Evaluation of morphological and biomechanical characteristics of postoperative scar in the area of sublay retromuscular hernioplasty with a bioengineered transplant in an experiment

Background. External abdominal hernias are a common surgical procedure. The use of bioengineered grafts may reduce the incidence of complications associated with mesh prostheses. Objective. To study the morphological structure and biomechanical properties of postoperative scars in laboratory animals after sublay retromuscular hernia repair using a bioengineered graft derived from human cadaveric fascia lata. Material and methods. The study was conducted on 15 rabbits undergoing hernia repair using a bioengineered graft obtained from human cadaveric fascia lata via submersible chemical decellularization. The animals were gradually sacrificed, and postoperative scar tissue was collected for histological examination and assessment of its biomechanical properties. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides were examined to evaluate the white blood cell count, the neutrophil-to-fibroblast ratio per field of view, and vascular ultrastructure. Picrosirius red staining with polarizing microscopy was used to assess the ratio of collagen types I and III. An electromechanical tensile testing machine was used to examine the biomechanical properties of the postoperative scar. Results. As the postoperative period progresses, angiogenesis and arteriogenesis increase, and leukocyte counts in the examined tissues normalize, which may indicate good biological compatibility between the donor and recipient sites of the hernioplasty. The predominance of type I collagen fibers and the increase in fibroblasts in the postoperative scar area, as well as its increasing strength in various directions over time, lead to strengthening of the hernia defect area. Conclusion. This experimental study demonstrates the successful integration of the bioengineered graft into the hernia orifice. The data obtained may be important for the optimization and development of new hernia repair techniques using tissue bioengineering techniques.