Immunosuppression and Abdominal Wall Defects: Use of Autologous Dermis.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to analyze the use of autologous dermis compared to non-biological meshes in repair of abdominal wall defects in patients with redundant skin and immunosuppression.
Patients and Methods: Eighteen patients with abdominal wall defects, immunosuppression and with redundant skin were divided into two groups: Group A consisted of 11 patients treated with autologous dermis. In these patients, autologous dermis was isolated from the amount of skin resected from the inferior abdominal region that was used as a reinforcement of fascial margins above the defect. Group B consisted of seven patients treated with non-biological meshes We evaluated the infection rate of these groups.
Results: The infection rate was significantly lower in group A patients.
Conclusion: The transplantation of autologous dermis as a reinforcement for the reconstruction of abdominal wall defects is reasonable for highly selected patients. The use of the dermis was proven useful and we found a lower rate of infection and recurrence.
(Copyright © 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.)