FIG. 5.

Comparison of representative tissue reactions to three test mesh articles at 12 weeks of postimplantation. (A) Ch-PPM. (B) PPM (Avaulta Solo, C.R. Bard, Inc.). (C) Col-PPM (Pelvitex; C.R. Bard, Inc.). Ch-PPM (A) is embedded in a narrow band of fibrous connective tissue (black arrows) and the individual fibers are cuffed by a moderate number of macrophages (white arrow heads) and multinucleate giant cells (star). In contrast, the PPM has invoked a severe inflammatory reaction and a wide band of fibrosis (between black arrows) with large foci of dystrophic mineralization (blue arrows). Note the large clusters of plasma cells (black arrow heads) and the numerous multinucleate giant cells (stars). The Col-PPM (C) is embedded in a wider band of fibrosis compared to the Ch-PPM (black arrows), but only a few inflammatory cells are present. All images in the left hand column taken at 4×magnification; scale bar=500 μm. All images in the right hand column taken at 40×magnification; scale bar=50 μm. Color images available online at www.liebertpub.com/tea