[The use of the expanded PTFE (Gore-Tex) prosthesis with progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum in the repair of massive inguinal hernias and large laparoceles].

The authors present two cases of massive inguinal hernia and large recurring abdominal wall defect, in which hernia repair and wall reconstruction is made possible thanks to the use of large patches of expanded PTFE (Gore-Tex). The authors moreover insist on the efficacy of using the progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum as a technic to prepare the patient to surgery together with respiratory physiotherapy, for the purpose of preventing the occurrence of unfavourable repercussions falling upon the cardiorespiratory apparatus with the repositioning into the abdomen of the hernias.