title: Short-term absorbable material for diaphragmatic replacement.
abstract: To evaluate absorbable materials for use for replacement of the diaphragm, we implanted materials in experimentally-created diaphragmatic defects in pigs. As a short-term absorbable material, bovine serosa (BS) was used. Its absorption was complete after 4-6 weeks. In a control group, the defect was repaired with a continuous running polypropylene suture. In two other groups the defect was closed with lyophilized dura (LD) and a modified transverse abdominal muscle flap according to Hecker, respectively. Physical studies (load capacity and elasticity) and histologic investigations were performed in one-half of the animals of each group after 3 and 6 months, respectively. Considering their physical properties, it could be shown that all materials tested are suitable for replacement of the diaphragm, but that BS best resembled native diaphragm. We conclude that short-term absorbable BS is suitable for replacement of the diaphragm in pigs.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Clinic of the Rheinish Westphalian Technical University of Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52057 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Steinau
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dreuw
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schleef
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lawong
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Schumpelick
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D002417:Cattle; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004548:Elasticity; D008170:Lung Compliance / Q000502:physiology; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors; D000267:Tissue Adhesions; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials