Histopathological and mechanical properties of different meshes in a rat model of pelvic prolapse surgery

INTRODUCTION: Different types of mesh materials are used to support pelvic structures in urogynecologic procedures. Our aim was to compare histopathological and mechanical effects of Prolene®, UltraPro®, Vypro II®, and Permacol® meshes used in pelvic organ prolapse.
METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups. Group 1 served as a sham-operated control (n=6); Prolene® was used in group 2 (n=6), UltraPro® in group 3 (n=6), Vypro II® in group 4 (n=6), and Permacol® in group 5 (n=6). A 0.5 × 1 cm mesh was placed between the paravaginal tissue and bladder. After 12 weeks, the rats were reoperated and meshes were excised. Histopathological tissue reactions were compared.
RESULTS: The muscle penetration rate was 67% in the Prolene® group, which was significantly higher than that in the other groups (p=0.026). Minimum preserved postoperative surface area was seen with Prolene® at 0.31 cm2 and maximum with UltraPro® at 0.45 cm2, which was statistically significant. UltraPro® had the most preserved postoperative surface area and less shrinkage than the other meshes.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The mesh materials cause an inflammatory reaction in surrounding tissue. Prolene® mesh had superior muscle penetration and tensile strength compared to the other materials.