Experimental evaluation of peritoneum and pericardium as dural substitutes

Although many substances have been tested in the search for an ideal dural substitute, an entirely satisfactory material has still not been found. The authors report an experimental study involving the closure of dural defects in rabbits with biomaterials developed from pig peritoneum and pericardium. Macroscopic and histologic examination, performed over a period between 15 and 45 days after implantation showed slight or no adhesion between the graft material and the cortex. No infection, CSF leakage, fistula or toxicity was noticed. The results demonstrated that these biomaterials could be used as satisfactory dural substitutes.