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Updated: Jun 28, 2025

Transvaginal Mesh Insertion in the Ovine Model
Published on: July 27, 2017
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Reconstruction with the Chitosan-Based Novel Haemostatic Agent in Ovine Model-Preliminary
Klaudia Stangel-Wójcikiewicz1, Maciej Murawski2, Tomasz Schwarz3
1Department of Gynecology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul. Kopernika 23, 31-501 Kraków, Poland.
Abstract:
This prospective study aimed to assess the feasibility of chitosan biomaterial and subcutaneous gel implantation in an ovine model, with implications for women with genital prolapse. Twenty-four ewes were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group): chitosan type B, chitosan type C, chitosan unmodified injections, and polypropylene mesh. Ovine models were chosen due to their morphological resemblance to human reproductive organs. Animals were sacrificed after 90 days for macroscopic, pathomorphological, and immunohistochemical analysis. In the chitosan type B group, IL-6 and IL-10 levels decreased after 28 days, while chitosan type C and injection groups exhibited higher IL-6 than IL-10 levels. The polypropylene group displayed the highest IL-6 and lowest IL-10 levels. Histological examination of the polypropylene group revealed no degenerative changes or inflammation, whereas chitosan injection induced local inflammation. Other groups exhibited no degenerative changes. Ewes implanted with chitosan displayed reduced inflammation compared to polypropylene-implanted ewes. Chitosan implantation facilitated vaginal tissue healing, in contrast to polypropylene mesh, which led to extrusion. While chitosan holds promise as an alternative to polypropylene mesh, further research is imperative for comprehensive evaluation. This study suggests the potential of a chitosan biomaterial in pelvic organ prolapse treatment, warranting additional investigation.

