While researching for the Fifth edition of my book Surgical Anatomy and Technique to be published by Springer and which I hope will be out this fall I came across this paper on stem cell therapy for abdominal wall reconstruction. Further review of the literature was scant regarding this particular application for stem cells. The orthopedists have seen good anecdotal results using the patient’s own stem cells. Further review of some of the literature shows that there is decreased ruptured of tendons and ligaments that had been treated with stem cells and repaired. What is out there does suggest that using the patient’s own stem cells may help decrease recurrences for large complex abdominal wall hernias. This treatment is not for everyone. It is intended for larger recurrent hernias requiring abdominal wall reconstruction.
