Decellularized human cadaveric dermis provides a safe alternative for primary inguinal hernia repair in contaminated surgical fields.

BACKGROUND: Repair options for inguinal hernias in contaminated surgical fields include local tissue repair or mesh repair. The former is associated with higher hernia recurrence rates. The latter generally is avoided because of an unacceptably high infection rate. AlloDerm (Lifecell Corp., Branchburg, NJ) can potentially provide a strong repair resistant to infection. The aim of our study was to evaluate if AlloDerm provides a safe alternative for inguinal hernia repair in contaminated surgical fields.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair with AlloDerm from December 2004 to April 2006. Demographics, risk factors, perioperative data, and recurrence rates were evaluated.

RESULTS: Twelve patients with contaminated surgical fields underwent inguinal hernia repair with AlloDerm. Serious perioperative complications occurred in only 1 patient. Two patients developed superficial wound infections (treated conservatively). There were no mortalities. No hernia recurrence has been documented with a follow-up period of 3 to 17 months (median, 9 mo).

CONCLUSIONS: AlloDerm provides a safe alternative for inguinal hernia repair in contaminated surgical fields.