Single-center 10-year experience in the management of anterior abdominal wall defects.
BACKGROUND
Anterior abdominal wall defects can be managed with various techniques, since no one technique can be applied to all types of defects. The aim of this study is to present a single-center experience using biomaterials and evaluate the outcomes.


METHODS
The clinical data obtained from 33 neonates (24 gastroschisis and 9 omphaloceles) managed for anterior abdominal wall defects at a single center from 1995 until 2005 were evaluated.


RESULTS
Primary skin closure of the defect was possible in 22 (67%) cases; however, 4 of 22 (12%) required an inner patch. In seven (21%), two patches were employed. The grafts used were: seven (22%) Goretex, four (12%) dura and one (3%) bovine pericard.


CONCLUSIONS
In our single-center experience, both synthetic (Goretex patches) and natural biomaterials (dura and bovine patches) were found to be alternatives to manage these defects. The advantages and disadvantages of the alternatives are presented.
Rahn
S
S
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany. Susanne.rahn@med.uni-jena.de
Bahr
M
M
Schalamon
J
J
Saxena
A K
AK
D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D020139:Gastroschisis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006554:Hernia, Umbilical / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene