Porcine dermal collagen repair of incisional herniae

Dermal collagen implants have been used to repair large incisional hernias in 11 patients (7 women, 4 men). The youngest was 37 years and the oldest 67, with a mean age of 49·9 years. Single-, or double-layered dermal collagen was used to bridge the defect, secured with interrupted 3/0 Prolene. Postoperatively, three patients required single aspiration of seromas and one, exploration of a sinus to remove a suture. There were no recurrences during a median follow-up period of 4·75 years. It is suggested that collagen implants are a good alternative to other methods of repair.