Use of stainless steel ring chain net for reinforcement in the repair of large and recurrent hernias of the anterior abdominal wall

Abstract

1. 1. The stainless steel ring chain net (Goepel) is recommended to cover and reinforce defective atrophic fascia in operations for large recurrent and long-standing hernias of the abdominal wall. 2. 2. The net is a marked improvement over the stiff tantalum and stainless steel wire meshes, the use of which has become popular within the last decade. These cause pain and impair the postoperative flexibility of the abdominal wall. Implanted stiff metallic meshes, after a period of time, crack and produce further discomfort and not infrequently require removal. 3. 3. Five cases are reported of large hernias of the anterior abdominal wall in which the Goepel stainless steel ring chain net was implanted over atrophic and defective deep fascia in the repair of massive hernias of the abdominal wall.