[Closing of an extensive abdominal wall defect with an implant of preserved dura mater in animal experiments. Mechanical and morphological studies].

An extensive muscle-fascia-peritoneum defect of the abdominal wall was closed by means of an implant of preserved human dura mater in rats. The behaviour of the implant was tested by macroscopic, microscopic, and mechanical examination until the 60th week after the operation. Microscopic investigations showed a predominance of absorption to the 12th week later the ingrowing of collagenous fibres. Mechanical investigations demonstrated a considerable reduction of the tensile strength until the 12th week and a slight increase afterwards. An advanced protrusion of the abdominal wall formed in reach of the implant after the 30th week. The implant transformed itself to a scarlike connective-tissue membrane of poor quality in the end. The mechanical function as abdominal wall was not accomplished effectively.