The use of dura mater allograft in the surgical repair of large defects of the abdominal wall.

The dura mater allograft is being used as an abdominal fascia substitute and major advantages are documented. It was used successfully in four patients at this institution, with a ten month follow-up period. Its strength, durability, tissue tolerance, flexibility, ease of handling, nonallergenic property, availability and stability in the presence of infection make it a good graft to be used in the repair of large abdominal hernias. We are quite convinced that long term follow-up results will verify the results of the animal experiments done by others and affirm the durability of the graft. In one patient, this graft has been shown to be adequate for placement in an infected bed and to have a definite resistance to infection. The results of incidental operative biopsy in another patient, have shown an excellent incorporation of the dura graft into the surrounding tissues. In our hands, the experience with the dura graft using monofilament sutures has been quite positive.