Comparative study between two techniques of incisional hernia repair with polypropylene mesh in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
To compare two different incisional hernia repair techniques (repair with a polypropylene mesh reinforcement on the peritonium-aponeurosis versus polypropylene mesh sutured to the borders of the hernial ring as a bridge) in rabbits.


METHODS
Incisional hernia was experimentally developed through a 4-cm median incision in 60 rabbits. After 30 days, half of the animals were operated for primary wall closure and placement of a polypropylene mesh reinforcement, while the other half had a polypropylene mesh sutured to the borders of the hernial ring as a bridge. Clinical development, scar breaking strength, as well as gross, microscopic and morphometric parameters were evaluated in all animals 30, 60, and 90 days after repair.


RESULTS
No significant differences in breaking strength or histological parameters were observed between groups at any time point studied. No statistical difference regarding complications was detected, although denser and firmer adhesions to the abdominal wall were seen after the mesh was placed as a " bridge" .


CONCLUSIONS
No significant differences between the incisional hernia repair techniques assessed were observed regarding breaking strength, and histological and morphometric parameters. The number of complications was similar in both study groups. However, adhesion of abdominal cavity organs to the scar area was much denser after the placement of a mesh to bridge the defect.
Minossi
José Guilherme
JG
Department of Surgery and Orthopedics, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, Brazil. jminossi@uol.com.br
Caramori
Carlos Antonio
CA
Leite
Celso Vieira de Souza
CV
Naresse
Luiz Eduardo
LE
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D046449:Hernia, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011817:Rabbits; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000009:adverse effects; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000473:pathology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D011126:Polypropylenes