[Biologic material for closure of abdominal wall defects]

A new preparation process was studied which should allow the implantation of collagen type I in its native structure in reconstructive surgery, in this special case for closure of incisional hernias. As experimental animals we used 30 female Lewis rats. A defect of the anterior abdominal wall - measuring 3 X 4 cm - was closed with our collagen substitute. Biopsies were taken after 4, 6 and 8 weeks and examined morphologically. As criteria for revitalization and revascularisation we used type of immigrated cells, depth and density of immigration and formation of new blood vessels. After 4 weeks the implants were immigrated by fibroblasts, density diminishing towards the centre. On the muscle-implant-interface good revascularisation could be seen. After 6 weeks density of immigrated cells has distinctly increased even in the centre of the collagen implant. Sporadically small vessels could be seen. Eight weeks after implantation density of immigrated cells was at the same high level, and capillary bundles could be seen within the whole implant. We think that the studied collagen implant is suitable for the closure of hernias as shown by its physical and morphological properties. Especially it seems to guarantee an earlier and tighter closure of hernias in comparison to other materials.