Fig 1.
Images of the abdominal hernia model.
1A. Schematic showing the different layers of the abdominal wall and mesh placement. 1B. Photograph of implantation of the PP/PLA mesh. 1C. Schematic of full thickness defect and mesh placement.
Fig 2.
Images taken at euthanization (180 days) frontal view showing normal wound healing of PP mesh with skin (Fig 2A) and without skin (Fig 2B); frontal view showing mesh erosion in a PP mesh (Figs 2C and D). Fig 2 D (sagittal view) and F (frontal view) showing herniation of a PLA mesh.
Fig 3.
Biomechanical properties in rats implanted with PP and PP/PLA.
A. Breaking load after 15, 90 and 180 days. B. Stiffness after 15, 90 and 180 days. C Deformation after 15, 90 and 180 days of implantation. Data are mean ± SD of n = 6 animals/ group *: p< 0.05.
Fig 4.
Macrophage staining in explanted meshes.
A PP mesh with CD68 staining after 15 days. B. PP/PLA mesh with CD68 staining after 15 days. C. PP mesh with CD68 staining after 180 days. D. PP/PLA mesh with CD68 staining after 15, 90 and 180 days. Scale bars are 100 µm.
Fig 5.
Histological properties in rats implanted with PP and PP/PLA.
A. CD68 staining percentage after 15, 90 and 180 days. B. Collagen I staining percentage after 15, 90 and 180 days. C. Collagen III staining percentage after 15, 90 and 180 days. D. Collagen ratio (%) after 15, 90 and 180 days of implantation. Data are mean ± SD of n = 6 animals/ group *: p< 0.05.