SURGEONS in Worcester are pioneering a ground-breaking operation which uses pigskin to repair damaged tissue in humans.

Specialists have flown in from America to learn about the technique, and surgeons in Europe are also due to be taught the procedure.

Around 70 women have so far benefited from the surgery, which is used mostly for patients suffering damage as a result of childbirth.

Porcine skin is used to create collagen, which is a tough, non-elastic support material similar to a miniature trampoline. There is no danger of causing any immune response in humans.

For the past 30 years mesh from nylon-type material has been used, but problems associated with these include infection and rejection.

Mr Bhanu Ruparelia, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said the results were being monitored over five years.

Worcester Royal Infirmary is hoping to set up a multi-centre study of porcine skin usage in prolapse surgery in order to help a diverse group of women.

Other factors in prolapses can include being overweight, certain lifestyles involving heavy lifting, and lack of oestrogen.

"This is a change in technique in pelvic repair surgery," explained Mr Ruparelia.

"At Worcester we've led the field in this material usage for repair and have now accumulated experience with the largest number using porcine skin.

"We've modified the surgical technique for using this collagen at Worcester. It is being taught to other senior gynaecologists, both in the UK and Europe, for use in patients with prolapses and this is now being demonstrated in the USA.

"Using this particular material offers an effective, strong, long-term repair with a much-reduced frequency of a further prolapse.

"This minor change in technique can be used on all types of prolapses for a first repair or a repeat procedure."

A presentation was submitted to the International Urogynaecological Association in Rome in October, 2000, about the new development and teaching sessions of the surgical technique are being organised for gynaecologists in Spain and Sweden.