Alloderm has historically been used for hernia repair, but bulging following this repair is not infrequent. Thus, stronger materials are now more commonly chosen for hernia repair including various synthetic meshes. Alloderm is cadaveric dermis that is depleted of human cells and antigens, so it is not rejected by an immune response from the recipient. it serves as a scaffold that is incorporated with recipient cells, but it has limited strength. The abdominal wall is subject to continuous torsion and strain, and alloderm is inconsistent in its ability to withstand this force. Thus synthetic meshes are often a better choice for hernia repair.
Hang in there. I hope you are happy with your DIEP reconstruction. Over time, patients with DIEP reconstruction are happier than they were initially, in part probably because of bumps in the road such as your hernia. Alloderm was used for hernia repairs routinely about 15 years ago but the fact that is tends to stretch makes it not as good as other products, both tissue-derived and mesh, which can be effectively used to repair hernias. I recommend you talk with your surgeon and ask what material they plan to use for your hernia repair and why it is their preferred choice.
