Protective effectiveness of electrospinning fibrous membrane in inguinal hernia repair

Abstract

Polypropylene (PP) mesh is one of the most widely used artificial meshes to treat hernias. It has many advantages but can also cause chronic inflammation, pain, and adhesion. In inguinal hernia repair, PP mesh may have a negative effect on the reproductive system. In this study, the protective effect of an electrospun fibrous membrane was investigated in an autologous control experiment of inguinal hernia repair in rabbits. Tissue adhesions, obstructions of the spermatic cord, orchiatrophy, and reproductive system abnormalities were highly correlated and mainly appeared soon after implantation. The fibrous membrane, which serves as a biocompatible physical barrier, successfully reduced the deformity and dysfunction of the spermatic cord, testicle, and reproductive system, while polypropylene mesh caused severe damage. In the sub-chronic and chronic stages, at 90 and 180 days, respectively, the peritonealization of the remaining mesh was in the process while the fibrous membrane was degrading. The structure and function of the spermatic cord, testicle, and reproductive system were well protected and maintained because the newly formed tissue prevented contact between the mesh and the spermatic cord. Thus, introducing a fibrous membrane in inguinal hernia repair reduces the adverse effects of polypropylene mesh.