Experimentally contaminated reabsorbable meshes: their evolution in abdominal wall defects

Contamination by septic materials may represent an important handicap in evaluating the tolerance of reabsorbable prostheses, increasing the possible onset of abdominal fistulae. This is also the case when these materials are used in the treatment of abdominal wall defects. Nevertheless, reabsorbable meshes exist that allow visceroprosthetic contact without risk, thus making it possible to use them in spite of the presence of infection. We have performed this experimental study with the aim of evaluating the behaviour and evolution of polyglycolic acid reabsorbable meshes contaminated by septic materials in the treatment of abdominal wall defects. For this purpose, 40 Wistar rats were operated and distributed into two series of 20 animals each. Massive mesh contamination by fecaloid material did not jeopardise the fact that prostheses were well tolerated in experimental animals throughout the reabsorption process, without increasing the incidence of infection.