The primary function of<unk>  is to support prolapsed organs either temporarily or permanently. It is most commonly used in hernia surgery within the abdomen, which is required when an organ protrudes through abdominal muscles.<unk>  may also be used for pelvic or vaginal wall reconstructions in women and is implemented to add as a growth guide for damaged tissue. Ideally, these implants should be strong enough to survive mechanical loads and actions of whichever body area they become a part of. Hernia surgery Hernia surgery is one of the most common current applications of<unk> . Hernias occur when organs or fatty tissue bulge through openings or debilitated areas of muscle, usually in the abdominal wall.<unk>  is implanted to strengthen tissue repair and minimize the rate of recurrence. The surgery can be performed laparoscopic (internally) or open with a variety of materials available for prosthesis. Polypropylene (PP) is the most frequently used type of<unk> , although it may be uncomfortable for the patient after implantation. Another type that is less utilized in hernia surgery is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which faces complications in that fact that it easily degrades after some years of implantation, erasing the effects of the surgery. Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) is used as well, but is manufactured in the form of a foil and has difficulty integrating into surrounding tissue, therefore it loses stability. Pelvic surgery Similar to hernia surgery, synthetic<unk> es may be used for organ prolapses in the pelvic region as well. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs in 50% of women above the age of 50 with a history of one or more vaginal childbirths throughout her lifetime.<unk>  surgery can be performed in various areas of the pelvic region, such as cystocele, rectocele, and vaginal vault or uterus. The most commonly used material, as in hernia surgery, is PP, which is considered to have acceptable biocompatibility within the region. It induces a mild inflammatory response but has a tendency to adhere to the viscera. The vaginal wall has three layers: tunica mucosa, muscularis, adventitia. When prolapse occurs, smooth fibers of the muscularis are compromised. Prolapse in women has also been seen to increase stiffness in the pelvis, particularly post-menopausal women.<unk>  that is used in pelvic reconstruction must counter this stiffness, but if the modulus of elasticity is too high, it will not sufficiently support the organs. On the contrary, if the<unk>  is too stiff, tissue will erode and inflammatory responses will cause post-surgical complications. Post-implantation, polypropylene<unk>  sometimes exhibits microcracks, flaking of fibers, and fibrosis. Additionally, the<unk>  has enough strength to withstand basic actions and tissue behavior in physiological conditions, particularly during tissue regeneration through the<unk>  itself. The area is subjected to a variety of loads approaching from abdominal contents, pressure from abdominal/diaphragm muscles, and genital organs, as well as respiratory actions. For the average, reproductive-age woman, the pelvis must withstand loads of 20 N in the supine position, 25-35 N in the standing position, and 90-130 N whilst coughing. Any<unk>  that is implanted in the pelvic area must be strong enough to withstand these loads.
Surgical mesh
Surgical staple
Artificial ligament
Polymer sponge
Nerve guidance conduit
Barbed suture
Perforator flaps
Artificial cartilage