OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the tensile strength of the preserved bovine peritoneum (PBP) as a surgical mesh in rats ventral hernia. METHODS: Using 57 rats, two mesh materials, the PBP and polypropylene (PP), were compared after implantation in a standardized ventral hernia model (full-thickness abdominal wall defects). After 7 (subgroup A) and 28 (subgroup B) days of implantation, they were removed and tensile strength assessment "in vitro" was performed. One group, with no procedure, just normal abdominal wall, was used as control for tensile strength. The Mann-Whitney and Kruskal- Wallis tests were applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: All animals survived until the end point, but one (PBP group, subgroup B). No recurrence was seen during the period of observation. The mean load required to disrupt the interface were similar in PBP and PP groups, and both were weaker than normal group (p = 0,003) in all periods of observation. CONCLUSION: Preserved bovine peritoneum is a biological mesh that can be used for ventral hernia repair in rat model.
Hernia, Ventral; Surgical mesh; Peritoneum; Models, Animal
