Some considerations on the use of heterologous prostheses in incisional hernias at risk of infection

Summary The authors report their experience in the use of heterologous prostheses in incisional hernias at risk of infection.45 out of 260 large incisional hernias (17.3%) were treated with nonabsorbable heterologous prostheses between January 1 1984 and January 1 1999. The literature shows a particular rigor in the treatment of incisional hernias, as in the French research by Chevrel and Flament [1990], where, in 1078 cases, the surgeons used autoplasty, relaxing techniques and, sometimes, absorbable prostheses, choosing to delay definitive treatment. The present authors deal with a series of cases treated with nonabsorbable prostheses. Even in incisional hernias at risk of infection, particularly with associated visceral surgery, the use of synthetic meshes has given encouraging results. The low incidence of suppurative complications, with neither removal of the patch nor recurrences in the short term, shows that this is a safe and definitive cure.