[Progressive pneumoperitoneum. For preoperative preparation in giant abdominal soft tissue hernias].

Without special preoperative preparation giant hernias of the abdominal wall which have "forfeited their right of domicile" can only be repaired under great difficulties and with substantial risk of the patient. A method of preliminary enlargement of the peritoneal cavity is described - the progressive pneumoperitoneum - which minimises the technical difficulties and the patient's risk. The "right of domicile" is regained. Two case reports illustrating the procedure are given.