early experience with the use of prosthetic mesh as fascia replacement in structural abdominal wall reconstruction

ABSTRACT Background: Abdominal wall defects occur from various causes and require reconstruction. autogenous tissue is often insufficient and incisional hernia often results. prosthetic mesh is a proven substitute to autogenous tissue but reports on its use is uncommon in our practice environment.Aim: the aim is to report our early experience with the use of prosthetic mesh in black patients in our practice environment.Materials and methods: the summaries of three patients with anterior abdominal wall defects which were managed with the use of a prosthetic mesh are presented as well as their intraoperative and postoperative photographs. one patient had intraperitoneal placement of the mesh and developed no complications.Results: one patient who had bowel resection developed a postoperative enterocutaneous fistula away from the site of the mesh and was managed conservatively. other patients had no complications.Conclusions: the use of prosthetic mesh is recommended.