Autogenous skin graft in the treatment of large incisional lumbar hernias and bulges.
OBJECTIVE
Repair of large incisional lumbar hernias or muscular bulges is a challenge to the surgeon as reflected by the high recurrence rate. We evaluated a surgical procedure using a running strip of autogenous skin graft as a retention suture.


METHODS
Eight patients with large incisional lumbar hernias (> or = 20 cm, n = 6) or muscular bulges (n = 2) underwent a parietal reconstruction with this procedure. Two patients had previously been treated with synthetic meshes without success, and one had a colocutaneous fistula.


RESULTS
No recurrence was observed in 6 patients (75%) with a mean follow-up of 14 months. After significant weight gain, 2 repairs failed at 6 months and 1 year (partially in 1 case). No recurrence was noted for muscular bulges.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a running strip of autogenous skin graft is a simple and reliable procedure for the repair of large lumbar hernias or muscular bulges for patients with stable weight conditions.
Staerman
F
F
Department of Urology, Hôpital Pontchaillou, France.
Staerman
H
H
Guiraud
P
P
Mhidia
A
A
Guille
F
F
Lobel
B
B
D006547:Hernia / Q000209:etiology; D059685:Herniorrhaphy; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000601:surgery*; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013526:Surgical Mesh