Study of the biomechanical properties of synthetic mesh implanted in vivo.
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to assess in an animal model the mechanical properties of five prostheses used for pelvic floor repair.


METHODS
Two months after pre-peritoneal implantation of the five types of prosthesis: Prolene, Prolene Soft, Mersuture, Vicryl and Vypro, we sacrificed the animals to measure retraction of the prosthesis, maximal resistance to traction, and maximal elongation.


RESULTS
Non-absorbable prostheses retracted least. Forces at rupture were disparate with a significant difference in favor of Prolene (p<0.001). Resistance was variably affected by cicatrization. There were no significant differences in elongation.


CONCLUSIONS
This study is an introductory exploration. Monofilament and macroporous propylene prostheses seem, after implantation, to have the best mechanical performance and best tissue integration. This underlines the need for experimental prostheses, which are increasingly used, but still lack the extensive evaluation needed by the surgeon. Knitted polypropylene seems to be one of the best materials at present, but is probably not sufficient.
Boukerrou
Malik
M
Pôle de chirurgie gynécologique, Clinique de Gynécologie-Obstétrique et Néonatalogie, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Lille, 2 Avenue Oscar Lambret, 59037 Lille Cedex, France. mbouk@free.fr
Boulanger
Loïc
L
Rubod
Chrystelle
C
Lambaudie
Eric
E
Dubois
Patrick
P
Cosson
Michel
M
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D008422:Materials Testing; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011098:Polyglactin 910 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D053825:Suburethral Slings; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D034421:Sus scrofa; D013718:Tensile Strength
D011126:Polypropylenes; C510058:VyproII; D011098:Polyglactin 910