Evaluation of a Novel Absorbable Mesh in a Porcine Model of Abdominal Wall Repair

Background: Bioabsorbable meshes have seen increasing clinical use to reinforce soft tissue, and exist on a spectrum of strength loss versus absorption: several retain their strength for months, but remain in situ for years. Others lose strength fully by 6 weeks. An intermediate profile, with some strength for 3-4 months, but consistent absorption in less than a year, may be an optimal balance of near-Term support and long-Term safety. In this large animal study, we evaluate such a mesh (DuraSorb, SIA), assessing its utility in a porcine model of abdominal wall repair. Methods: Two full-Thickness defects were created in the abdominal walls of nine Yucatan swine via midline approach and repaired preperitoneally with either DuraSorb or long-lasting control mesh (TIGR, Novus Scientific). At 30 days, 3 months, and 1 year, the implantations were assessed by clinical pathology, post-necropsy histopathology, and burst strength testing. Results: No device-Associated complications were found in vivo, at necropsy, or histologically. DuraSorb was well-integrated and vascularized by 30 days. DuraSorb demonstrated minimal/mild inflammation and fibroplasia, and lower inflammatory scores when compared with TIGR at all time points (P < 0.05). Burst strength of the repair sites was higher than adjacent abdominal wall at all time points (P < 0.05). Conclusions: DuraSorb provided durable long-Term support, minimal inflammation, and consistent absorption in this porcine model of abdominal wall repair, as compared to a long-Term control. Clinical data is needed, but these results suggest that this mesh provides adequate structural support while potentially reducing long-Term device reactions.