title: Experimental biomechanical evaluation of polypropylene prostheses used in pelvic organ prolapse surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although polypropylene (PP) is the most common biomaterial used to repair genital prolapse via vaginal route, its mechanical properties however remain obscure.
  
  
  METHODS
  An abdominal hernia rabbit model was used to evaluate retraction, solidity, and elasticity of the principal types of PP prostheses currently available, i.e., three large pore size monofilament prostheses, one heavy weight (HWPP), a second low weight (LWPP), and a third coated with atelocollagen (CPP). A small pore size multifilament PP (MPP) implant was also tested.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In comparison with HWPP (12%), LWPP (15%), and MPP (30%), CPP had less retraction (8% of the original size). Unlike pore size, weight prosthesis is not an influencing factor for retraction. Atelocollagen coating reduced retraction. HWPP and MPP were the most solid prostheses. MPP supported the greatest elastic force.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When the biomechanical parameters were comparatively assessed, HWPP was considered to have the most advantageous properties for prolapse surgery.
authors.affiliation: Clinique Gynécologique et Obstétricale, CHU-Hôpitaux de Rouen, 1 Rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen Cedex, France. Fabrice.Sergent@chu-rouen.fr
authors.forename: Fabrice
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sergent
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Desilles
authors.forename: Yann
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lacoume
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bunel
authors.forename: Jean-Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Marie
authors.forename: Loïc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marpeau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004548:Elasticity; D046449:Hernia, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery; D008422:Materials Testing; D011126:Polypropylenes; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011817:Rabbits; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013526:Surgical Mesh
chemical_list: D011126:Polypropylenes