant properties in a mechanically stable anatomical region after TAPP repair of primary unilateral inguinal hernias in men with clinical and MRI examinations 4 weeks and 1 year after surgery. METHODS From 11/2015 to 01/2019, 23 men with primary, unilateral, inguinal hernias underwent TAPP repair with iron particle-loaded, MRI-visible mesh implants in a prospective cohort study. In 16 patients the operative outcome could be evaluated 4 weeks and 12 months after surgery by clinical examination and MRI evaluation with regard to postoperative course, possible adverse outcomes and radiological findings related to implant behavior-namely MRI-identifiability, mesh dislocation or reduction in surface area. RESULTS All included patients had an uneventful postoperative clinical course. MRI after 4 weeks revealed one postoperative seroma, which resolved spontaneously. No recurrence was detected. Mesh implants could be accurately delineated in DIXON-IN studies and showed neither clinically nor statistically significant changes in size or position. CONCLUSION 4 weeks and 1 year after a standardized TAPP procedure the mesh implant used in this study showed no tendency towards dislocation or reduction in size in this anatomical position. Its MRI visibility allows accurate delineation during the postoperative course by experienced radiologists in appropriate MRI protocols. Larger patient series are desirable to further support these findings. Shrinkage of implants in the groin as a reason for early recurrence may be overestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lechner
- Department of Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - M Meissnitzer
- Department of Radiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - K Borhanian
- Department of Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - R Bittner
- Department of Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - R Kaufmann
- Department of Radiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - F Mayer
- Department of Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - T Jäger
- Department of Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - S Mitterwallner
- Department of Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - K Emmanuel
- Department of Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - R Forstner
- Department of Radiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
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Brocker KA, Mokry T, Alt CD, Kauczor HU, Lenz F, Sohn C, DeLancey JO, Chen L. 3D reconstruction of MR-visible Fe 3 O 4 -mesh implants: Pelvic mesh measurement techniques and preliminary findings. Neurourol Urodyn 2018; 38:369-378. [PMID: 30387537 DOI: 10.1002/nau.23868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To develop MR-based measurement technique to evaluate the postoperative dimension and location of implanted magnetic resonance (MR)-visible meshes. METHODS This technique development study reports findings of six patients (A-F) with cystoceles treated with anterior vaginal MR-visible Fe3 O4 -polypropylene implants. Implanted meshes were reconstructed from 3 months and/or 1 year postsurgical MR-images using 3D Slicer®. Measurements including mesh length, distance to the ischial spines, pudendal, and obturator neurovascular bundles and urethra were obtained using software Rhino® and a custom Matlab® program. The range of implanted mesh length and their placements were reported and compared with mesh design and implantation recommendations. With the anterior/posterior-mesh-segment-ratio mesh shrinkage localization was evaluated. RESULTS Examinations were possible for patients A-D 3 months and for A, C, E, and F 1 year postsurgical. The mesh was at least 40% shorter in all patients 3 months and/or 1 year postoperatively. A, B showed shrinkage in the anterior segment, D, E in the posterior segment (Patients C, F not applicable due to intraoperative mesh trimming). Patient E presented pain in the area of mesh shrinkage. In Patient C posterior mesh fixations were placed in the iliococcygeal muscle rather than sacrospinous ligaments. Arm placement less than 20 mm from the pudendal neurovascular bundles was seen in all cases. The portion of the urethra having mesh underneath it ranged from 19% to 55%. CONCLUSIONS MRI-based measurement techniques have been developed to quantify implanted mesh location and dimension. Mesh placement variations possibly correlating with postoperative complications can be illustrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin A Brocker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Theresa Mokry
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Céline D Alt
- Medical Faculty, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Kauczor
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Lenz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marienkrankenhaus Ludwigshafen, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine Mannheim of the University Medical School Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
| | - Christof Sohn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - John O DeLancey
- Pelvic Floor Research Group, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Luyun Chen
- Pelvic Floor Research Group, Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Chen L, Lenz F, Alt CD, Sohn C, De Lancey JO, Brocker KA. MRI visible Fe 3O 4 polypropylene mesh: 3D reconstruction of spatial relation to bony pelvis and neurovascular structures. Int Urogynecol J 2017; 28:1131-1138. [PMID: 28124074 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-017-3263-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS To demonstrate mesh magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visibility in living women, the feasibility of reconstructing the full mesh course in 3D, and to document its spatial relationship to pelvic anatomical structures. METHODS This is a proof of concept study of three patients from a prospective multi-center trial evaluating women with anterior vaginal mesh repair using a MRI-visible Fe3O4 polypropylene implant for pelvic floor reconstruction. High-resolution sagittal T2-weighted (T2w) sequences, transverse T1-weighted (T1w) FLASH 2D, and transverse T1w FLASH 3D sequences were performed to evaluate Fe3O4 polypropylene mesh MRI visibility and overall post-surgical pelvic anatomy 3 months after reconstructive surgery. Full mesh course in addition to important pelvic structures were reconstructed using the 3D Slicer® software program based on T1w and T2w MRI. RESULTS Three women with POP-Q grade III cystoceles were successfully treated with a partially absorbable MRI-visible anterior vaginal mesh with six fixation arms and showed no recurrent cystocele at the 3-month follow-up examination. The course of mesh in the pelvis was visible on MRI in all three women. The mesh body and arms could be reconstructed allowing visualization of the full course of the mesh in relationship to important pelvic structures such as the obturator or pudendal vessel nerve bundles in 3D. CONCLUSIONS The use of MRI-visible Fe3O4 polypropylene meshes in combination with post-surgical 3D reconstruction of the mesh and adjacent structures is feasible suggesting that it might be a useful tool for evaluating mesh complications more precisely and a valuable interactive feedback tool for surgeons and mesh design engineers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyun Chen
- Pelvic Floor Research Group, Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Michigan, 2350 Hayward Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, USA
| | - Florian Lenz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Marienkrankenhaus Ludwigshafen, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine Mannheim of the University Medical School Heidelberg, Salzburgerstrasse 15, 67067, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
| | - Céline D Alt
- Medical Faculty, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christof Sohn
- Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - John O De Lancey
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Pelvic Floor Research Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, USA
| | - Kerstin A Brocker
- Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Correction: Positive Contrast MRI Techniques for Visualization of Iron-Loaded Hernia Mesh Implants in Patients. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163630. [PMID: 27648953 PMCID: PMC5029933 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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