An ex vivo model using human peritoneum to explore mesh-tissue integration.

Biological compatibility, in terms of implantation of foreign mesh material in hernia surgery, still needs experimental investigation. The present study develops an experimental model using human peritoneum to study the integration between tissue and different mesh material. The ex vivo model using peritoneal tissue was studied with different mesh material, and integration was monitored over time using microscopy. The peritoneal model could be kept viable in culture for several weeks. Cell migration was seen after 7-10 days in culture and could be further monitored over several weeks. The use of a human artificial model environment enabling the investigation of tissue/mesh integration has, to our knowledge, not been described previously. This proof-of-concept model was developed for the investigation of peritoneal biology and the integration between tissue and different mesh material. It has the potential to be useful in studies on other important biological mechanisms involving the peritoneum.