HERNIA REPAIR WITH EXPANDED POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE

Prostheses of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) were used to repair 89 abdominal wall defects in which primary closure would produce undue tension on tissue. Over a 52-month period (median follow-up: 24 months), we observed three wound infections, one in a clean wound, and four hernia recurrences. No other complications were noted. Twenty-one e-PTFE grafts were placed directly over intraperitoneal viscera without clinical evidence of adhesions leading to intestinal obstruction. In grafts inspected postoperatively, no apparent evidence of fatigue or fragmentation was observed. Histologic findings concurred with experimental data obtained during animal trials revealing the creation of a new mesothelial lining. These results encourage the use of e-PTFE prostheses for the repair of abdominal wall hernias, particularly when the parietal peritoneum is absent.