Evaluation of potential use of mosquito net as an alternative and cheaper source for hernia repair in rabbits

Abstract

A hernia is an abnormal protrusion of a tissue or a complete organ through the wall of the cavity in which it is normally present. Surgically, hernias can be repaired using two techniques which is herniorrhaphy and hernioplasty. In herniorrhaphy, hernial ring is closed only by suturing ring, while in hernioplasty hernial ring is closed by some external aid. Different types of synthetic mesh materials are being used in hernioplasty which exceed the cost of treatment and burden on low-income farmers. To overcome this set back present study was planned with the objective to evaluate potential use of mosquito net as an alternative to mesh material in hernia repair. To achieve this, 20 rabbits were included in the study. After preparing the animals for aseptic surgery and anaesthesia, a wall defect (11x4cm) was created in ventral abdomen. Afterwards the animals were divided into two equal groups. For the wall defect of group 1 commercially available mesh was used while mosquito net was used for same purpose in rabbits of group 2. The efficacy of both the materials was compared using macroscopy parameters, ultrasonographic evaluation and histopathological examination of healed tissue. The data generated was subjected to statistical analysis using chi-square technique. The findings showed that the strength, type and extent of adhesions were non-significant (p>0.05) in both groups on day 15 as well as on day 30th. There were no recurrences, and the mesh was well-integrated into the host tissue in both the groups. Nylon mosquito net used in the current study to repair hernia defect gave almost similar results as that with commercially available mesh and the statistical results were also insignificant. Considering the findings of the study it is concluded that as mosquito net used for repair of induced abdominal wall defect resulted into comparatively equal results to commercially available mesh with minimal to no tissue reaction, almost similar tissue healing histopathologically and no difference on ultrasonographic (USG) examination makes mosquito net a suitable and economical replacement for commercial mesh.