Biologic grafts are increasingly being used to repair complex hernias

Surgical residents in their final years of surgical training learned the latest techniques in using biologic grafts to treat hernias in a workshop led by the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), and sponsored through an educational grant from Cook Medical. The workshop, entitled "Advanced Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery Workshop" took place during August in St. Louis. This workshop was scheduled after the same course, held earlier this year in Indianapolis, had more applications than could be accommodated.

“The interest demonstrated in these workshops signals the increased use and importance of this treatment option. Cook Medical understands the benefit biological grafts can bring to patients and we are pleased to have cooperated with SAGES to provide surgical education for best use of these advanced products.”

Cook Medical continues its longstanding commitment to physician education through this educational grant to SAGES, a surgical society well-known for its courses on advanced laparoscopic techniques. This workshop on the use of biologic grafts comes at an important time in the industry. Biologic grafts are increasingly being used to repair complex hernias because of several advantages when compared to repairs using synthetic mesh. Less prone to infection and erosion than synthetic mesh, biologic grafts offer surgeons good handling characteristics, long-term strength and tissue remodeling. Biologic grafts are particularly finding widespread use in procedures involving contaminated surgical fields, and where prior surgery, infection or other conditions complicate repair of the hernia.

"The workshop served as a concentrated learning opportunity for residents by allowing them to work in small groups with a faculty of experienced surgeons. This interaction provided an in-depth review of advanced techniques for using biologic grafts in hernia repair," said Leena Khaitan, MD, SAGES Resident Education Committee Chair. "With the positive feedback we have received from faculty and participants, we look forward to continuing these workshops. We appreciate Cook offering an educational grant to support the training of senior surgical residents."

"Biologic grafts have become an important tool in surgeons' efforts to provide patients with a permanent repair without the lasting side effects seen with a permanent indwelling synthetic mesh," said Andy Cron, vice president of Cook Medical's Surgery business unit. "The interest demonstrated in these workshops signals the increased use and importance of this treatment option. Cook Medical understands the benefit biological grafts can bring to patients and we are pleased to have cooperated with SAGES to provide surgical education for best use of these advanced products."