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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Transvaginal Mesh Insertion in the Ovine Model
Published on: July 27, 2017
Effect of estrogen replacement on the histologic response to polypropylene mesh implanted in the rabbit vagina model
Edmund W Higgins1, Arundhati Rao, Shannon S Baumann
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Clinic, Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of estrogen replacement after ovariectomy on the histologic response to polypropylene mesh implanted in rabbit vagina.
Study Design:
Thirty rabbits were assigned to 5 groups: sham laparotomy, ovariectomy, ovariectomy-preoperative estrogen, ovariectomy-postoperative estrogen, or ovariectomy-preoperative and postoperative estrogen. Rabbits underwent sham surgery or ovariectomy and were infused with vehicle or 17beta-estradiol (200 microg/d) for 4 weeks ("preoperative" estrogen). Polypropylene mesh was implanted in the posterior vaginal wall, and rabbits were infused with vehicle or "postoperative" estrogen for an additional 8 weeks. Grafts were harvested and underwent histologic evaluation.
Results:
Vaginal atrophy in ovariectomized rabbits was reversed by estrogen replacement. Scores for inflammation (P = .33) and neovascularization (P = .23) at the graft site were not different among estrogen replacement groups, but estrogen administration was associated with increased collagen deposition (P = .005).
Conclusion:
Estrogen replacement administered for 8 weeks postoperatively increases collagen deposition into polypropylene mesh.
