Background: The use of synthetic mesh for the repair of major congenital diaphragmatic hernia may cause visceral adhesion to prosthesis and ongoing complications. In present study the use of propylen mesh for the repair of diaphragmatic hernia and its role in eliminating of visceral adhesion to repair site is evaluated.

Materials & Methods: This experimental study was carried out on 20 adult New Zealand rabbits (age: 6 months) assigned randomly into two equal groups. In one group, after laparatomy a defect (size: 1×1 cm) was created on the diaphragm. The suture was then repaired by sterile propylen mesh and nylon suture (thickness: 3/0 - 4/0). In another group, omentum was fixed on the mesh using a nylon suture (thickness: 3/0). After 30 days the two groups were operated and the visceral adhesion to repair site was compared using Mazuji scale.

Results: Nine (90%) out of 10 rabbits with propylen mesh repair had visceral adhesion to the repair site. On classifying the grade of adhesion among the cases, one, three, four and two rabbits were assigned the “0”, “I”, “II”, and “III” grades, respectively. On the other hand, 4 (40%) out of 10 rabbits, in which the diaphragm was repaired by propylen mesh and omentopexy method, visceral adhesion (grade “I”) was seen to the site of repair. The rest of animals displayed no such adhesion.

Conclusions: Omentopexy reduces the visceral adhesion to propylen mesh.