Animal model of chronic abdominal hernia in rabbit.

Purpose: To create a feasible animal model of hernia that should be reliable to test the different types of mesh and/or surgical technique.

Methods: Thirty six male New Zealand albino rabbits were submitted to surgical procedure to provoke a standard hole in the abdominal wall. A metallic frame measuring 3 cm length and 1 cm width was allocated longitudinally on the umbilicus scar and the comprehensive three squared centimeters area was resected. A continuous 4.0 polyamide was performed to closure the subcutaneous and skin.

Results: During three weeks a score of signals/symptoms was performed to evaluate the wound and clinical conditions. No death or severe complications occurred. In the 3rd week the hernia ring and visceral adhesions were evaluated. Soft omental adherences were present in the hernial sac in all animals. The area of hernia ring ranged from 32.1+/-5.5 to 35.6+/-3.1 squared centimeter and the maximum was 39 cm(2) and the minimum was 30 cm(2). The model results in protrusion which was similar to a human incisional hernia with hernia sac, visceral adhesions and fibrous healing ring.

Conclusion: The model was more reliable to test further techniques or mesh on hernia repair.