The influence of prosthetic materials on the growth of Walker 256 tumour in the rat.

Polypropylene mesh and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patches implanted into abdominal wall defects did not affect the rate of growth of Walker 256 experimental tumour in the rat. The tumour invaded through the interstices of the polypropylene mesh to involve the peritoneal surface, whereas the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch acted as a physical barrier to the spread of the tumour to the parietal peritoneum. These findings will be of help in the choice of replacement material following wide resection of the abdominal wall for malignant disease.