The Results of Propylen Mesh Usage for Nasal Septal Perforation Repair in a Rabbit Model

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluate the effectiveness and biocompability of propylene mesh in an animal model of nasal septal perforations on rabbits. Methods: A nasal septal perforation model was created on rabbits, then nasal septal perforations were closed via 2 different methods with open rhinoplasty technique. Some perforations were closed with mucosal flaps and propylene mesh as interpositional graft. The others were repaired with bilateral mucosal flaps. After 4 weeks, nasal septums were totally removed and histopathological evaluation was done for acute rejection, infection, inflammatory response, fibrosis, and granuloma formation. Results: No septal perforation was repaired in the mucosal flap-only group. In the second group, all perforations were repaired completely. Of 5 samples of study group, 1 showed +1 (62.5%) inflammatory response, 1 (12.5%) sample showed +2 and 2 samples showed +3 (25%), respectively. A total of 3 (37.5 %) samples of group 2 did not show any fibrosis, 4 (50%) samples showed mild fibrosis, and 1 (12.5%) sample showed moderate fibrosis. A total of 7 (87.5%) samples showed mild fibrosis at most. We did not see any severe fibrosis at all. We observed 6 (75%) samples that showed no granuloma formation as foreign body reaction and 2 (25%) samples showed few giant cells. Heavy vascular and epithelial proliferation was seen along borders of propylene mesh. Conclusions: Propylene mesh showed good biocompability with septal mucosa and can be used for repair of septal perforation as interpositional graft safely.