| abstract |
A prosthesis for repairing a hernia includes an adhesion-resistant biodegradable region and an opposing tissue-ingrowth biodegradable region. When the prosthesis is implanted into the patient, the adhesion-resistant biodegradable region covers a fascial defect of the hernia, and the tissue-ingrowth biodegradable region is located above the adhesion-resistant biodegradable region while being exposed substantially only to the host's subcutaneous tissue layer. This orientation allows the tissue-ingrowth biodegradable region to become firmly incorporated with the host's body tissue. The adhesion-resistant biodegradable region faces the internal organs and decreases the incidence of adhesions and/or bowel obstruction. |