Influence of temporary abdominal wall repair on the intestinal integrity: an experimental study in the rat.

Background And Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze intestinal integrity after temporary abdominal wall repair with absorbable mesh.

Methods: Rats underwent abdominal wall repair with absorbable mesh or sham operation. Myeloperoxidase-positive cells in the intestinal muscularis were histochemically quantified. Intestinal transit was visualized 48 h after surgery. Local and systemic inflammatory response was measured with TNF-alpha and IL-6 ELISA as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) expression in serum and peritoneal fluid.

Results: Neutrophil count of the intestinal muscularis revealed that infiltration in the mesh-implanted and in the mesh-free animals 48 h postoperatively was similar. Gastrointestinal transit was similarly unaffected 48 h after surgery, with or without mesh implantation. TNF-alpha, IL-6 and MDA concentration in serum and peritoneal fluid showed no significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion: Intestinal contractility and local and systemic inflammatory response remained unaffected. Therefore, absorbable mesh augmentation is a safe and reliable method for temporary repair of the abdominal wall without affecting the intestinal integrity.