Comparison of Polypropylene Mesh and Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Patch for Repair of Abdominal Wall Defects in Rat

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Large abdominal wall defect resulting from trauma, invasive infection, tumor resection, or other causes continue to be major problems for patients and surgeons. The lack of sufficient tissue may require the insertion of prosthetic materials. This study compares the results of PPM mesh and e-PTFE patch for repairs of abdominal wall defects. METHODS: The anterior abdominal walls of Sprague-Dawley rats, including fascia, muscle, and peritoneum were removed. The defects were repaired with a PPM mesh or an e-PTFE patch. Animals were killed at 1, 2, 6, and 12 weeks after the operation, and the implant were excised along their margins and evaluated for gross and microscopic differences. RESULTS: Histological examination showed that PPM was progressively infiltrated by whorled disorganized collagen fiber, which became densely adherent to the mesh. In contrast, the e-PTFE was infiltrated by fine fibrils of collagen, which progressively penetrated the interstices of the material, binding it firmly to the tissue. One of the most serious complications associated with fascial closure with PPM was the development of visceral adhesions. CONCLUSIONS: e-PTFE patch material has a lower foreign body reaction, a lower infectability, and a lower rate of adhesion formation than PPM mesh.