In this study, biomembrane of natural latex was utilized to replace a section of the stomach wall of New Zealand rabbits, adult and non-castrated males (n=12), in order to evaluate the tissue repair process in regards to its biocompatility, scar formation ability and possible complications. The animals were euthanized at fifteen, 30 and 60 days post operation, by use of sodium thiopental (200mg kg-1), followed by macroscopic and histopathological analysis of the implant interface with the native tissue. Macroscopically, at fifteen, 30, and 60 days post operation adherence was observed in the serosal wall. At 60 days post operation, the biomembrane is not in the stomach. Under light microscopy, at fifteen and 30 days, discontinuity of muscle layer and mucosa layer, and presence of polimorfonuclear population of inflammatory cells was observed. New vessels and muscle fibers were observed. At 60 days, the mucosa and muscle layers were complete reconstituted. The implants were biocompatible and had provided the mainframe for orientation and development of the tissue layers through repairing processes, thus reestablishing the organ structure.
rabbits; implant; biological membrane; stomach