Utilization of bovine acellular dermal matrix for abdominal wall reconstruction: a retrospective case series

Abdominal wall reconstruction using nonabsorbable synthetic material can be challenging due to the risk for bacterial colonization and subsequent complications. Bioprosthetic materials are a safe alternative that can facilitate soft tissue reconstruction, including abdominal wall repair. To assess the short-term outcomes of using a bovine acellular dermal matrix in contaminated postsurgical wounds, charts of all patients who were managed using the bovine acellular dermal matrix between November 2006 and July 2007 were reviewed. Six related procedures were performed in five patients: two men and three women, median age 61 years (range 50 to 66 years), median body mass index 35 kg/m2 (range 28 to 51 kg/m2). Patients underwent parastomal hernia repair and anterior abdominal wall reconstruction (one patient), reinforcement of colostomy site (one patient), and repair of large anterior abdominal wall defects following bowel resection (three patients). Clinical follow-up was complete on all patients until December 2008. Three of the five patients did not develop any wound-related complications during a median follow-up of 10 months (range 9 to 17 months). The two patients who developed complications (2 months and 10 days postoperatively, respectively) had a body mass index of 42 and 51, respectively, and multiple comorbidities. The authors' initial experience with bovine acellular dermal matrix for various soft tissue reconstruction suggests the product is safe when used in uninfected wounds. Further experience is required to determine the effectiveness, complication profile, and feasibility of using this bioprosthesis in clinical practice and to evaluate its use in infected wounds.