Experimental use of a cellulosic biopolymer as a new material for suburethral sling in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence

PURPOSE To analyze the interaction between the cellulose exopolysaccharide (CEC) and urethral tissue when used as a pubovaginal sling. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty Wistar rats were divided into four groups. In groups A and B the cellulose exopolysaccharide (CEC) was implanted around the urethral tissue (bladder neck below the upper margin) and the rats were sacrificed at 30 and 90 days. Similar procedure was used in groups C and D using a polypropylene mesh. After sacrifice bladder and urethra were sent for histological analysis. The histological parameters (inflammatory reaction) by evaluated by quantitative analysis. For collagen deposition analysis it was used stereological method. RESULTS The cellulose exopolysaccharide (CEC) was inert and well preserved at the implanted region at the time of examination. Morphologic alterations were not found at the CEC implant but some reactions of foreign body type were observed at the adjacent structures. In some areas a process of neovascular formation was observed. Stereological analysis at the suburethral area showed a significant difference in collagen presence in favor of CEC. CONCLUSIONS The CEC implant showed adequate results when used as a suburethral sling with good integration to the host tissue, preserving its architecture.