Extensive research is being conducted on the short-term complications following surgery, such as abdominal wall, lung, and bladder infections. Less attention is paid to common long-term complications that can lead to problems further down the road. Important long-term complications following abdominal surgery include incisional hernia and adhesions. Incisional hernias are defects in the abdominal muscles at or near the scar site, causing the intestines to push through the abdominal wall. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form inside the abdomen and cause hollow organs, like the intestines, to adhere to each other or to the abdominal wall. This can cause a myriad of problems, such as infertility and intestinal obstructions.
Mesh
The best method for repairing abdominal hernias is to stitch a plastic-like mesh implant onto the abdominal wall. This reinforces the abdominal wall and promotes wound healing. The disadvantage of these mesh implants is that they can cause adhesions. Schreinemacher researched more effective materials and treatment methods to prevent these adhesions from developing. He found that mesh implants with a coating layer resulted in fewer adhesions. 'There are so many materials out there that work in theory, but don't lead to optimal results in practice,’ explains the researcher. 'We spent a lot of time searching for the right materials. Based on our findings, we were able to offer preventative treatment to several patients by using mesh implants to prevent incisional hernias. Two years later, this approach proved successful.'
Medication
In addition to researching innovative materials, the study also uncovered new insights into the development of adhesions and the body's inflammatory response to the mesh implants. The research shows that certain medications, particularly cromolyne, help prevent adhesions from developing when taken before the operation. 'We're not sure exactly how this works, but in a lab setting it seems to have a positive effect on early inflammatory response. Further applied and clinical research is needed, however,' says the researcher, who recently obtained his PhD.