In Vivo Evaluation of a Pectin-Honey Hydrogel Coating on Polypropylene Mesh in a Rat Model of Acute Hernia

Cristina Vercelli,Rosangela Odore,Gessica Giusto,Giovanni Re,Marco Gandini,Emanuela Maria Morello,Selina Iussich

doi:10.3390/gels7030132

Abstract

Investigations about ventral hernia repair are focused on improving the quality, resistance, and biocompatibility of mesh. This study compared plain polypropylene mesh with a pectin-honey hydrogel-coated polypropylene mesh in an acute hernia model in rats. Forty Wistar rats, randomly assigned to two groups, were submitted to laparotomy, and a 1 cm × 2 cm fascial defect was created, centered on the midline. Uncoated (group C) or coated mesh (group T) was inserted in an inlay fashion to repair the defect. After 30 days, the rats were euthanized, and the presence of adhesions to the mesh was macroscopically evaluated. Histology and measurement of COX-2 as tissue inflammation markers were used to assess fascia tissue healing. Grades of adhesion were not different between groups. Histological score and COX-2 expression were not significantly different between groups, except for the higher inflammatory response demonstrated in group T. The pectin-hydrogel coated mesh could not reduce adhesion formation compared to uncoated polypropylene mesh but improved peritoneal regeneration and tissue healing.

Highlights

IntroductionPolypropylene (PP) mesh is the most widely used non-degradable synthetic material for abdominal wall defects and hernia repair, considering its tensile strength and flexibility, combined with a low cost [1,2,3,4]
Is the first of adhesions host tissue response formation comparing knowledge, this is the first investigation of host tissue response and adhesion formation coated polypropylene mesh and plain polypropylene mesh in an acute hernia rat model
The present study aimed to compare the effects of polypropylene mesh (PP) meshes, coated and uncoated with pectin-honey- hydrogel in an in vivo acute hernia rat model

Summary

Introduction

Polypropylene (PP) mesh is the most widely used non-degradable synthetic material for abdominal wall defects and hernia repair, considering its tensile strength and flexibility, combined with a low cost [1,2,3,4]. Despite its advantages, this material induces an acute and intense inflammatory reaction that may lead to adhesion formation, fistulation, and chronic abdominal pain [3,5]. Complications lead to mesh removal [6,7]

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