Incontinence Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Incontinence, including details on urinary incontinence, bladder control, treatment, causes.

Mechanical properties of polypropylene mesh used in pelvic floor repair.

Afonso JS, Martins PA, Girao MJ, Natal Jorge RM, Ferreira AJ, Mascarenhas T, Fernandes AA, Bernardes J, Baracat EC, Rodrigues de Lima G, Patricio B

Department of Gynecology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. afonso@histeroscopia.med.br

The aim of this study was the comparison of the stiffness of different meshes under two types of mechanical tests. Five different mesh types were mechanically tested. The methods used consisted on uniaxial tension test (tensile stiffness) and tape ring tests, experimental continuous compression of the mesh loops (flexural stiffness). The most significant difference of tensile stiffness behaviour appears between Aris and TVTO. From the analysis of the experimental data, we divided the flexural stiffness, in two main groups. The first group includes Auto Suture and Aris meshes. The two meshes seem to have a similar flexural behaviour. The second group includes TVTO, Uretex and Avaulta. The difference between these two groups is clearly evident comparing TVTO and Aris. This study shows that there are significant differences on the mechanical properties between urogynecology meshes.

Published 4 February 2008 in Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct, 19(3): 375-80.
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