The Repair of Large Incisional Hernias with Pedicle skin Flaps: A new Technique

Abstract

Six patients with large incisional hernias, four recurrent, are reported. The operative technique includes the use of shaved inverted pedicle skin flaps. In three instances the flaps were, in fact, facia substitutes, and, otherwise, supportive of fascial defects closed under tension. No primary complications occurred. One patient treated with a modification of the basic technique has diffuse bulging at the reconstruction site, but no defined herniation. The other five patients remain free of recurrence after significant periods of observation.