OV12 THE EARLY OUTCOMES OF ABDOMINAL WALL RECONSTRUCTION WITH POLYVINYLIDENE (PVDF) MESH IN THE INFECTED SETTING: VIDEO PRESENTATION

The early outcomes of abdominal wall reconstruction with polyvinylidene (PVDF) mesh in the infected setting: video presentation Aim The use of synthetic mesh to repair infected defects of the abdominal wall remains controversial. PVDF mesh was introduced in 2002 as an alternative to polypropylene, with the advantages of improved biostability, lowered bending stiffness, and minimum tissue response. The study aimed to evaluate the short-term outcomes of using PVDF mesh to treat infected abdominal wall defects in the elective setting. Material and Methods Video presents the technical aspects and some of the outcomes of patients included in a prospective clinical trial designed to evaluate the short and mid-term outcomes of 38 patients submitted to abdominal wall reconstruction in the setting of active mesh infection and/or enteric fistulas (AI) Patients were submitted to single-staged repairs, using onlay PVDF mesh reinforcement to treat their defects. Results The technical aspects of the operation, and the management of complications such as wound breakdown, exposed mesh and post-operative seromas are shown in this short video. The early and late outcomes are presented for discussion. Conclusions The use of PVDF mesh in the infected setting presented very favorable results with a low incidence of wound infection.