Biotechnology in surgery: polypropylene meshes incorporated with chitosan and antibiotics in the treatment of peritoneotomy in rats - preliminary study

Introduction: Surgical meshes are common in peritoneostomies to control damage and reduce mortality in critically ill patients. The use of chitosan provides anti-adherence to the polypropylene mesh and the addition of antibiotics reduces the rate of infections. Objective: To create and test biocompatible film involving chitosan associated or not with antibiotics, by nanotechnology, and to identify adhesions when in direct contact with the abdominal viscera. Methods: In vivo experimentation in Wistar rats, with random division, according to the Reduce, Refine and Replace principles. In two of the four groups, there was an association of antimicrobial on the mesh. One animal from each group had the greater omentum removed. In the end, the animals were killed without suffering. Results: There was no adhesion between the polypropylene mesh and the viscera. Granulation tissue and total incorporation of the material under test were observed, indicative of biocompatibility. Two animals in the group without antibiotics developed ulceration. Discussion: The sustainable and low-cost experiment represents an advance in Biotechnology and an alternative in the care of patients undergoing peritoniostomy, after industrial refinement. Conclusion: Polypropylene meshes with chitosan proved to be effective in terms of non-visceral adherence. Even without the great omentum, there was no rejection, demonstrating the biocompatibility of the nanotechnology used.