Polyurethane-covered dacron mesh versus polytetrafluoroethylene DualMesh for intraperitoneal hernia repair in rats.

PURPOSE

Abdominal hernia repair using the intraperitoneal implantation of a prosthesis requires mesh with impervious properties, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). A newly developed polyurethane-covered polyester mesh with impervious properties has recently been introduced as a less expensive alternative to PTFE, and we compare these materials herein.

METHODS

The adhesion formation and stability of intraperitoneal abdominal hernia repairs with DualMesh (macroporous ePTFE mesh with a microporous component) and PolyesterComposite (the newly developed polyurethane-covered Dacron mesh) were compared in a rat model. Forty rats were randomly divided into two groups; ten animals from each group were killed after 14 days, and the other ten after 90 days.

RESULTS

The number and intensity of adhesions were comparable in the PolyesterComposite and PTFE groups. Loose adhesions were seen in 13 animals and appeared only selectively at the fixation sutures. Both PolyesterComposite and PTFE induced the formation of a smooth neoperitoneum on the intraperitoneal surface and showed a complete ingrowing of the prosthesis in the surrounding tissue. There were no significant differences between the prostheses in terms of clinical herniation pressure and hydroxyproline concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

PolyesterComposite and PTFE are both suitable prostheses for intrapertoneal implantation, but PolyesterComposite is less expensive, which is an important advantage for clinical use.