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Reconstruction of diaphragm using autologous fascia lata: an experimental study in dogs
Kazuya Suzuki1, Tsuyoshi Takahashi, Yasushi Itou
1First Department of Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Handayama, Japan. kazuya36@hama-med.ac.jp
Background:
We investigated whether fascia lata is an appropriate material for reconstruction of the diaphragm.
Methods:
A diaphragmatic defect (2 cm by 5 cm) was reconstructed with a patch of autologous fascia lata in the experimental group (n = 12) and with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in the control group (n = 12). Maximal tensile strength at the sutured region was measured serially.
Results:
The maximal tensile strength at the sutured region reconstructed with the fascia lata was 1.14 +/- 0.50 kgf 15 days and 2.04 +/- 0.94 kgf 30 days after operation. The values were higher than those of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (p < 0.0001). These values of fascia lata were close to the original maximal tensile strength of the muscular region of the diaphragm (1.52 to 1.66 kgf).
Conclusions:
Reconstruction of diaphragm using autologous fascia lata is safe, easy, and inexpensive, and provides smooth wound healing. The only disadvantage is the necessity of a femoral incision for harvest; nevertheless, it may be worthwhile to use fascia lata in clinical trials to further assess its suitability as a reconstruction material.