A small intestine submucosa mesh is adapted for use in surgical abdominal closure routines. The submucosa mesh is incorporated into the normal surgical protocol for abdominal closure procedures. The submucosa mesh is applied to the abdominal incision area and maintains and enhances the stability and integrity of the abdominal wall closure, thereby preventing the onset or occurrence of incisional hernias. The submucosa mesh can also be applied to surgical closure procedures involving treatment of a hernia defect, such as an incisional hernia or other non-incisional hernia. The submucosa construct can also be adapted for use as a suturing component or bioretention suture. The submucosa construct can be adapted for use as part of a surgical strategy to facilitate wound healing, regeneration, reconstruction, and replacement of anatomical structures, such as tissues and organs.