Clinical observation, imaging, and histopathology of 3D polypropylene mesh for abdominal hernia in rabbits

Polypropylene 3D hernia mesh for abdominal hernia repair may trigger foreign body reactions. In this research, we evaluated 3D hernia mesh developed for animal hernia through clinical and hematological, blood biochemistry, imaging through ultrasound, X-ray, and tissue histopathology in rabbits. This research enrolled 10 male New Zealand white rabbits aged 6-9 months weighing 1-2 kg divided into 2 groups, which were sham (without implant) and implant group (with 3D hernia mesh). The 1st surgical created hernia defect by incision on the abdominal muscle 4 cm long which was left for 2nd weeks. The 2nd surgical closed the hernia defect by auto-tissue (sham) and by 3D hernia mesh from polypropylene. Evaluation on hematology, blood biochemistry, and imaging through ultrasound and X-ray of the 3D hernia mesh were performed on day 6th, 12th and 24th after implant. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation on the tissue around 3D mesh were performed on day 24th, 48th, and 96th after implant. Examination of hematology and blood chemistry profile showed that 3D mesh trigger minimum response from the body. The result of tissue imaging around 3D mesh showed radiopaque density with hernia defect completely closed without severe exudative inflammation and hyperechoic echogenicity. The microscopic examination of peritoneum muscle layer around the 3D mesh did not show severe pathological reaction. Histopathological examination on day 96th after implant still found inflammatory cell around the surgical stitches. The use of 3D hernia mesh is safe and viable to close abdominal hernia based on comparative study in rabbit.