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A B D O M I N A L
S U R G E R Y
You can play
TIES THAT BIND
The goal of mesh is
a useful role
to secure and facilion that front
tate tissue
by gatekeepingrowth, but avoid
adhesions.
ing.
Standardizing
all mesh purchases down
to one company isn't likely
to work, even
though vendors may make that argument. There are just too many options and
needs. But requests for new mesh purchases can be reviewed, similar
to the work that hospitals' pharmaceutical and therapeutics committees do. Given the extent to which healthcare revolves around cost
containment, taking a look at a product's data and comparing it to
items already stocked seems a reasonable alternative to rubber-stamping all requests. Striking an arrangement with manufacturers to buy
the mesh on consignment, by piece and per use, is another cost-efficiency strategy.
Abdominal surgeons don't expect surgical managers to know the
difference between meshes — they're far too complex — but should
be willing to consult with them on purchases, because one mesh does
not fit all. OSM
Dr. Voeller (grvoeller@gmail.com) is a professor of surgery at the University
of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and the past president of the
American Hernia Association.
S E P T E M B E R 2013 | O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
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