Efficacy of polyglycolic acid mesh sling in keeping the small bowel in the upper abdomen after abdominal surgery: a 12-month study in baboons.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a "sling" made of polyglycolic acid (PGA) would be a reliable method of preventing small bowel descent into the pelvis following abdominal surgery. Baboons were used, as they respond to infection and ambulate similarly to humans. Animals had the small bowel mobilized to the upper abdomen and had the PGA "sling" sewn into place. Documentation of small bowel position was evaluated by upper gastrointestinal series over the 12-month study. Small bowel descent into the pelvis was prevented by utilization of the PGA "sling." Animals were sacrificed and autopsied, and sections of small bowel were taken. There was no evidence of mesh, obstruction, sepsis, fistulae, or herniation in animals at autopsy. Small bowel sections were considered normal histologically. Utilization of PGA sling appears to be a safe and reliable method of preventing small bowel descent into the pelvis after abdominal surgery.