Reconstruction of diaphragm using autologous fascia lata: an experimental study in dogs.
BACKGROUND
We investigated whether fascia lata is an appropriate material for reconstruction of the diaphragm.


METHODS
A diaphragmatic defect (2 cm by 5 cm) was reconstructed with a patch of autologous fascia lata in the experimental group (n = 12) and with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in the control group (n = 12). Maximal tensile strength at the sutured region was measured serially.


RESULTS
The maximal tensile strength at the sutured region reconstructed with the fascia lata was 1.14 +/- 0.50 kgf 15 days and 2.04 +/- 0.94 kgf 30 days after operation. The values were higher than those of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (p < 0.0001). These values of fascia lata were close to the original maximal tensile strength of the muscular region of the diaphragm (1.52 to 1.66 kgf).


CONCLUSIONS
Reconstruction of diaphragm using autologous fascia lata is safe, easy, and inexpensive, and provides smooth wound healing. The only disadvantage is the necessity of a femoral incision for harvest; nevertheless, it may be worthwhile to use fascia lata in clinical trials to further assess its suitability as a reconstruction material.
First Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Handayama, Japan. kazuya36@hama-med.ac.jp
Kazuya
K
Suzuki
Tsuyoshi
T
Takahashi
Yasushi
Y
Itou
Katsuyuki
K
Asai
Hiroshi
H
Shimota
Teruhisa
T
Kazui
D000818:Animals; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005206:Fascia Lata / Q000637:transplantation*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D014945:Wound Healing
D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene