Tissue resistance of the tension-free procedure: What about healing?

The aim of our work was to objectify and quantify the mechanical benefits of healing with regards to tearing meshes off of tissues and maximal resistance after cicatrization. In vivo, we tested the mechanical gain in resistance by healing after implantation of a Prolene® mesh. We measured the value of forces when traction was exerted until mobilization at different stages of cicatrization. Resistance increased progressively at the beginning of tissue inclusion. A maximal plateau was reached around the 25th day. It is important to understand the role of sustaining and reinforcement we hope tissue integration of the mesh will play. We can thus adapt procedures to have the best kinetics and maximal resistance of montages. Study of the kinetics and maximal plateau allows us to make the best clinical recommendations. © International Urogynecology Journal 2007.