Biomechanical properties of derma materials for hernioplasty

Abstract

The most common problem in the surgical treatment of hernias using tension herni-oplasty is a strong tension in the suture area, which can lead to wound dehiscence, de-formation of the hernia area, fistulas and recurrence. Therefore, at present, the technique of tension-free hernioplasty using both synthetic and natural materials is increasingly being used. Natural materials are more reliable due to biocompatibility, lack of cytotoxicity and minimal biodegradation. However, not all biomaterials have the necessary mechani-cal characteristics, such as elasticity and strength. The main goal of this study was a comparative assessment of the biomechanical properties of the acellular dermal matrix, bioplastic material obtained by the methods of detergent-enzymatic and chemical decellu-larization, respectively, and the surgical implant Permacol™. All materials were subjected to histological analysis and quantitative DNA analysis. Strength studies (stress, strain at break and initial modulus of elasticity) were carried out using an Instron 1122 universal tensile testing machine. BIoplastic material showed significantly lower values of defor-mation-strength properties and modulus of elasticity. The obtained results showed that the acellular dermal matrix and the commercial Permacol™ implant are the closest to the native dermis in strength characteristics, however, the histological structure of the acellu-lar dermal matrix is closest to the histological features of the organization of the porcine dermis, which makes this material promising for further research.