Experimental comparison of abdominal wall repair using different methods of enhancement by small intestinal submucosa graft.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the biomechanical properties of full-thickness abdominal wall defects, either using Native tissues, with or without Overlay, and by substitution of the Defect by small intestinal submucosa mesh.


METHODS
Seventy-two rats were divided into three groups according to repair method (Native, Overlay or Defect). At 7, 14, 30, and 90 days, six rats were sacrificed to measure tensile strength, collagen ingrowth, and host response.


RESULTS
Explants had comparable strength at 30 days, the majority rupturing at the interface. Afterwards, the Native group was more resistant than both small intestine submucosa (SIS) groups with a more organized fibrotic scar on histology at 90 days.


CONCLUSIONS
SIS augmentation of native tissue repair does not increase strength. Replacement of abdominal wall by SIS is equally strong when compared to the SIS-augmented group; however, materials preferably rupture at the site of the implant itself.
Ozog
Yves
Y
Center for Surgical Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Konstantinovic
Maja L
ML
Verschueren
Sofie
S
Spelzini
Federico
F
De Ridder
Dirk
D
Deprest
Jan
J
D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000601:surgery*; D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000637:transplantation*; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000637:transplantation*; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013718:Tensile Strength