A study was made of the distinct biomaterials used in surgery and the requirements to be fulfilled and principles applied for their use in the repair of abdominal wall hernias. The biomaterials most frequently used in hernia surgery are: politetrafluorethylene (PTFE) sheet (Gore-Tex), the multifilament PTFE mesh (Teflon), the multifilament polypropylene mesh (Surgipro), the mono-filament polypropylene mesh (Marlex), the double filament polypropylene mesh (Prolene) and the multi-filament polyester mesh (Mersilene). Requirements for use in hernia surgery: the material must be inert, permanent and non-reabsorbable, resistant to infection, becomes rapidly fixed and incorporated into the host tissues, and not adhere to abdominal viscera. Principles for use: based on the overlapping of the mesh with the aponeurotic plane such that abdominal pressure aids fixation to this plane; contact with abdominal viscera must be avoided.
Conclusions: based on the published experimental and clinical experience of the authors and other researchers, polypropylene is judged to be the most appropriate material for the repair of abdominal hernias.