Immunosuppression and Abdominal Wall Defects: Use of Autologous Dermis

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to analyze the use of autologous dermis compared to nonbiological meshes in repair of abdominal wall defects in patients with redundant skin and immunosuppression. Patients and Methods: Eighteen patients with abdominal wall defects, immunosuppression and with redundant skin were divided into two groups: Group A consisted of 11 patients treated with autologous dermis. In these patients, autologous dermis was isolated from the amount of skin resected from the inferior abdominal region that was used as a reinforcement of fascial margins above the defect. Group B consisted of seven patients treated with non-biological meshes We evaluated the infection rate of these groups. Results: The infection rate was significantly lower in group A patients. Conclusion: The transplantation of autologous dermis as a reinforcement for the reconstruction of abdominal wall defects is reasonable for highly selected patients. The use of the dermis was proven useful and we found a lower rate of infection and recurrence.