Abdominal wall replacement with plastic mesh in ablative cancer surgery.

Planned excisions of tumors involving the abdominal or chest wall should not be compromised because of lack of tissue for wound closure. Reconstruction with an inert polypropylene mesh provides a strong and stable covering for the defect. Mobilization of adjacent skin flaps to provide covering for the mesh is desirable and results in reduced morbidity. When this is not possible the mesh may be left to granulate and later be grafted. Nine illustrative cases are presented.