Indications and outcomes following complex abdominal reconstruction with component separation combined with porcine acellular dermal matrix reinforcement.

PURPOSE: Component separation (CS) is an effective technique for complex abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). Reinforcement of the repair with mesh can add durability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the indications and outcomes following CS combined with a porcine acellular dermal matrix (PADM) for reinforcement.

METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent complex AWR at the authors' institution was completed between 2007 and 2010. Patients with complex hernias who underwent CS in conjunction with PADM as an underlay were included. The PADM used in this cohort was Strattice (LifeCell Corporation, Branchburg, NJ). Patient demographics, indications, perioperative details, postoperative care, and long-term outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS: A total of 78 patients were identified as having PADM implanted for AWR. Of this cohort, 41 patients met the criteria as having a CS to achieve midline closure, with the PADM placed as reinforcement in an underlay manner. These patients were classified as grade II (33; 80.5%), grade III (4; 9.8%), and grade IV (4; 9.8%). Average patient age was 57.6 years (range, 33-80), and average body mass index (BMI) was 35.8 kg/m2 (range, 21.6-52.1). Patient comorbidities included coronary artery disease (19; 46.3%), diabetes mellitus (14; 34.2%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (6; 14.6%), and chronic steroid use (2; 4.9%). Previous mesh infection occurred in 9 (28.1%). The mean defect diameter was found to be 14.3 cm. Perforator preservation of the subcutaneous flaps was performed in 34 (82.9%) patients. A concomitant panniculectomy was performed in 9 (22%) patients. A staged approach was used in 3 (7.3%) patients. The overall complication rate was 24.4%. Strattice exposure occurred in 5 (12.2%) patients. All patients went on to heal wounds without explantation.No hernia recurrences or symptomatic bulges were observed in the follow-up period of 474 days (range, 194-1017 days). No significant predictors of complications were identified.

CONCLUSIONS: Strattice is an effective adjunct to AWR when used as reinforcement during CS for a wide variety of indications. Complication rates remain low in complex patients. In addition, Strattice appears to add durability to midline reconstructions with no recurrences during the follow-up period.