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Peer-reviewedCC BY 4.0Anz Journal of Surgery

Uses of Bovine Pericardium in General Surgery

  • William A. Ziaziaris1,2,3
  • Makaela Bowman2,4
  • Paul D. Morris2,4
  • Kilian G. M. Brown1,2,3,5
  • Michael J. Solomon1,2,3,5
  • Jerome M. Laurence2,3,4,5
5 affiliations
  1. 1Department of Colorectal Surgery Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney NSW Australia
  2. 2Institute of Academic Surgery (IAS), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney NSW Australia
  3. 3Surgical Outcomes Research Centre (SOuRCe), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney NSW Australia
  4. 4Department of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney NSW Australia
  5. 5Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
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Abstract

Background: Bovine pericardium (BP) is increasingly utilised in complex surgical reconstruction because of its favourable biological and mechanical properties. Although widely used in cardiovascular surgery, its role in general surgery remains less well characterised.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted to synthesise available evidence regarding the biological properties, preparation methods, tissue integration and clinical applications of BP in general surgery.

Results: BP demonstrates favourable tensile strength, low antigenicity, and reliable biocompatibility. Available evidence, largely from observational studies and small case series, supports its use across a variety of general and subspecialty surgical settings including vena cava and portal vein reconstruction, diaphragmatic hernia repair, abdominal wall reconstruction, and arteriovenous fistula formation. Compared with synthetic grafts, BP may offer advantages in contaminated or infected fields, although comparative data is limited. Tissue integration varies according to preparation technique, with decellularised grafts demonstrating improved cellular infiltration and reduced calcification. Novel applications, including reconstructing the empty pelvis after exenteration, are emerging.

Conclusion: BP is a durable and individually adaptable biomaterial with expanding applications in general surgery. Its favourable handling characteristics and biological integration make it a valuable adjunct in complex reconstructions, although further studies are required to better define its long‐term outcomes and comparative effectiveness.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{ziaziaris2026uses,
  title = {{Uses of Bovine Pericardium in General Surgery}},
  author = {William A. Ziaziaris and Makaela Bowman and Paul D. Morris and Kilian G. M. Brown and Michael J. Solomon and Jerome M. Laurence},
  journal = {Anz Journal of Surgery},
  year = {2026},
  month = jul,
  doi = {10.1111/ans.70833},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1111/ans.70833},
  note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Uses of Bovine Pericardium in General Surgery
AU  - William A. Ziaziaris
AU  - Makaela Bowman
AU  - Paul D. Morris
AU  - Kilian G. M. Brown
AU  - Michael J. Solomon
AU  - Jerome M. Laurence
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/07/06
JO  - Anz Journal of Surgery
DO  - 10.1111/ans.70833
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1111/ans.70833
AB  - Background: Bovine pericardium (BP) is increasingly utilised in complex surgical reconstruction because of its favourable biological and mechanical properties. Although widely used in cardiovascular surgery, its role in general surgery remains less well characterised.  Methods: A narrative review was conducted to synthesise available evidence regarding the biological properties, preparation methods, tissue integration and clinical applications of BP in general surgery.  Results: BP demonstrates favourable tensile strength, low antigenicity, and reliable biocompatibility. Available evidence, largely from observational studies and small case series, supports its use across a variety of general and subspecialty surgical settings including vena cava and portal vein reconstruction, diaphragmatic hernia repair, abdominal wall reconstruction, and arteriovenous fistula formation. Compared with synthetic grafts, BP may offer advantages in contaminated or infected fields, although comparative data is limited. Tissue integration varies according to preparation technique, with decellularised grafts demonstrating improved cellular infiltration and reduced calcification. Novel applications, including reconstructing the empty pelvis after exenteration, are emerging.  Conclusion: BP is a durable and individually adaptable biomaterial with expanding applications in general surgery. Its favourable handling characteristics and biological integration make it a valuable adjunct in complex reconstructions, although further studies are required to better define its long‐term outcomes and comparative effectiveness.
SN  - 1445-1433
SN  - 1445-2197
ER  -