Study of the Biomechanical Properties of Synthetic Mesh Implanted in Vivo

Objective: The objective was to assess in an animal model the mechanical properties of five prostheses used for pelvic floor repair.

Study Design: Two months after pre-peritoneal implantation of the five types of prosthesis: Prolene, Prolene Soft, Mersuture, Vicryl and Vypro, we sacrificed the animals to measure retraction of the prosthesis, maximal resistance to traction, and maximal elongation.

Results: Non-absorbable prostheses retracted least. Forces at rupture were disparate with a significant difference in favor of Prolene (p<0.001). Resistance was variably affected by cicatrization. There were no significant differences in elongation.

Conclusions: This study is an introductory exploration. Monofilament and macroporous propylene prostheses seem, after implantation, to have the best mechanical performance and best tissue integration. This underlines the need for experimental prostheses, which are increasingly used, but still lack the extensive evaluation needed by the surgeon. Knitted polypropylene seems to be one of the best materials at present, but is probably not sufficient.