The Preventive Effect of Porous Polyethylene Sheet on the Slippage of Prolene(R) Loop Placed in the Subcutaneous Tissue of Rabbits

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of porous polyethylene sheet in preventing the recurrence of ptosis after frontalis sling with Prolene(R) and the safety of porous polyethylene sheet. METHODS: Prolene(R) was placed subcutaneously in the thigh of white rabbits. In one group, Prolene(R) was placed with porous polyethylene sheet (treated group) and in the other group, Prolene(R) was placed without porous polyethylene sheet (control group). Prolene(R) was tightened and the loosening of the skin was evaluated at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. At the same time, the occurence of complications such as infection, granuloma formation was observed. Histologic examination was done at 2, 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: In the treated group, skin loosening was progressed significantly for 2 weeks (p<0.05, Mann-Whitney U test) but thereafter there was no significant progression. In control group, skin loosening was progressed for 8 weeks (p<0.05, Mann-Whitney U test). Skin loosening was more severe in the control group at each follow-up evaluation (p<0.05, Wilcoxon signed ranks test). No complication was observed during the follow-up period of 8 weeks. On histologic examination, inflammatory reaction and fibrosis ere seen around Prolene(R) in the control group and fibrovascular ingrowth into the pores of porous polyethylene sheet was seen in the treated group. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that porous polyethylene sheet can be safely used to prevent the slippage of Prolene(R) and the use of porous polyethylene sheet will be helpful in preventing the recurrence of ptosis after frontalis sling with Prolene(R).