USE OF TANTALUM MESH IN HERNIA REPAIR

THE REPAIR of large ventral or inguinal hernias, especially when there is a deficiency or absence of adequate fascia, has taxed surgical ingenuity for years. Fascial transplants, pedicled muscle or fascial flaps and vitallium plates¹ have all been tried. In recent years cutis grafts have been advocated and excellent results reported by several surgeons.² Cutis grafts require advance planning in many instances, and meticulous skin preparation is necessary to prevent infection, an ever present threat. Their use often prolongs the operation considerably and leaves another scar or deformity if a large graft has to be taken from a distant site. These objections do not apply to tantalum mesh, which can be always available for use in any hernia when it develops that some additional substance is necessary to effect an adequate repair. It would appear that the results from tantalum mesh repairs are at least as good as