Publication:

Which mesh should be used to repair abdominal wall defect in peritonitis? An experimental study

Background In this study, following the Bogota bag closure of abdominal wall defects created in a rat peritonitis model, the short-term efficacy of polypropylene (PP) mesh (Prolene®, Ethicon), PP Mesh+Seprafilm®, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mesh [Infinit® Mesh (Gore)] and expanded PTFE (ePTFE) [Dualmesh®plus(Gore)] in the permanent repair of the defects was investigated.

Methods 64 rats were used. The rats were randomized into four groups, each consisting of 16 subjects: PP mesh (Group 1), PP mesh+Seprafilm (Group 2), PTFE mesh (Group 3), and ePTFE mesh (Group 4). Laparotomy was performed and abdominal wall defects were created. Contamination of the peritoneal cavity was induced, and closure was undertaken using a Bogota bag. After three days, the Bogota bag was removed, and materials were placed. At the end of the follow-up period, the rats were sacrificed. Mortality, grade of adhesion, surgical site infection (SSI), and tensile strength were evaluated.

Results Mortality was calculated as 6.3%, 50%, 25%, and 0% for Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (p=0.002). Adhesion was observed at a rate of 61.1% in Group 1 and 38.9% in Group 2 (p=0.621). There was no adhesion in Groups 3 and 4 (p=0.001). The rate of SSI was 68.8% in Group 1, %75% in Group 2, and 100% in Groups 3 and 4 (p=0.022). Tensile strength was 2196±193.6 g/cm in Group 1 and 1906±142.1 g/cm in Group 2 (p=0.258).

Conclusions We argue that PP mesh is a suitable prosthesis for the permanent repair of contaminated abdominal wall defects despite the increased adhesion risk.