Repair of fascia with polyglycolic acid mesh cultured with fibroblasts--experimental study.

In the present study polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh was used for repair of fascial defects experimentally made in rats. In the experimental group fibroblasts were cultured on the mesh before implantation and in the control group the mesh alone was used. Rats were sacrificed 7, 14, 28 and 60 days after the implantation of the mesh. Tissues were examined microscopically and for hydroxyproline content. Microscopically good incorporation of the mesh was noted in both the control and experimental groups. However, it seems that in the experimental group earlier dissolution of the mesh occurred. The hydroxyproline content was higher in the experimental group after 7 (statistically not significant) and 14 days (p < 0.05) and in the control group after 28 (p < 0.025) and 60 days (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the use of PGA mesh with cultured fibroblasts might have a beneficial effect on wound healing.