Role of polypropylene mesh coated with silk fibroin hi reducing the abdominal adherence

Abstract

Objective To explore the merits of polypropylene ( PP) mesh coated with silk fibroin in promoting mesothelial cell hyperplasia, and reducing abdominal adherence. Methods Forty male Spra-gue-Dawle rats were divided randomly as follows: group 1, PP mesh coated with silk fibroin (n = 20) , group 2, pure PP mesh (n=20). Repair operation was performed on the rats through abdominal cavity with PP mesh coated with silk fibroin (the silk to organ, and the PP to abdominal wall), or without silk fibroin. All the rats were executed in 3 , 7, 14 and 90 days postoperatively for histopathological and scanning electron microscopic examinations. The quality and quantity of the adherence between mesh and abdominal organs or tissues were measured. Such complications as death, intestinal fistula or obstruction were documented. Results In group 1, there was no obviously adherence on the PP meshes coated with silk fibroin , the area of the adherence on the mesh was calculated as (6. 04 ± 4.78) % and the quality of the adherence as (0. 8 ±0.4) ; In group 2, 5 rats died in 2, 4, 6, 7, 9 days postoperatively complicated by intestinal fistula or obstruction with serious adherence between the mesh and the intestine. The area of the adherence on the mesh was calculated as (86. 61 ± 12. 25) % and the quality of the adherence as (3.4±0.6). Conclusion Silk fibroin can promote mesothelial cells agglutination and reform peritoneum on the PP mesh, and effectively decrease the quality and quantity of the adherence postoperatively. Key words: Silk fibroin; Polypropylene mesh; Lateral ventral syndrome; Adherence