Abstract
To evaluate, in large abdominal wall defects surgically shaped in rats, if a synthetic polypropylene nonwoven prosthesis could be used as a therapeutic option to conventional polypropylene mesh. Twenty four (24) Wistar rats were enrolled into three groups. Group 1 (Simulation group) with an abdominal wall defect of 3 X 3 left untreated and Groups 2 and 3, respectively treated with a conventional polypropylene mesh and a polypropylene nonwoven (NWV) prosthesis to cover the breach. At the 45th postoperatively day, adhesion (area and strength) and vascularization of Groups 2 and 3 were evaluated. The histological preparations with Hematoxylin-Eosin, Tricromium of Masson, Pricrosirius red and polarization with birefringence, and also the structural analysis of the prostheses carried on by Thermogravimetry and Differential Scanning Calorimetry were also assessed. There were no significant differences between the Groups 2 and 3. In rats, the polypropylene nonwoven prosthesis showed to be safe and has to be considered as an alternative to conventional mesh manufactured by weaving in the treatment of great defects of the abdominal wall.
Highlights
Surgical repair of major congenital or acquired defects of the abdominal wall such as the incisional hernias and certain congenital diseases represents a major challenge for surgeons
In Brazil, for instance, the insurance plans and health care systems in general do not allow for reimbursement of prostheses and, patients must acquire it with their own resources
This study aimed to evaluate, in large abdominal wall defects in rats, the viability of placement of a synthetic polypropylene nonwoven prosthesis which has a low cost and is affordable as an alternative to conventional polypropylene mesh that is widely used as first choice but much more expensive, especially for public health care
Summary
Surgical repair of major congenital or acquired defects of the abdominal wall such as the incisional hernias and certain congenital diseases represents a major challenge for surgeons. Reconstruction with pedicle flaps of aponeurosis or muscles like latissimus dorsi, rectus femoris and fascia lata can avoid complications encountered with synthetic material, especially the reaction of foreign body or rejection of the material[1,2] Such management often requires the presence of a plastic surgeon in addition to the general surgeon in the operating room. The need to fix major wall defects with prostheses creates a common problem in developing countries and most third world nations In these countries, and especially in rural areas of such countries where health care infrastructure is not integrated into major population centers, health care systems have budget constraints for the purchase and distribution of imported material. Whether in public or private health care, patients who cannot afford prostheses purchase usually have their surgeries postponed, with a higher risk of complications and an associated increase of hospital expenses
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
