Complex abdominal wall repair using a porcine dermal matrix

Management of complex abdominal defects remains a significant challenge for many surgeons, especially in contaminated fields. Currently, available biosynthetic grafts include human cadaveric dermis (AlloDerm), porcine dermal (Permacol and Strattice), and submucosal (Surgisis) sources. All these grafts are composed of an acellular collagen scaffold to provide a bridge for tissue incorporation and neovascularization. The authors describe a case report of a woman who required dual mesh explantation and successive reparative surgery using a porcine dermal matrix for a complex and infected abdominal wound. Twelve months postdischarge the patient remains well, she is pain free, and she returned home to full activities with complete wound closure and without any evidence of residual or recurrent hernia. The patient was satisfied with her cosmetic results. In conclusion, the authors' experience shows that the use of Permacol, a porcine dermal matrix, has been successful in treating an infected abdomen and a vast abdominal wall defect.