Mesh migration into the esophageal wall after mesh hiatoplasty: comparison of two alloplastic materials.

BACKGROUND

Hiatal mesh implantation in the operative treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease has become an increasing therapy option. Besides clinical results little is known about histological changes in the esophageal wall.

METHODS

Two different meshes [polypropylene (PP), Prolene; polypropylene-polyglecaprone 25 composite (PP-PG), Ultrapro] were placed on the diaphragm circular the esophagus of 20 female rabbits. After three months a swallow with iodine water-soluble contrast medium for functional analysis was performed. After the animals were sacrificed, histopathological evaluation of the foreign-body reaction, the localization of the mesh relating to the esophageal wall was analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixteen rabbits survived the complete observation period of three months. After three months distinctive mesh shrinkage was observed in all animals and meshes had lost up to 50% of their original size before implantation. We found a delayed passage of the fluid into the stomach in all operated animals. There was a significant increased diameter of the outer ring of granulomas in the PP group (76.5 +/- 8.0) compared to the PP-PG group (64 +/- 8.5; p = 0.002). However, we found a mesh migration into the esophageal wall in six out of seven animals (PP) and five out of nine animals (PP-PG), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Experimental data suggest that more knowledge is necessary to assess the optimal size, structure, and position of prosthetic materials for mesh hiatoplasty. The indication for mesh implantation in the hiatal region should be carried out very carefully.