PARIETAL PERITONEUM GRAFT FOR DUODENUM INJURIES IN AN ANIMAL MODEL

ABSTRACT Background: Duodenal injuries and their surgical procedure cause a high morbidity and mortality. Aim: To assess the overall effectiveness of the auto-graft of peritoneum in the treatment of the perforation of the duodenum, aiming to reduce surgery time, costs, complexity and mortality. Methods: Twelve New Zealand rabbits, ages 4-6 months, both sexes, underwent designed surgical grade III duodenal injuries that were repaired 18 h after. Rabbits were surgically treated with the proposed auto-graft of peritoneum. Results: No postoperative deaths were observed; the animals presented corporal weight increase and were euthanized six months later. There was no significant difference between both groups relating to the postoperative evolution or in the histological changes. Conclusion: Auto-graft of the peritoneum and posterior fascia is a useful option for duodenal repair and that is worth of evaluation for humans.