An example of such innovation is the ULTRAPRO*Partially Absorbable Mesh (manufactured by ETHICON Products Worldwide, a Johnson & Johnson company). It is the only mesh in the United States that is partially biodegradable, and is the only mesh with all the features of lightweight design -- thin filament size, large pore construction, and absorbable materials. ULTRAPRO mesh creates a strong yet flexible scar tissue that mimics the natural abdominal wall, unlike the rigid, thick scar tissue that can form with heavyweight, small pore meshes. Bard ComposixFar less commonly, we rarely may use the Bard Composix ® mesh, a uniquely designed mesh product also created for incisional and ventral hernia repair. Incisional or ventral hernia repair commonly requires preperitoneal (fully outside the intestinal compartment of the abdominal cavity) and retromuscular placement of the mesh, placed, as we always do, under the hernia defect (where it is more effective) and not over it. Often, however, the the thin peritoneum cannot be completely closed and the omentum (fatty apron of the abdominal cavity) must be interposed to prevent contact between intestine and organ structures and the mesh. But the omentum may shift, and the mesh material used to promote tissue ingrowth and repair the hernia, may then adhere to the bowel or other visceral structures. The two layer Bard Composix® mesh, like our preferred ETHICON, PROCEED® can also addresses this concern, and this is our preference. Composix however combines two different materials to both promote the ingrowth of surrounding tissue (the upper polyproplylene side which is in contact with the under surface of the muscle), while reducing or eliminating the risk of intestinal adhesions to the mesh itself (a lower gortex side with it's no-stick, no adhesion properties).

Polypropylene Hernia System

For outstanding patient outcomes, the PROLENE Hernia System is a proven, effective repair¹

• • Demonstrates reproducible outcomes with different groups of surgeons¹

  • Secure posterior repair from a simple anterior approach

  • Three points of protection