Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with acellular human dermis reinforcement results in improvement of GERD-related symptoms and quality of life without mesh-associated complications. The type of acellular human dermis did not influence recurrence rate.

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations between patient characteristics or surgical site classifications and the histologic remodeling scores of synthetic meshes biopsied from their abdominal wall repair sites in the first attempt to generate a multivariable risk prediction model of non-constructive remodeling. Methods Biopsies of the synthetic meshes were obtained from the abdominal wall repair sites of 51 patients during a subsequent abdominal re-exploration. Biopsies were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and evaluated according to a semi-quantitative scoring system for remodeling characteristics (cell infiltration, cell types, extracellular matrix deposition, inflammation, fibrous encapsulation, and neovascularization) and a mean composite score (CR). Biopsies were also stained with Sirius Red and Fast Green, and analyzed to determine the collagen I:III ratio. Based on univariate analyses between subject clinical characteristics or surgical site classification and the histologic remodeling scores, cohort variables were selected for multivariable regression models using a threshold p value of ≤0.200. Results The model selection process for the extracellular matrix score yielded two variables: subject age at time of mesh implantation, and mesh classification (c-statistic = 0.842). For CR score, the model selection process yielded two variables: subject age at time of mesh implantation and mesh classification (r2 = 0.464). The model selection process for the collagen III area yielded a model with two variables: subject body mass index at time of mesh explantation and pack-year history (r2 = 0.244). Conclusion Host characteristics and surgical site assessments may predict degree of remodeling for synthetic meshes used to reinforce abdominal wall repair sites. These preliminary results constitute the first steps in generating a risk prediction model that predicts the patients and clinical circumstances for which non-constructive remodeling of an abdominal wall repair site with synthetic mesh reinforcement is most likely to occur.

Background An acellular dermal matrix (ADM) used in prosthetic breast reconstruction will typically incorporate, in time, with the overlying mastectomy skin flap. This remodeling process may be adversely impacted in patients that require chemotherapy and radiation therapies that influence neovascularization and cellular proliferation. Methods Multiple biopsies of the submuscular capsule and ADM were procured from 86 women (N=94 breasts) undergoing exchange of a tissue expander for a breast implant. These were divided by biopsy location : submuscular capsule (control) as well as superiorly, centrally and inferiorly along the ADM. Specimens were assessed grossly for incorporation and semi-quantitatively for cellular infiltration, cell type, fibrous encapsulation, scaffold degradation, extracellular matrix deposition, neovascularization, mean composite remodeling score, as well as Type I and III collagen area and ratio. Five oncologic treatment groups were compared : no adjuvant therapy (untreated), neoadjuvant chemotherapy ± radiation ; and chemotherapy ± radiation. Results ADM and submuscular capsule biopsies were procured 45 to 1805 days after ADM insertion and demonstrated a significant reduction in Type I collagen over time. Chemotherapy adversely impacted fibrous encapsulation relative to the untreated group (p=0.03). Chemotherapy with or without radiation adversely impacted Type I collagen area (p=0.02), cellular infiltration (p<0.01), extracellular matrix deposition (p<0.04), and neovascularization (p<0.01). Radiation exacerbated the adverse impact of chemotherapy for gross incorporation as well as several remodeling parameters. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy also caused a reduction in Type I (p=0.01) and III collagen (p=0.05), extracellular matrix deposition (p=0.03), and scaffold degradation (p=0.02). Conclusions Chemotherapy and radiation therapy limit ADM remodeling.