Comparative evaluation of adhesions to intraperitoneally placed fixation materials: a laparoscopic study in rats: adhesions to fixation materials

Study of the biomechanical response of a prosthetic mesh secured with penetrating and non-penetrating fixations in IPOM ventral hernia repair

INTRODUCTION

Sutures or tacks are commonly used to secure a mesh in intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) hernia repair, but such penetrating fixations can cause local damage, that can be associated with pain. The use of an adhesive could be an alternative to reduce complications. However, a risk associated with this approach has been identified, particularly when the defect cannot be closed. A mesh glued to the peritoneum only might not provide as much mechanical reinforcement to the abdominal wall (AW) as a mesh anchored to the myofascial structure with penetrating fixations, which could lead to an increased recurrence rate. Additionally, the high elasticity of the peritoneum may increase mesh bulging. Leveraging an ex vivo approach, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of mesh fixation using glue versus barbed sutures, on its biomechanical response for IPOM surgery.

METHODS

An experimental method was developed using ex vivo porcine abdominal wall samples (n = 12). A 4-cm centered circular defect was created by dissecting the skin and the subcutaneous tissue and removing muscle and extraperitoneal fat, while keeping the peritoneum intact. A 14-cm diameter mesh was secured (Dermabond™ cyanoacrylate adhesive or V-Loc™ barbed sutures) to the AW. The mesh was placed on the peritoneum to remain consistent with the IPOM placement. The sample was then subjected to some inflation tests to simulate increased levels of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) representing daily activities. For each test, mesh bulging into the defect was assessed as a function of the pressure using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) analysis.

RESULTS

Mesh bulging was studied for 2 configurations: suture fixation and glue. Glued meshes exhibited significantly higher bulging values than when sutured with a significant difference (p = 0.013) observed at 252 mmHg and a certain trend for statistical difference (p < 0.1) for stair climbing or coughing activities. Additionally, the stiffness of the repair was also significantly higher when the mesh was sutured compared to when it was glued to the peritoneum (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that a mesh glued to the peritoneum exhibited higher bulging and a behavior of the repair less stiff compared to when it was sutured to the myofascial structure of the AW, particularly for high intra-abdominal pressures. However, the impact of these differences remains to be evaluated over time. Further preclinical investigations are needed to quantify their impact post-operatively.

Bioadhesive Technology Platforms

Bioadhesives have emerged as transformative and versatile tools in healthcare, offering the ability to attach tissues with ease and minimal damage. These materials present numerous opportunities for tissue repair and biomedical device integration, creating a broad landscape of applications that have captivated clinical and scientific interest alike. However, fully unlocking their potential requires multifaceted design strategies involving optimal adhesion, suitable biological interactions, and efficient signal communication. In this Review, we delve into these pivotal aspects of bioadhesive design, highlight the latest advances in their biomedical applications, and identify potential opportunities that lie ahead for bioadhesives as multifunctional technology platforms.

Atraumatic laparoscopic intraperitoneal mesh fixation using a new laparoscopic device: an animal experimental study

PURPOSE

Laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair (LVIHR) has become a common procedure because of its feasibility and safety, but it is not free of complications. Acute and chronic post-operative pain and bleeding caused by traumatic fixation of the mesh are frequently prolonging the hospital stay. The aim of this study was to analyze the behavior of n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (GLUBRAN^® 2) as only mesh fixation METHODS: Ten female pigs were involved in the study and were divided into two groups of five (A and B). Animals in each group underwent a laparoscopic procedure in which two meshes were placed intraperitoneally and fixed with the same synthetic glue only. Animals in group A were sacrificed after 3 weeks, and those in group B were sacrificed after 12 weeks. We studied the morphological, biomechanical, and histological characteristics of the intraperitoneal mesh-tissue interface RESULTS: No disruption, migration or folding was observed in any of the pigs. In group A, the mean tensile strength was 1.4 N/cm (± 0.2) while in group B, the mean tensile strength was 2.5 N/cm (± 0.8). Histological analyses, in areas where mesh was fixed using the glue, showed a chronic lymphocytic inflammatory reaction with a granulomatous component and a marked desmoplastic reaction made up of immature collagen and numerous fibroblasts acquiring myofibroblastic characteristics. In some areas corresponding to fixation, the desmoplastic reaction originated from mature lamellar bone tissue with osteocytes and osteoblasts.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic mesh fixation with only the synthetic comonomer glue GLUBRAN^® 2 is feasible, effective, and safe in intraperitoneal incisional/ventral hernia repair in this animal model.

Mesh fixation using novel bio-adhesive coating compared to tack fixation for IPOM hernia repair: in vivo evaluation in a porcine model

BACKGROUND

Mesh fixation in hernia repair is currently based on penetrating sutures or anchors, with proven early and late complications such as pain, adhesions, erosions, and anchor migration. In an attempt to reduce these complications, a bio-adhesive-based self-fixation system was developed. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance and safety of this novel self-adhesive mesh (LifeMesh™) by comparing it with standard tack fixation.

METHODS

A full-thickness abdominal wall defect was created bilaterally in 24 pigs. The defects were measured 14 days later, and laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repairs were performed. In each animal, both LifeMesh and a titanium tack-fixed control, either uncoated polypropylene mesh (PP) or composite mesh (Symbotex™), were used. After 28 and 90 days, we performed macroscopic evaluation and analyzed the fixation strength, shrinkage, adhesion scores, and histopathology in all samples.

RESULTS

Measurements at both time points revealed that LifeMesh had fully conformed to the abdominal wall, and that its fixation strength was superior to that of the tack-fixated Symbotex and comparable to that of the tack-fixated PP. Shrinkage in all groups was similar. Adhesion scores with LifeMesh were lower than with PP and comparable with Symbotex at both time points. Histology demonstrated similar tissue responses in LifeMesh and Symbotex. Lack of necrosis, mineralization, or exuberant inflammatory reaction in all three groups pointed to their good progressive integration of the mesh to the abdominal wall. By 28 days the bio-adhesive layer in LifeMesh was substantially degraded, allowing a gradual tissue ingrowth that became the main fixation mode of this mesh to the abdominal wall.

CONCLUSIONS

The excellent incorporation of LifeMesh to the abdominal wall and its superior fixation strength, together with its low adhesion score, suggest that LifeMesh may become a preferred alternative for abdominal wall repair.

May titanium spiral tacks contribute to intra-abdominal adhesion formation?

PURPOSE

To verify if titanium spiral tacks may contribute to intra-abdominal adhesion formation in rabbits.

METHODS

Ten New Zealand white rabbits were used. Through videolaparoscopic surgery two titanium spiral tacks (ProTack(®), Covidien(®)) were applied in the right flank. After 30 days the animals were submitted to evaluate peritoneal cavity by videolaparoscopy.

RESULTS

No adhesion was found where the titanium spiral tacks were placed.

CONCLUSION

Titanium spiral tacks for fixation do not cause adhesions in rabbits.