Bioprosthetic repair of complex duodenal injury in a porcine model.
BACKGROUND
Complex duodenal injury remains a challenging problem for the trauma surgeon. Although primary repair of small injuries is often possible, extensive damage requires complex enteric reconstruction and drainage procedures. We sought to determine the efficacy of a bioprosthetic repair for large duodenal wounds in a porcine model.


METHODS
A 60% circumferential wall defect in the second portion of the duodenum was created in eight female Yorkshire swine (38 kg +/- 5 kg). After 30 minutes of peritoneal soilage, a bioprosthetic repair using 1.5 mm porcine acellular dermal matrix was performed. Animals were recovered and resumed a normal diet on day 3. Repeat abdominal exploration and anastomotic bursting pressure strength was performed at 1-, 2-, 3-, and 6-week intervals. Pathologic analysis of all specimens was performed.


RESULTS
All animals tolerated a normal diet postoperatively, with progressive weight gain and normal bowel function. On re-exploration, no animal had evidence of duodenal stenosis, proximal dilation, or abscess formation. Pathologic analysis demonstrated progressive in-growth of native bowel tissue, with almost complete incorporation at 6 weeks. Mean bursting pressure (202 mm Hg +/- 60 mm Hg) occurred at native bowel, not patch repair site, in three of eight animals.


CONCLUSIONS
Bioprosthetic repair of enteric wall defects, even in proximity to upper intestinal secretions, allows successful recovery of bowel function and injury repair without extensive anatomic reconstruction. This technique may provide a more conservative approach to the treatment of complex duodenal injuries after trauma.
Eckert
Matthew J
MJ
Department of Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington 98431, USA.
Perry
Jason T
JT
Sohn
Vance Y
VY
Keylock
Joren B
JB
Munaretto
Joseph A
JA
Beekley
Alec C
AC
Martin
Matthew J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D003094:Collagen / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004386:Duodenum / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013552:Swine; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
C422414:Permacol; D003094:Collagen