We report on 27 patients in whom a total of 28 augmented cutis plastie
s were performed to correct large hernias of the abdominal wall. After
closure of the defect by cutis plasty an absorbable mesh is sutured a
t the fascia 2-3 cm away from the edge of the fascial defect. Postoper
atively, 2 subcutaneous seromas had to be punctured. No wound infectio
ns were observed. After a first procedure (n = 14) the recurrence rate
was 7%, while after correction of recurrent hernias (n = 14) there we
re 2 failures (14%). Augmentation by the mesh means that high initial
stability of the abdominal wall is achieved, allowing transformation o
f the cutis into a strong fibrous tissue.