Carcinogenic potential of commonly used hernia repair prostheses in an experimental model

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the carcinogenic potential of commonly used hernia repair prostheses in an animal model.

Methods: Three types of prosthetic material (monofilament polypropylene, multifilament polypropylene and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) were implanted in CBA/H mice. Flat (1 cm(2)) and rolled pieces of the same material were placed subcutaneously in either flank, and a further flat piece was placed in the preperitoneal space. Owing to a high incidence of mesh extrusion in the polypropylene groups, the study protocol was modified to allow only preperitoneal placement of the material. A fourth, control, group had the pockets for the prostheses created but no material implanted. After modification of the protocol there were approximately 60 mice in each group. The mice were followed for 2 years, then killed and assessed histologically for tumour development.

Results: No sarcoma developed at the site of mesh implantation in any of the groups.

Conclusion: This study indicates that the risk of sarcoma formation at the site of hernia repair prostheses is very low.