Segmental uterine horn replacement in the rat using a biodegradable microporous synthetic tube.
To investigate the possible use of a biodegradable microporous synthetic tube for fallopian tube replacement, polyetherurethane/poly-L-lactide (PU/PLLA) grafts in the uterine horn of the rat were studied and their patency and healing characteristics compared with those of nonbiodegradable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; Teflon) grafts as well as with those of reanastomosed uterine horns. Regarding the healing characteristics, the PU/PLLA grafts were superior to the PTFE graft, as was indicated by the regeneration of endometrium and the extensive perigraft tissue ingrowth. However, the graft/uterine anastomoses of the PU/PLLA and PTFE grafts became obstructed by a plug of mucosal folds, all reanastomosed, uterine horns in the control experiments remaining open. In conclusion, although biodegradable microporous PU/PLLA uterine horn grafts have better healing characteristics than PTFE grafts, they easily obstruct at the graft/uterine junction. Mucosal suturing and/or the use of splints may contribute to the feasibility of biodegradable microporous artificial fallopian tubes in tubal surgery.
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005187:Fallopian Tubes; D005260:Female; D008422:Materials Testing; D011091:Polyesters; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011140:Polyurethanes; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D051381:Rats; D014599:Uterus / Q000601:surgery; D014945:Wound Healing
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011091:Polyesters; D011140:Polyurethanes; C115016:polyetherurethane; C033616:poly(lactide); D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene