Vicryl mesh

Types of Vicryl Mesh

Vicryl mesh comes in distinct types, with each designed for specific surgical applications and offering particular benefits. Below is a breakdown of the main types, which include:

• Vicryl Permanent Mesh

  Vicryl permanent mesh is made of multifilament braided polyester net, constructed for permanent implantation in a body. It features excellent strength and thus provides robust support for repairing tissues and structures. Usually, this type of mesh is used in hernia repairs and to reinforce weakened areas in surgical procedures. Also, its durability allows it to maintain structural integrity in the long term.

• Vicryl Soft Mesh

  Vicryl soft mesh is similar to Vicryl permanent mesh, yet softer and lighter for easier handling during surgery. Most importantly, this feature allows for enhanced flexibility and comfort. Usually, it minimizes patient discomfort and adapts better to the body contours. Often, this type is used in laparoscopic procedures, where precision and minimal invasiveness are vital.

• Vicryl Recurrent Mesh

  Vicryl recurrent mesh is specially designed for patients who require repair after a previous hernia surgery failure. Ideally, this type provides extra reinforcement targeted at areas prone to recurrence. Often, it is used in complex repairs and reinforces weakened tissues, thus reducing the risk of future hernias.

• Vicryl Lightweight Mesh

  Vicryl lightweight mesh is developed to decrease the long-term discomfort associated with heavier meshes. Often, it is ideal for open hernia repairs and provides adequate support without excess bulk. Usually, this type is preferred for umbilical and inguinal hernias, allowing for better patient, thus reducing complications.

Features of Vicryl Mesh

Vicryl mesh, which is a synthetic absorbable material developed primarily for soft tissue approximation, comes with distinct features. They highly correlate to their medical applications. Below are some of the mesh features:

• Synthetic Composition

  Usually, Vicryl mesh is made from a braided polymer of glycolic acid and lactic acid. This synthetic composition offers high tensile strength and durability compared to other absorbable sutures. Therefore, it makes Vicryl mesh baseline excellent for supporting tissue during the critical healing phase after surgery.

• Braided Structure

  The braided structure of Vicryl mesh provides a surface that is ideal for tissue incorporation. Therefore, it enhances the mesh’s grip on surrounding tissues, which improves stability and support in surgical repairs. Also, this feature ensures the mesh is easy to handle and position during complicated surgical procedures.

• Absorbable

  Vicryl mesh comes with an unending practicality because it is absorbable. Normally, it eliminates the need for a second surgery to remove the material. In addition, it is designed to progressively weaken and eventually get fully absorbed by the body over several weeks. Usually, this allows tissues to heal thoroughly while minimizing long-term foreign body presence.

• Multi-Purpose Application

  Often, Vicryl mesh is applied in various surgical specialties. Commonly, its use ranges from general surgery to gynecology and orthopedics. Mostly, it is employed for hernia repairs, wound closure, and reinforcing weakened tissues. This adaptability comes as a result of its strength and absorption properties that meet varied clinical needs.

• Color Indication

  Vicryl mesh is typically purple in color, which offers visibility during surgery without affecting the surrounding tissues. This feature assists surgeons while ensuring precise placement and helps with the identification of the material post-operation.

How to Choose Vicryl Mesh

Making the right selection for Vicryl mesh requires considering multiple key factors to cater to specific surgical needs and patient conditions. Below are these key factors:

• Type of Procedure

  Different types of Vicryl meshes are designed for specific surgical applications. Usually, the choice depends on the nature of the procedure being performed. For instance, the Vicryl soft mesh is suitable for minimally invasive procedures, which requires flexibility. On the other hand, Vicryl heavyweight mesh is ideal for open repairs where greater strength is needed.

• Patient Condition

  Patient-related factors, such as age, overall health, and skin sensitivity, can greatly affect mesh selection. Usually, younger patients who are in good health might not require an absorbable mesh, rather opt for permanent surgical implants. Contrarily, patients with a history of skin allergies may require a coated variant to minimize irritation.

• Hernia Type and Location

  The type and location of the hernia being repaired significantly influence the choice of the Vicryl mesh. Normally, for smaller hernias, a lighter weight mesh is sufficient. However, larger hernias might need a Vicryl heavyweight mesh that offers additional strength and support. Also, the location is equally important because inguinal hernias often require smaller, more flexible meshes. On the other hand, ventral hernias may require larger mesh pieces.

• Surgical Approach

  This directly affects the choice of Vicryl mesh. Usually, for laparoscopic procedures, the mesh should be flexible and easy to handle, with Vicryl coated being ideal for this purpose. On the other hand, open surgery often uses heavier mesh, which withstands more tension and stress during the repair.

• Turnaround Time

  In most instances, hospital B pickups work into their schedules around the urgency of the item. When an insert is ordered on a rush basis, they are more likely to choose one that is already stocked. They are not more likely to order an item that is unscheduled on a regular basis. For instance, when one is obligated to order Vicryl mesh, they are more likely to opt for a stock item like polyester mesh.

How to Use Vicryl Mesh

Vicryl mesh has multiple medical applications, primarily due to its durable and absorbable features. Below is a detailed overview of how to apply them in various contexts:

• Surgical Repairs

  Usually, one of the prominent uses of Vicryl mesh is in hernia repairs. It is because of its ability to provide long-lasting support to weakened tissues. This type of mesh is normally utilized for anterior or open surgery repairs, where its strength and durability are pivotal in preventing recurrence. Usually, during the procedure, the mesh is positioned over the hernia sac and stitched to the surrounding tissue that reinforces the compromised area. In addition, its absorbable nature allows the tissue to gradually take over the mesh, which eliminates the need for a second surgery.

• Wound Closure

  Vicryl mesh is commonly used in wound closure, especially for high-tension areas where added support is essential. Ideally, its braided structure promotes effective tissue integration, thus enhancing healing in deep or surface wounds. Usually, in this application, the mesh is placed as part of the closure technique, where it helps in maintaining wound integrity until the tissue is fully healed.

• Tissue Reinforcement

  This mesh is also widely applied in surgical contexts, where it reinforces weakened tissues in various body parts. These may include the abdominal wall or pelvic region. Normally, Vicryl mesh can be used during routine surgeries, as an adjunct to manage conditions like rectal prolapse or pelvic organ prolapse. Ideally, its absorbable feature ensures that while it provides essential short-term support, it also allows the body to heal completely without leaving behind permanent material.

• Off-label Uses

  There are also several off-label applications for Vicryl mesh, which include: using them for the repair of traumatic lacerations, incorporating them into flap procedures, placing them in combination with biologic grafts, and using them in the oculoplastic field.

Q&A

What is Vicryl mesh made for?

Vicryl mesh is ideally incorporated in a myriad of ways in surgical settings, which includes hernia repairs, reinforced tissue repair, and closure of wounds, among others. Usually, it offers support to weakened tissues and integrates with surrounding structures as it progressively absorbs over time.

Is Vicryl a permanent mesh?

Vicryl mesh is typically designed to be temporary. However, some specific Vicryl mesh types may offer permanent features. For example, Vicryl permanent mesh is constructed to be long-lasting. It is made from multifilament braided polyester that provides robust support for repairing tissues and structures that require indefinite reinforcement.

When to use Vicryl mesh?

Vicryl mesh is usually used during surgeries that require a reinforced temporary support structure. Ideally, it is often used for hernia repairs, where the mesh provides essential stability to the tissues as they heal. Thus, it reduces the likelihood of recurrence. Often, it is the preferred choice in repair methods that require both strength and absorbability.

What is the difference between a Vicryl mesh vs. a hernia?

Vicryl mesh is normally a synthetic material used to reinforce repairs during surgical procedures, specifically for hernias. Conversely, a hernia is a medical condition where an organ or tissue protrudes through an opening in the surrounding muscle. Often, the mesh provides the support that prevents such protrusion from reoccurring after surgical intervention.