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Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Abdominal wall reconstruction is the management of complex abdominal wall defects. The use of prosthetic biomaterials for incisional and ventral hernias larger than four square centimeters greatly reduces the recurrence rate.1 At the same time, the use of a biomaterial can increase the infection rate. Postoperative infection has been shown to be a significant factor in hernia recurrence. Studies have shown that it takes fewer organisms to produce an infection if biomaterials are present.

Traditionally, surgeons have used various prophylactic regimens when a prosthetic material is used. These have had limited results in reducing the incidence of infection. This may be especially true in the repair of recurrent hernias where a significant increase in the incidence of infection has been demonstrated. Additional individual patient characteristics (i.e., diabetes, ascites, steroid therapy) may also increase the risk of infection.

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc the innovator and leader in expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) technology has combined an innovative surgical biomaterial with two antimicrobial preservative agents. GORE® DUALMESH® PLUS Biomaterial features not only the anti-microbial agents of chlorhexidine diacetate and silver carbonate, but also an advanced tissue ingrowth surface.

1 Hesselink VJ, Luijendijk RW, de Wilt JHW, Heide R, Jeekel J. An evaluation of risk factors in incisional hernia recurrence. Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics 1993;176:228-234.