Application of human acellular dermal matrix in abdominal wall defect repair

Objective To investigate the effects of human acellular dermal matrix(HADM) in abdominal wall defect repair.Methods Between May 2007 and September 2008,14 cases of abdominal wall defects were repaired with HADM.The defects were caused by parastemal hernia,ventral hernias,incisional hernias,radical excision of abdominal wall and trans-rectal abdominal myocutaneous(TRAM) tumors.All these cases were followed up for 1-16 months,the rates of recurrence and complications including surgical site infection,immunal reaction,fistula and seroma formation were recorded.Results All the abdominal.wall defects were reconstructed successfully.The patients healed without severe complications,such as infection,bowel obstruction or fistula formation and no sign of recurrence of hernia was observed. Conclusions HADM is an ideal material in repairing abdominal wall defect,especially in patients with recent intraabdominal infections and previous wound infections.