Journal of Medical Sciences1682-44741812-5727Asian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/jms.2002.7.11TungWong SiewZainolJamaludin PillayA. G. YusofNorimah Mohamad YusofLoqman 1200221The repair of large abdominal wall defects remains a complex surgical problem of insufficient autogenous tissue for adequate abdominal wall closure. The aim of this investigation was to investigate the effectiveness of processed bovine tunica vaginalis, as a biomaterial in repairing such large abdominal wall defects. The rats are used as an experimental models. Twenty-four adult laboratory rats were randomly divided into two equal groups. In the treated group, an abdominal wall defect was created in each animal and then repaired with processed bovine tunica vaginalis. In the control group, a midline incision was made at the abdominal wall muscle and then closed with suture. Macroscopic examination of the abdominal wall showed that there was no evidence of herniation, seroma and distortion of the grafts. Adhesion between the biomaterial and the greater omentum was observed in all animals, but there was no adhesion to the underlying visceral organs. The inflammatory response gradually decreased by time. The biomaterial incorporated in the host tissue by the ingrowth of both collagenous and muscular tissues, and also by the formation of blood vessels and peritoneal lining. This investigation showed that the processed bovine tunica vaginalis can be used as an effective biomaterial to repair large abdominal wall defects.]]>Bauer, J.J., B.A. Salky, M.I. Gelernt and I. Kreel,1987206765769Dumitriu, S.,1994pp: 99-108pp: 99-108Jenkins, S.D., T.W. Klamer, J.J. Parteka and R.E. Condon,198394392398Lamb, J.P., T. Vitale and D.L. Kaminski,198393643648Park, J.B. and R.S. Lakes,19922nd Edn.,pp: 1-6, 223-244pp: 1-6, 223-244Rodgers, B.M., J.W. Maher and J.L. Talbert,1981193606611Takahashi, M., K. Ono, R. Wakakuwa, O. Sato and Y. Tsuchiya et al.,199424468472Werkmeister, J.A., G.A. Edwards, F. Casagranda, J.F. White and J.A.M. Ramshaw,199839429436