[Use of allogenic acellular dermal matrix in abdominal wall hernia and defect repair in 31 cases]

To summarize the clinical effect of allogenic acellular dermal matrix in repair of abdominal wall hernia and defect.

The clinical data were analyzed retrospectively from 31 patients with abdominal wall hernia and defect repaired by allogenic acellular dermal matrix between March 2007 and November 2009. There were 19 males and 12 females with an age range of 10-70 years (median, 42 years), including 6 abdominal wall defects caused by abdominal wall tumor resection, 4 patches infection after abdominal wall hernia repair using prosthetic mesh, 2 incisional hernia, 1 parastomal hernia, 1 recurrent parastomal hernia receiving mesh repair, 1 mesh infection caused by parastomal hernia repair using prosthetic patch, 3 mesh infection caused by tension free inguinal after hernia repair, and 13 inguinal hernia. There were 12 patients with contaminated or infectious wound. The disease duration was from 1 to 34 months (6 months on average). The defect size of abdominal wall ranged from 6 cm x 4 cm to 19 cm x 10 cm. Abdominal wall hernia or defect underwent repair using allogenic acellular dewall matrix.

Of the 31 patients, 29 patients recovered with primary wound healing. Chronic sinus tract occurred in 1 patient and the wound was cured by change dressing. Wound dehiscence and patch exposure occurred in 1 patient, and second healing was achieved after change dressing. All the 31 patients were followed up 6-36 months, no abdominal wall hernia or hernia recurrence occurred in other patients except 1 patient who had abdominal bulge. And no foreign body sensation or chronic pain in wound area occurred.

It is feasible and safe to use allergenic acellular dermal matrix patch for repair of abdominal wall hernia or soft tissue defect, especially in contaminated or infectious wound.