Use of dura mater allografts in operations of abdominal wall hernias.

Treatment of large and recurrent abdominal wall hernias represents a rather complicated problem in surgical tactics and technique. In an effort to overcome the shortage of autogeneic material for strengthening the abdominal wall it is possible to substitute the defect by different synthetic or biological materials. Our experience with the use of freeze-dried dura mater is dealt with. The total of 18 allogeneic grafts were used in 11 patients with ventral hernias. The therapeutic procedure and clinical results are reported. Minor complications have developed in 2 patients, but they did not influence the good results of surgical treatment.