Experimental comparison of abdominal wall repair using different methods of enhancement by small intestinal submucosa graft.

Introduction And Hypothesis: To assess the biomechanical properties of full-thickness abdominal wall defects, either using Native tissues, with or without Overlay, and by substitution of the Defect by small intestinal submucosa mesh.

Methods: Seventy-two rats were divided into three groups according to repair method (Native, Overlay or Defect). At 7, 14, 30, and 90 days, six rats were sacrificed to measure tensile strength, collagen ingrowth, and host response.

Results: Explants had comparable strength at 30 days, the majority rupturing at the interface. Afterwards, the Native group was more resistant than both small intestine submucosa (SIS) groups with a more organized fibrotic scar on histology at 90 days.

Conclusions: SIS augmentation of native tissue repair does not increase strength. Replacement of abdominal wall by SIS is equally strong when compared to the SIS-augmented group; however, materials preferably rupture at the site of the implant itself.