DD-04 INVESTIGATING COLLAGEN IN INCISIONAL HERNIA MIDLINE SCARS USING RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

Abstract

Abstract Aim Connective tissue alterations may lead to incisional hernia (IH) formation in a subgroup of individuals. A decreased ratio of collagen types I and III was observed in several studies. White, hard and brittle hernia scars have also been reported suggesting possible mineral deposition. These processes could affect incisional scar integrity leading to IH formation. Using advanced spectroscopy, we aim to establish whether these alterations are present in IH scars. Materials & Methods Our pilot study has been granted IRAS approval and we began recruitment to investigate scar collagen in patients undergoing IH repair. We focus on the midline linea alba as the most critical layer in post-laparotomy healing and will use the participants’ fascia lata as a scar free control. Raman spectroscopy was selected to perform chemical and structural characterisation of our samples. Collagen types I, III and mineralised tissue have unique Raman spectra, which allow their identification and analysis. Results Preliminary spectral data from a porcine abdomen showed clear collagen bands in corresponding layers. We also showed mineral formation in reconstituted collagen fibres using this technique. In our pilot, Raman spectroscopy will be used to identify the bands associated with scar tissue collagen and determine differences in hernia versus hernia-free collagen. Conclusions Investigating hernia scars and the fascia lata will shed light on the local and systemic collagen changes in the scar tissue associated with IH. Raman spectroscopy provides a high-resolution insight into the composition of tissues and will identify any collagen changes in IH patients.