Biopsies of Permacol™ implant in humans after use in abdominal wall repair: histological and immunohistochemical analysis

Abstract

Permacol™ biological implant is a cross-linked porcine dermal collagen biomaterial that has been successfully used in abdominal wall repair. The purpose of this study is to examine biopsies of the implant after use in abdominal wall hernia repair and demonstrate its histological and immunohistochemical characteristics in vivo. Three male patients, ranging in age from 61 to 76 years, underwent biopsy of the implant and surrounding abdominal wall tissue at 16, 36, and 60 months after implantation. At 16 months, the implant demonstrated excellent tissue integration, cellular and neovascular response, and remodeling. The implant–host tissue interface showed seamless integration with no fibrosis. Tissue ingrowth into the material, new blood vessel formation, and remodeling of the host–tissue interface were observed. At approximately 36 months, organized remodeling of the implant into functional, predominately host tissue was generally seen. At more than 60 months, macroscopic and histological characteristics resembled functional human tissue with immunohistochemical evidence of the residual presence of porcine collagen. Permacol™ implant supports controlled and natural long-term remodeling into normal, functional host tissue.