Glutaraldehyde Crosslinked Bovine Pericardium with and without Ultrasound Therapy for Reconstruction of Abdominal Wall Defects in Rabbits.

Twenty clinically healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits of either sex were randomly divided into three groups (I, II and III). Group I and II consisted of eight animals each and in the control group (III) having four animals. Under ketamine (44mg/kg, IM) and xylazine (5 mg/kg, IM) anaesthesia a full thickness abdominal wall defect (2x3 cm) was created and immediately repaired with 0.5% glutaraldehyde treated bovine pericardium in groups I and II. In control group the defect was repaired by autograft. In group II ultrasound therapy was given at the repair site from day 3 postoperative at the rate of 0.5 watt/cm2 for 5 minutes for two weeks on alternate day. The rectal temperature remained significantly higher in all the groups for 3 days. The swelling, exudation, warmth and pain were maximum at day 1 and then became normal by 6-7 days. Significant rise in neutrophils with reduction in lymphocytes was seen for 7 days in all groups. The grafts were very well taken up by host without any immune reaction. Ultrasound therapy reduced the adhesions in group II. Hexosamine level reduced in all the groups at day 21. Collagen, hydroxyproline and elastin increased at day 21. Changes in zinc and copper was statistically non significant. Rise in glucose and alkaline phosphatase were although significant but transient. Normal inflammatory cellular reaction was seen in all groups The healing was seen without any complication in all groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]