Use of Teflon mesh for repair of abdominal wall defects in neonates

Since 1975, we have employed Teflon mesh sutured to the fascial rim in four newborns with giant omphaloceles, with approximation of skin flaps over the mesh. By stabilizing the anterior abdominal wall, the Teflon mesh has prevented formation of large ventral hernias. The mesh has been retained in place for a year or longer, until the growth of the child permits excision of the prosthesis and fascial approximation without difficulty. A similar technique has been successfully employed in a fifth neonate following transabdominal correction of congenital bilateral eventration of the diaphragm to avoid unacceptable increase in intra-abdominal pressure with primary closure of the abdominal wall. The Teflon mesh appears ideally suited for this technique. It is well incorporated into the fascial rim with minimal foreign body reaction. At the time of secondary repair, the mesh can easily excised from the smooth underlying pseudomembrane covering the bowel. All infants achieved stable abdominal walls by this technique. Three patients have undergone excision of the Teflon mesh and fascial repair at 12, 15, and 36 mo of age without difficulty.