Acellular Cadaveric Dermis (AlloDerm): A New Alternative for Abdominal Hernia Repair

Abstract

AlloDerm is an intact human tissue matrix with the critical biochemical and structural components of the dermal extracellular scaffold that enable it to recellularize and revascularize. Its biologic nature provides AlloDerm with an improved capacity to reintegrate with surrounding tissues and less inclination toward infection, erosion, extrusion, and rejection compared with synthetic tissue replacement materials. This retrospective review describes the experience with AlloDerm for incisional hernia and transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap reconstructions at a plastic surgery practice that handles complex, nonprimary repairs. AlloDerm was observed to provide exceptional safety and tolerability, and to become reintegrated and vascularized with surrounding tissue for tolerable and persistent tissue replacement.