Reconstruction of an acquired abdominal wall defect in a neonate using acellular human dermis

The use of AlloDerm or other BioMesh material in abdominal wall reconstruction has not been previously described in infants. The adult literature reports several similar positive experiences in equally difficult circumstances. In this article, we have presented an unusual case of an infant following an intrauterine bowel perforation and subsequent necrotizing fasciitis. The extensive loss of abdominal wall soft tissue in the setting of chronic contamination presented a reconstructive challenge in the setting of limited options in this young patient. AlloDerm may be considered as an alternative material in abdominal wall reconstruction in pediatric and neonatal patients; however, large prospective studies in the pediatric patient population comparing AlloDerm with other prosthetic mesh materials are indicated to investigate the long-term safety and durability in abdominal wall repair.