Abdominal wall defects: use of internal supporting materials

ABSTRACT

The Use of Internal Supporting Material as a strengthening device in case of abdominal wall defects is reported in 19 cases, spread over a period of 6 years. Marlex Mesh was used in 14 cases, Teflon Mesh in 2, Mersilene Mesh in 2 and Prolene Mesh in one. The criterion chosen for mesh repair are [a] multiple previous failed herniorrhaphies [b] two defects in the linear alba existing simultaneously with relatively normal aponeurosis in between or [c] any incisional hernia more than 2cms in transverse diameter. The operative technique is presented. The mean follow up is 28 months with success rate of 88%. There were two failures in this series. The causes of failures are discussed