The Affordable Mesh Hernia Surgery Initiative continues to grow. The methodology and approach is incredibly straight forward, reliable and resilient. However, we have always been adaptable to local needs and receptive to new ideas when they have arisen. With numerous refinements to the project occurring along the way.
One question that has come up from time to time; is how long the mesh can be stored and whether it is safe to transport it to peripheral sites. With the sterility of the mesh absolutely paramount to patient safety (and thus the success of the project), by necessity we have very strict protocols. These were carried forward from the previous research that underpins our work and validated by both the excellent clinical results we see, as well as initial quality assurance laboratory testing undertaken specifically for our model.
Following our recent trip to Mbeya (Tanzania) we did some further work with the CSSD team there to see if we could slightly modify how the mesh is packaged. This was with a view to enabling it to have a slightly longer and more versatile shelf life (previously very limited by necessity), as well as opening up the possibility of being able to safely transport the mesh off site for outreach work. And achieving this using equipment and materials readily available in country.
Having come up with a new protocol, we needed to be sure of its safety (sterility) before implementing it. Esupat and the team in Mbeya worked incredibly hard to get us a package of samples ready for our last day. These we brought back to the UK for laboratory testing.
We are incredibly grateful to Michelle and Joanne in the Microbiology Department at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust for being so incredibly helpful. They subjected the mesh samples to sequential and rigorous testing. The results of which are incredibly pleasing and validate this new protocol for mesh packaging. Brilliant!
