Evaluation of acellular dermis for closure of abdominal wall defects in a rat model.

BACKGROUND Abdominal wall repair can be performed with synthetic or biological materials. Biological materials may reduce the risk of infections and fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate two acellular human dermis products. MATERIALS AND METHODS A rat model was used to compare the two materials. One was prepared using low concentrations of NaOH; the other material was SureDerm, which is commercially available. Full thickness defects were prepared in the abdominal wall and closed with the materials. Rats were sacrificed at 1 or 4 months after operation and the numbers of adhesions to the bowels were scored. Samples were taken for histological analysis and to measure the breaking strength. RESULTS In both groups a good functional integration of the implants with the abdominal wall was observed. There was no adhesion formation with the bowels in the group with the NaOH prototype. In the SureDerm group, 4 out of 7 rats showed only small adhesions at 4 months after operation. Breaking strength of the healed tissue was significantly higher in the NaOH prototype group at 4 months after operation (p < 0.0026). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that both human acellular dermis products may be used in clinical trials for closure of abdominal wall defects.