Changes in tensile strength of cadaveric human fascia lata after implantation in a rabbit vagina model

Purpose: We determined changes in tensile properties after vaginal implantation of human cadaveric fascia lata. Materials and Methods: Baseline tensile properties were determined for freeze-dried, gamma irradiated human cadaveric fascia lata from 3 separate lots. Fascial strips (2 X 0.5 cm.) from 2 lots were implanted between the rectovaginal membrane and vaginal mucosa in New Zealand white rabbits. The strips were excised en bloc 12 weeks after implantation. Tensile property measurements were repeated and compared with pre-implantation values. Results: Pre-implantation interlot and intralot variability in baseline tensile properties was significant. After implantation there was an approximate 90% decrease in tensile strength from baseline values. There was no gross evidence of graft autolysis. Conclusions: The decrease in tensile strength of cadaveric fascial. graft was significant after implantation in this model.