Clinical implications of the biology of grafts: conclusions of the 2005 IUGA Grafts Roundtable

With few exceptions, the current expansion of graft utilization in pelvic reconstructive surgery is not a product of evidence-based medicine. Abdominal sacrocolpopexy and suburethral sling procedures are two situations under which synthetic graft utilization is indicated, based on randomized prospective trials and reported clinical outcomes. Otherwise, indications and contraindications for graft utilization are unclear. Current published data on the biology of synthetic and biologic grafts are limited and overall not very helpful to the reconstructive surgeon who is faced with the selection of a graft for use during a reconstructive procedure. This Roundtable presented the opportunity for a series of basic science researchers to present their data to a group of reconstructive surgeons and provide publishable background information on the various currently available grafts. The occurrence of healing abnormalities after graft implantation is becoming increasingly recognized as a potentially serious problem. To date, definitions and a classification system for healing abnormalities do not exist. Based on the input from basic scientists and experienced surgeons, a simple classification is suggested based on the site of healing abnormality, timing relative to graft implantation, presence of inflammatory changes, and the viscera into which the graft is exposed. Many opportunities for clinical and basic science research exist. As the use of grafts in reconstructive surgery is expanded, surgeons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with currently published data, and determine whether a graft should, or should not be, utilized during a reconstructive procedure, and if so, the type of graft best indicated in each specific clinical situation.