P067 HUMANITARIAN HERNIA SURGERY - 10 YEARS OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND THE SAFETY OF LDPE MOSQUITO MESH

Aim Many people from low-income countries suffer from late or no treatment of incarcerated hernias. That can cause permanent consequences or even death. Hernia International is a 100% volunteer organisation, delivering humanitarian hernia surgery in the countries of the third world. A LDPE mosquito mesh is widely used. Its safety and full functionality was described. Material and Methods A LDPE Mosquito mesh was a subject of testing for a heavy metal content; the same-size piece of a mosquito mesh, and a standard commercial mesh, were tested by spectral photometry. I have had the chance to join 11 international voluntary teams in the years of 2011-2019. More than 1000 procedures were performed, including large inguinoscrotal, incisional, and pediatric hernias. The conditions were often very basic, and a LDPE mosquito mesh and local anaeshesia were used in most adult cases. Results The test shows comparable or less presence of heavy metals in the LDPE mosquito mesh, in comparison with a standard polypropylene mesh. A very low number of early post-op complications, such as haematoma and wound infection, were recorded (less than 1%) in a group of patients operated during voluntary missions. 1-2 local young surgeons were trained in basic hernia procedures. Conclusions Hernia International provides a high-quality surgical care to the patients from the developing countries. Using a mosquito mesh is a safe and effective method with a comparable low complication rate but with minimal costs.