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Polypropylene mesh and the host response

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Abstract

The use of polypropylene (PP) mesh for pelvic floor repair has been increasing dramatically over the past decade; however, tissue response in humans has not been extensively studied. This review discusses PP mesh and postimplantation host tissue response. Emphasis is placed on studies investigating the relationship between individual mesh properties and specific responses. There is an immediate inflammatory response after PP mesh implantation that lays the framework for tissue ingrowth and subsequent mesh integration. This response varies based on physical properties of individual mesh, such as pore size, weight, coatings, bacterial colonization, and biofilm production.

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Conflicts of interest

Patel: None; Ostergard: American Medical Systems, consultant; Sternschuss: None

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Women’s Hospital, 2801 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA, 90806, USA

    Hiren Patel & Gina Sternschuss

  2. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, 550 South Jackson St, Second Floor, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA

    Donald R. Ostergard

  3. 5710 Crescent Park East, 418, Playa Vista, CA, 90094, USA

    Hiren Patel

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  1. Hiren Patel
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Correspondence to Hiren Patel.

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Patel, H., Ostergard, D.R. & Sternschuss, G. Polypropylene mesh and the host response. Int Urogynecol J 23, 669–679 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-012-1718-y

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