Objective: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) biological patch for abdominal wall reconstruction and in the treatment of infant and neonatal giant omphalocoele as well as other large abdominal wall defects.

 

Methods: A retrospective analysis of the surgical use of an ADM biological patch for reconstructing the abdominal wall was performed. Eleven infants with giant omphalocoele, one with an iatrogenic large abdominal wall defect, and one with a large abdominal wall hernia were treated by filling the abdominal wall defect with the biological patch and expanding the abdominal cavity volume to avoid sharply increased pressure after the direct suture closure of the abdominal incision. This procedure obtained good results.

 

Results: Infants with giant omphalocoele had good results in 10 of 11 cases (the parents of one patient ended treatment). One infant with an iatrogenic abdominal wall defect and one with a large abdominal wall hernia had good results; at follow-up, neither infant has had complications.

 

Conclusion: Large abdominal wall defects in neonates and infants can be reconstructed by ADM patches with good results.