Hernia Mesh is Contraindicated in Patients with Peritoneal Metastases - Abstract
Background: Mesh has been used to reinforce a fascia repair in hernia surgery with good results. The mesh becomes infiltrated by fibrous tissue to add strength to the repair.
Methods: Recently, surgery to prevent peritoneal metastases has emerged as an important new treatment modality in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Patients with peritoneal metastases who have mesh repair of a hernia are in danger of cancers cells becoming entrapped and progressing in the hernia mesh.
Results: Two patients had undergone hernia repair with mesh and subsequently required cytoreductive surgery for the treatment of peritoneal metastases. The mesh greatly complicated the surgery by making it more traumatic. This was due to the infiltration of scar tissue, but also due to the infiltration of cancer cells into the mesh.
Conclusions: In a hernia repair with mesh, surgery for peritoneal metastases becomes more complex and has increased morbidity. Hernia mesh should not be used in patients who subsequently require cytoreductive surgery