Giant incisional hernias closed with polypropylene mesh.

Giant incisional hernias are treated in many different ways involving risks and various degrees of mutilation. We prefer the use of polypropylene mesh (PPM) which is manufactured as Prolene or Marlex mesh. It is easy to handle, has great tensile strength and produces minimum tissue reaction. These qualities make PPM a good substitute for abdominal fascia and the procedure becomes simpler and less extensive than with the use of dermal grafts, flap transfers or other methods. This series consists of twenty-four patients. The results were good in 20 patients (85%). Recurrence of the hernia occurred in two patients (7.5%) and weakness of the abdominal muscles in two others.