Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
Use of a Rat Model to Study Ventral Abdominal Hernia Repair
Published on: October 2, 2017
Comparison of two composite meshes using two fixation devices in a porcine laparoscopic ventral hernia repair model
A J Duffy1, N J Hogle, K M LaPerle
1Minimal Access Surgery Center Department of Surgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
Introduction:
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair uses tacks to secure mesh. The mesh is designed to maximize tissue ingrowth while minimizing adhesions. We hypothesized: (1) a collagen-coated polyester mesh (PCO) will form fewer adhesions than an ePTFE-polypropylene composite (BC) and (2) absorbable tacks are equivalent to metal tacks.
Methods:
In a porcine model of adhesion formation, three pieces of 10x15-cm mesh were placed on the anterior abdominal wall. PCO was secured with absorbable (PLA) or metal tacks (PT), BC with PT. At 28 days, adhesion formation, abdominal-wall adherence, and tissue ingrowth were analyzed.
Results:
PCO induced fewer adhesions (14.5% vs 53.4%, P = 0.007). On an adhesion scale (0 5), BC scored 3.6 vs 1.75 for PCO (P < 0.03). There was no difference in adhesion strength, tack adhesions, or abdominal-wall peel force. Histology showed equal ingrowth.
Conclusions:
PCO induces fewer adhesions than BC. There is no difference in the ingrowth of the two mesh types. The PLA achieves equivalent mesh incorporation to the PT.
