title: Two different prosthetic materials in the treatment of large abdominal wall defects.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The use of prosthetic material is a well-accepted practice for the treatment of large ventral defects. The aim of this study is to present the effectiveness of two different prosthetic materials for large ventral defects.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this retrospective 3-year study, 41 patients (17 males, 24 females) underwent surgical correction of large abdominal wall defects. Two subgroups were formed based on the possibility of peritoneal preservation. In the first group (24 patients) the bifilament polypropylene mesh was used, while in the second group (17 patients) the expanded polytetrafluroethylene patches were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean hospitalisation time was 7.8 days (SD 9.2 days) for the first and 10 days (SD 4.2 days) for the second group (p=ns). Group A presented the following complications: Two seromas, 1 fistula, 2 wound infections. Removal of the mesh was necessary in one case. Two recurrences were noticed during the 5-year follow-up period. Group B presented a seroma and an infection, but no recurrences. As for complications, no statistical difference exists between the two groups. Furthermore, 5 patients (20.83%) from group A complained of abdominal discomfort due to stiffness, especially when they were bending (p=0.029).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both prosthetic patches are safe and effective when used in the repair of large abdominal wall defects. Operative complications are within acceptable limits, and the reherniation rate is low.
authors.affiliation: 3rd Department of Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece.
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Deligiannidis
authors.forename: Theodossis
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Papavramidis
authors.forename: Spiros
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Papavramidis
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gkoutzamanis
authors.forename: Isaak
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kessissoglou
authors.forename: Ilias
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Papavasiliou
authors.forename: Orestis
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Gamvros
mesh_terms: D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D059685:Herniorrhaphy; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D011126:Polypropylenes; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene