Abdominal wall healing in incisional hernia using different biomaterials in rabbits

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate abdominal wound healing using specific biomaterials in incisional hernias. METHODS: Incisional hernias were produced in 40 rabbits, after that they were reoperated with or without the use of meshes PREMILENE® (PPL), ULTRAPRO® (UP), PROCEED® (PCD) or repairing without mesh (TRANSPALB). After 30 days a macroscopic and microscopic study of the part withdrawn from the abdominal wall was performed. RESULTS: Macroscopic adhesion Area PPL> UP and PCD (p = 0.031). Vascularization PPL> UP and PCD (p = 0.001). PPL groups (p = 0.032) and PCD (p <0.001) showed greater meshes shrinkages when compared to UP. Microscopic neutrophils PCD> PPL, UP and TRANSPALB (p = 0.010); eosinophils PPL> UP, and TRANSPALB PCD (p = 0.010); granulation tissue PPL and PCD> UP and TRANSPALB (p <0.001); macrophages PPL, UP and PCD> TRANSPALB (p <0.001); lymphocytes PPL and PCD> UP (p = 0.009) and TRANSPALB (p <0.001); giant cells PPL, UP and PCD> TRANSPALB (p <0.001); viscera adhered PPL and UP> PCD and TRANSPALB (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: All types of meshes caused the formation of adhesions. The UP and PCD groups showed lower area and vascularization of the adhesions. The PPL and PCD groups showed higher meshes shrinkage and there was a predominance of acute inflammatory process in the PCD group.