OC-023 USING FIBROBLAST MEDIATED MATRIX CONTRACTION TO TEST MESH SHRINKAGE - A PROTOTYPE FOR IN VITRO MESH TESTING. (13th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Whitehead-Clarke, T; Khader, R; Kureshi, A; Mudera, V
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 109(2022)Supplement 7
• Publication Date: 2022-10-13
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac308.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Background/Aim: Measuring how hernia meshes shrink after implantation is a commonly used parameter in in vivo mesh testing. We aim to use fibroblast populated collagen matrices (FPCMs) and their contraction to assess how different meshes shrink. Methods/Materials: 1 millilitre circular FPCMs were formed in 24 well plates. Different hernia meshes were placed halfway through the FPCMs so that they were embedded. Matrices were seeded with immortalised human fibroblasts, allowed to set and then separated form the well plate using a sterile needle. Gels were cultured in fibroblast media at 37 degrees 5% CO2 for seven days and were allowed to contract naturally. Each day, photographs were taken and the area of the collagen and the mesh were calculated. Results: When comparing collagen contraction with/without hernia mesh, It was noted that significantly greater contraction was observed without mesh - which hampered collagen contraction. When comparing meshes, It was noted that a lightweight mesh with larger pores lead to greater collagen contraction (54% Vs 45%) and greater mesh shrinkage (55% Vs 20%) compared to heavyweight mesh with smaller pores. Conclusion: We present a cheap, standardised and unique technique for measuring mesh contraction in vitro.