Limitations of synthetic
biomaterials for abdominal wall repair have led investigators to seek naturally derived matrices, such as human acellular dermis, because of their excellent biocompatibility and their ability to naturally interface with host tissues with minimal tissue response. In this study, we investigated two different
biomaterials derived from human dermis (
FlexHD acellular dermis and
FlexHD acellular dermis-thick) in a rabbit
abdominal hernia repair model. One quarter of the abdominal wall was replaced with each
biomaterial, and the animals were followed for up to 24 weeks. Rabbit
hernias repaired with
AlloDerm, a commercially available acellular dermal matrix, and
sham operated animals served as controls. Retrieved samples of these implants were assessed grossly and histologically.
Collagen production measurements and tension studies were performed.
FlexHD acellular dermis,
FlexHD acellular dermis-thick, and
AlloDerm maintained their strength in the rabbit
hernia repair model with no incidence of
hernia formation or bowel adhesion. The exact size measurements at 24 weeks were 217.0 +/- 20.9% for
FlexHD acellular dermis, 200.8 +/- 23.5% for
FlexHD acellular dermis-thick, and 209.7 +/- 32.9% for
AlloDerm. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation showed excellent integration and tissue formation. All
biomaterials studied harbored cells that produced new
collagen fibers, and a six-fold increase in these fibers was observed at 24 weeks. This study shows that acellular
biomaterials derived from human dermis are suitable for
abdominal hernia repair.