[Surgery of a large ventral hernia using Gore-tex]

Severe intraabdominal sepsis, i.e. perforating peritonitis or necrotizing pancreatitis with complications sometimes call for very aggressive surgery such as the method of temporary closure of the abdominal cavity with repeated revisions. This frequently leads to the development of extensive ventral hernia. The latter develops as a rule at a site where it is impossible to suture the aponeurotic part of the abdominal wall (it is too retracted or lacking) and the use of a synthetic mesh for its reconstruction is not possible for some reason. After elimination of the temporary closure thus only resuture of the skin and subcutaneous layer is made. The author demonstrates on two cases one of the possible operations of a thus developed major hernia, where a Gore-tex patch was used. This material meets best the demands laid on a permanent "substitute" of the abdominal wall. Its wider use is unfortunately prevented by its high price.