Histocompatibility of an original Chinese-made mid-urethral sling in a rabbit model

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the histocompatibility of an original Chinese-made mid-urethral sling (Repelvica mid-urethral sling). Methods: In total 10 female New Zealand white rabbits were implanted with Repelvica mid-urethral sling or tension-free vaginal tape-obturator tape (TVT-O; Gynecare). Both brands of sling were implanted under deep fascia of the abdominal wall and in the space between vagina and bladder. All animal groups were sacrificed at set time intervals (4 weeks and 12 weeks), and the abdominal and vaginal slings were harvested for histological evaluation. Results: All slings appeared to be well incorporated into the abdominal wall and anterior vaginal wall. All specimens showed a thin, loose, fibrous interface between the synthetic graft and abdominal wall or vaginal wall, along with mild inflammatory reaction from 4 weeks to 12 weeks. Abdominal grafts of Repelvica mid-urethral sling and TVT-O induced comparable tissue reaction (histological score 10.5 versus 10.5 at 4 weeks, 10.0 versus 9.5 at 12 weeks; both P>0.05). Vaginal grafts of Repelvica mid-urethral sling had lower histological score than TVT-O (histological score 6.0 versus 12.0 at 4 weeks, 8.5 versus 12.5 at 12 weeks), however the differences were not statistically significant (both P>0.05). Conclusions: Chinese-made Repelvica mid-urethral sling exhibits good histocompatibility. Vaginal graft of Repelvica mid-urethral sling evoks minor tissue reaction, which could be attributed to its lightweighted property and favored its clinical application.