The Effect of Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells to Abdominal Wall Fascia Defects in Rats: An Experimental Study

Objective Various synthetic and biological meshes have been developed to reduce recurrence and complications in ventral incisional hernia repairs. Adipose tissue is a rich reserve for mesenchymal stromal cells. In the present study we aimed to examine the effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD-MSCs) on abdominal incisional hernia repairs in rats. Materials and Methods The study involved 32 male Wistar-Albino rats, weighing 200-250 g, which were divided into three groups. In Group 1 (control group) only an incisional hernia model was created. In Group 2, the incisional hernia model was created and 1 ml stromal vascular fraction (SVF), obtained from inguinal lipectomy material and containing mesenchymal stromal cells, was injected into the edges of the defect in the same session. In Group 3, only the incisional hernia model was created in the first stage and after 14 days, 1 ml of SVF was injected into the edges of the defect. Skin incisions of rats in Group 1 and 2 were opened on postoperative day 28 while in group 3 were opened on day 42. Peritoneal formation in abdominal wall defect was evaluated macroscopically and histopathologically. Results Peritoneal formation was significantly superior in Groups 2 and 3 than in Group 1 (p: 0.031). In histopathological evaluation, the structural distortion and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) levels were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 3 (p: 0.048 and p: 0.046, respectively). Granulation, capillary density, fibrosis and collagen organization were higher in Group 2 and 3, however this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions Adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cells obtained from inguinal lipectomy material in rats positively affect the repair of abdominal incisional hernias by increasing peritoneal formation, and reducing structural distortion and PMNL infiltration.