Closure of massive abdominal wall defects in adults

Large full-thickness abdominal wall defects may be satisfactorily closed with the temporary use of prosthetic mesh. Within two weeks after placing silastic mesh directly over exposed bowel, a membrane forms below the mesh. When the membrane thickens, central eliptical portions of the mesh are progressively excised, diminishing the size of the defect. Eventually, the mesh may be removed and the defect closed primarily or repaired with permanent prosthetic mesh.