AlloDerm is a type of skin graft material made from decellularized human cadaveric dermis (meaning it’s made from donated skin that’s been processed to remove the cells). AlloDerm was first introduced into the market in 1994 for use treating burn victims by skin-grafting over the burn. AlloDerm is made by LifeCell Corporation. Since that time AlloDerm has been used in various other surgical applications including hernia repair surgery.
Recent studies have revealed a disproportionately high failure rate in hernia patients that have had AlloDerm products implanted during surgery. The failure of the AlloDerm product may cause the following:
- the recurrence of hernias requiring additional surgery
- abscess
- pain/soreness
- inflammation/swelling
If you are contemplating hernia repair surgery, you may want to discuss this situation with your physician before the surgery.
