Correlation between shrinkage and infection of implanted synthetic meshes using an animal model of mesh infection

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis The aim of this study was to evaluate a link between mesh infection and shrinkage. Methods Twenty-eight Wistar rats were implanted with synthetic meshes that were either non-absorbable (polypropylene (PP), n=14) or absorbable (poly (D,L-lactic acid) (PLA94), n=14). A validated animal incisionnal abdominal hernia model of mesh infection was used. Fourteen meshes (n=7 PLA94 and n=7 PP meshes) were infected intraoperatively with 10e6 CFU Escherichia coli, and compared with 14 non-infected meshes (n=7 PLA94 and n=7 PP meshes) (control groups). Explantations were performed on day 30. Shrinkage was evaluated by a reproducible numerical analysis of mesh area. Infection and histological study were evaluated on day 30.Results Non-infected meshes were less shrunk than infected meshes for both non-absorbable (5.0±1.7% versus 21.6±6.1%, p<0.05) and absorbable meshes (2.4±0.9% versus 11.0±2.5%, p<0.05). Conclusion This study highlights a link between infection and shrinkage in the model used.

Experimental study on synthetic and biological mesh implantation in a contaminated environment

“…Contraction of this capsule was probably the cause of shrinkage, which might have been more pronounced in the small meshes used in the present experiment compared with the much larger meshes used clinically. Of the macroporous meshes, the plain polypropylene Parietene ® showed the most shrinkage (15 per cent after 90 days), confirming experimental results32, 33.…”

3D reconstruction of MR‐visible Fe3O4‐mesh implants: Pelvic mesh measurement techniques and preliminary findings

“…However, our measurements of mesh size reduction in early postoperative follow‐up examinations are higher than reported by Letouzey et al, with 30%, 65%, and 85% mesh contraction at 3‐, 6‐, and 8‐year ultrasound follow‐up, respectively . Other reasons for a shorter measured postoperative mesh length include failed tension‐free mesh insertion with resulting intraoperative folding and a higher local infection status of the surgical site . Another possible explanation for mesh folding could be that the original design's dimension is larger than needed to fit the anatomical conditions of the patient.…”

A preclinical evaluation of polypropylene/polylacticacid hybrid meshes for fascial defect repair using a rat abdominal hernia model

“…All photos were taken with the same camera (Canon EOS 400D digital), at the same resolution (1880X2816 pixels) and at the same distance (40cm) as previously reported [18]. The measurements of the mesh area were done with Image J software, using the blue polypropylene stitches as landmarks.…”