Management of complex abdominal wall defects using acellular porcine dermal collagen

Multiple techniques have been used for the repair of complex abdominal wall defects after recurrent incisional hernias with varying rates of success. Primary repair has been associated with high recurrence rates, and prosthetic mesh placement is contraindicated in contaminated surgical fields. The development of biologic prostheses has changed the approach to these difficult problems. This study evaluates the management of complex abdominal wall defects using acellular porcine dermal collagen. Between August 2006 and May 2007, 18 patients underwent abdominal wall reconstruction for complex defects with acellular porcine dermal collagen (CollaMend; Bard Inc., Warwick, RI). Patient demographics, preoperative risk factors, previous herniorrhaphy attempts, postoperative complications, recurrences, and long-term results were retrospectively reviewed. Records were reviewed at a mean follow up of 7.3 months; the recurrence rate was 44.4 per cent. A total of 38.9 per cent (seven of 18) developed a postoperative wound complications, including infection in 22.2 per cent (four of 18). All of the patients with infection required prosthesis removal as a result of encapsulation rather than incorporation of the biologic prosthesis. Acellular porcine dermal collagen has the potential for reconstruction of abdominal wall defects with postoperative wound occurrences comparable with other biologic materials. Encapsulation of the material was a major problem in cases with wound infection that required graft removal rather than local wound measures. Hernia recurrence and dehiscence of the graft were problems in noncompromised surgical fields.