Introduction of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond®) for incisional hernia mesh repair

Study of the biomechanical response of a prosthetic mesh secured with penetrating and non-penetrating fixations in IPOM ventral hernia repair

INTRODUCTION

Sutures or tacks are commonly used to secure a mesh in intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) hernia repair, but such penetrating fixations can cause local damage, that can be associated with pain. The use of an adhesive could be an alternative to reduce complications. However, a risk associated with this approach has been identified, particularly when the defect cannot be closed. A mesh glued to the peritoneum only might not provide as much mechanical reinforcement to the abdominal wall (AW) as a mesh anchored to the myofascial structure with penetrating fixations, which could lead to an increased recurrence rate. Additionally, the high elasticity of the peritoneum may increase mesh bulging. Leveraging an ex vivo approach, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of mesh fixation using glue versus barbed sutures, on its biomechanical response for IPOM surgery.

METHODS

An experimental method was developed using ex vivo porcine abdominal wall samples (n = 12). A 4-cm centered circular defect was created by dissecting the skin and the subcutaneous tissue and removing muscle and extraperitoneal fat, while keeping the peritoneum intact. A 14-cm diameter mesh was secured (Dermabond™ cyanoacrylate adhesive or V-Loc™ barbed sutures) to the AW. The mesh was placed on the peritoneum to remain consistent with the IPOM placement. The sample was then subjected to some inflation tests to simulate increased levels of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) representing daily activities. For each test, mesh bulging into the defect was assessed as a function of the pressure using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) analysis.

RESULTS

Mesh bulging was studied for 2 configurations: suture fixation and glue. Glued meshes exhibited significantly higher bulging values than when sutured with a significant difference (p = 0.013) observed at 252 mmHg and a certain trend for statistical difference (p < 0.1) for stair climbing or coughing activities. Additionally, the stiffness of the repair was also significantly higher when the mesh was sutured compared to when it was glued to the peritoneum (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that a mesh glued to the peritoneum exhibited higher bulging and a behavior of the repair less stiff compared to when it was sutured to the myofascial structure of the AW, particularly for high intra-abdominal pressures. However, the impact of these differences remains to be evaluated over time. Further preclinical investigations are needed to quantify their impact post-operatively.

Antibacterial polypropylene mesh fixation with a cyanoacrylate adhesive improves its response to infection

BACKGROUND

Antibacterial meshes for hernia repair seek to avoid infection in the patient. As these biomaterials are especially prone to bacteria settling at their sutured borders, this study examines whether the use of a cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive could improve mesh behavior at the fixation zones.

METHODS

First, antibacterial polypropylene meshes were prepared by soaking in 0.05% chlorhexidine, and the response of n-hexyl cyanoacrylate to contamination with Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 was assessed in vitro. Then, in a preclinical model, partial defects (5 x 3 cm) were created in the abdominal wall of 18 New Zealand White rabbits and repaired with mesh to establish the following 3 study groups: (1) mesh without chlorhexidine fixed with cyanoacrylate, (2) antibacterial mesh fixed with sutures, and (3) antibacterial mesh fixed with cyanoacrylate (n = 6 each). The implants were inoculated with 10⁶ CFU/mL of S aureus. At 14 days after surgery, bacterial adhesion to the implant and its integration within host tissue were determined through microbiological, histological and immunohistochemical procedures.

RESULTS

As observed in vitro, the cyanoacrylate gave rise to a 1.5-cm bacteria-free margin around the prosthetic mesh. In vivo, the tissue adhesive prevented bacterial adhesion to the fixation zones, reducing infection of chlorhexidine-free meshes and optimizing the efficacy of the antibacterial meshes compared with those fixed with sutures.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated that cyanoacrylate fixation does not affect mesh integration into the host tissue. Likewise, the antibacterial behavior and tissue response of a chlorhexidine-treated polypropylene mesh is improved when cyanoacrylate is used for its fixation.