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

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.