Tissue attachment strength of prosthetic meshes used in ventral and incisional hernia repair. A study in the New Zealand White rabbit adhesion model.
BACKGROUND
Many prosthetic materials are used in incisional hernia repair, including polypropylene (PP) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). However, PP forms severe adhesions and ePTFE has raised concerns about the adequacy of tissue attachment.


METHODS
The early tissue attachment strength of PP and two new forms of ePTFE (DLM and DLMC) was compared in a rabbit model (n = 12) in which disks of the three meshes (n = 8 of each material) were implanted against the abdominal wall for 3 days.


RESULTS
Tensiometer testing found that DLMC mesh had significantly greater attachment strength than PP (p = 0.02). Histologic studies indicated that this was due to cellular ingrowth. Tissue adhesions were observed with all eight PP disks, one DLMC disk, and none of the DLM disks.


CONCLUSIONS
Modified forms of ePTFE mesh may provide abdominal wall repairs that are as strong or stronger than those obtained with PP, with early tissue attachment and without adhesions.
LeBlanc
K A
KA
Surgical Specialty Group, Medical Plaza, Suite 612, 7777 Hennessy Boulevard, Suite 612, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA. docmba2@aol.com
Bellanger
D
D
Rhynes
K V
KV
Baker
D G
DG
Stout
R W
RW
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000601:surgery*; D059685:Herniorrhaphy; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000601:surgery; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011817:Rabbits; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000209:etiology*
D011126:Polypropylenes; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene