Poly-Ɛ-caprolactone nanofibers in incisional hernia prevention – rabbit model experiment
B. East, M. Plencner, Z. Tonar, M. Otáhal, E. Prosecká, M. Rampichová, T. Krejčí, A. Litvinec, M. Buzgo, A. Míčková, A. Nečas, J. Hoch, E. Amler
Moderator(s): Rene Fortelny (Vienna, Austria) & Salvador Morales Conde (Sevilla, Spain)
12:00 - 12:15h
at Jurriaanse Zaal
Categories: Session 2. Experimental research
Parallel session: Session 2. Experimental research
Introduction:
Incisional hernia is a dark chapter of surgery with high incidence and recurrence rates. Electrospun nanofibers have been used in tissue engineering applications in last decade due to their low cost and good biocompatibility. Architecture of these fibres can mimic natural extracellular matrix and support the adherence and growth of fibroblasts. Question was if these fibres can speed up the process of fascia healing.
Material and methods:
Poly-Ɛ-caprolactone was electrospun and used by itself or in a combination with standard polypropylene mesh and growth factors. 27 Chinchilla rabbits were divided into six groups based on the type of the implant. Midline abdominal incision was repaired using one of the compared materials. Simple suture served as a control. 6 weeks post-surgery animals were sacrificed and their abdominal wall was subjected to histological and biomechanical testing.
Results:
Both - hysteresis and maximum strength curves showed high elasticity and strength in groups where the novel implant was used. Prolene mesh proved as stiff and fragile compared to other groups. Histological analysis revealed better biocompatibility and healing acceleration in samples where nanofibers were implanted.
Conclusion:
Electrospun poly-Ɛ-caprolactone nanofibers have proven to have a positive effect on fascia healing and showed as promising material for further testing in this application.
