Use of Surgisis for Abdominal Wall Reconstruction in Children with Abdominal Wall Defects

AimAbdominal wall defects in children can present a challenge to the pediatric surgeon. Despite the development of new materials and modifications of surgical technique, no single approach has been established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the authors experience using porcine small intestine submucosa for abdominal closure. Patients and MethodsA retrospective review of all patients with abdominal wall defects who underwent reconstruction with Surgisis at the authors' institution from 2004 to 2011 was performed. Patient demographics, cause of defect, recurrence, rate of infection, and length of follow-up were reviewed. ResultsA total of 24 patients were identified as having Surgisis implanted for abdominal wall defects. The most common etiology of abdominal defect was omphalocele. All patients went on to heal wounds. Four patients developed postoperative seroma formation and another two had wound infection. Two recurrences in the form of incisional hernia were observed. Both resolved spontaneously without intervention during the follow-up. The median follow-up period was 5 years (range 2-9 y). No significant predictors of complications were identified. ConclusionsSurgisis is an effective adjunct in the repair of abdominal wall defects in children. Complication rates remain low. In addition, recurrence may disappear spontaneously as the patch absorbed and replaced by scar tissues. Further studies are warranted.