[Plastic replacement of the abdominal wall by uncoated carbon cloth. An animal experiment on the rabbit (author's transl)].

Carbon cloth is a new biomaterial which is suitable for the replacement of ligaments and connective tissues, because of its biological and physical properties. In 30 rabbits a defect was cut into the abdominal wall. In 20 the defect was covered by an implanted carbon cloth. The other 10 animals were used as controls. After implantation wound healing was excellent. No herniation could be observed in the group with the implants. After 3 months histological examinations revealed the ingrowth of collagen fibres into the carbon cloth. It had become a strong and resilient abdominal wall replacement. A physical-strength test showed stability of the newly formed abdominal wall with good anchorage to normal tissue.