Efficacy of Polypropylene Mesh Coated with Bioresorbable Membrane (Sepramesh) for the Repair of Abdominal Wall Defects in Horses

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the use of Polypropylene mesh (Prolene) and Sepramesh, a coated Polypropylene mesh with a protective layer of Seprafilm on its visceral side, for the repair of abdominal wall defects in horses. We also aimed to quantify the consequent visceral adhesion and tissue inflammation. Study Design: Experimental study. Animal Population: Ten horses. Methods: The horses were divided into the control group, where a 4×8 cm defect was created through the midline of the abdomen and repaired with polypropylene mesh, and the experimental group, where the same defect was made and closed sepramesh. Both meshes were placed intraperitoneally and sutured to the cut margins of peritoneum and the opponeurosis of external abdominal oblique muscle contacting in viscera in a tensionfree technique. Results: The severity and extent of adhesions were significantly lower in the experimental group (B) than the control group (A) (P<0.05). Horses that received a Polypropylene mesh experienced higher levels of inflammation, both on the day of operation and at two weeks, but significant differences were not apparent after 4 weeks. Conclusions: This study confirmed the advantages of Sepramesh over Polypropylene mesh in the repair of abdominal wall defects in horses. Clinical Relevance: There are many causes of abdominal wall defects in horses, including congenital and traumatic. This experiment suggests that the use of Sepramesh could strengthen the healing of abdominal wounds, prevent incisional hernias, and reduce intraabdominal adhesions.