Histological evaluation of the efficiency of human amniotic membrane used in experimental reconstruction of the anterior abdominal wall defects

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of the study was to conduct a morphopathological evaluation of the efficiency of human amniotic membrane used in experimental reconstruction of abdominal wall defects. The study group included 20 Californian rabbits, of both sexes, with the body weight ranging from 2300 to 2500 g. The abdominal wall defect was performed surgically under aseptic conditions resecting a fragment, 10cm x 5cm in size, involving the muscularaponeurotic layer and parietal peritoneum. Animals subjected to the intervention of reconstruction of the anterior abdominal wall defect were divided into 4 groups consisting of 5 animals, depending on the method of implant processing and application. Unabsorbable polyester mesh of Erceokaque type was used in the abdominal wall reconstruction in the control group. The mesh was fixed to the abdominal wall layers but it was not covered by skin. In group 1 there was used the amniotic membrane treated with 0.1% glutaraldehyde protected externally with Stypro preparation. In group 2 there was used the amniotic membrane treated with 0.5% formaldehyde. In lot 3 the cryopreserved amniotic membrane and biological implants were protected by suturing the skin and subcutaneous layer. The study results allowed to conclude that the use of the amniotic membrane as implant, treated with glutaraldehyde and formalin, does not provide a long-term stability, the cryopreserved amniotic membrane having some advantages, namely, implant elasticity and stability of fixation sutures, as well as a marked reparative-regenerative activity. The amniotic membrane may be considered a useful temporary substitute for the peritoneum and a promising non-adherent adjuvant in reconstructive interventions of the abdominal wall defects with a viscero-abdominal disproportion. The obtained results justify the need to continue clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the application of this biological material.