Repair of Incisional Hernias and Defects in the Anterior Abdominal Wall Using Dermal Grafts

The technique and results of using autografts of dermis to repair defects in the anterior abdominal wall is shown. Dermal grafting was used in altogether 15 cases. 7 with extremely large incisional hernias, and 8 with defects after malignant abdominal wall tumours. The surgical method is described and the follow-up 1 to 4 years postoperatively has shown a very satisfactory result in 13 cases. In one case there was a postoperative haematoma with subsequent graft necrosis and in the other there was a residual hernial defect. We recommend this method as one of choice in cases with large abdominal wall defects.