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Semin Plast Surg 2012; 26(01): 08-11
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1302459
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Intraabdominal Challenges Affecting Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Authors

  • Jennifer Movassaghi Moffett

    1   Division of Surgical Oncology, Michael E.DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine; and General Surgery, Houston, Texas

  • Uri Gedalia

    2   Private Practice, Houston, Texas

  • Amy Shengnan Xue

    3   Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas

  • Lior Heller

    3   Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 February 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Abdominal wall defects may arise from trauma, infection, and prior abdominal surgeries, such as tumor resections. Although ideally reconstruction should be accomplished as soon as possible to restore the integrity and function of the abdominal wall, it is not always a viable option. A successful reconstruction must take into consideration the local environment of the defect, as well as the global condition of the patient. Therefore, it is imperative that a multidisciplinary team be involved to optimize the patient's care, particularly when a defect is complicated by a wound infection, an abscess, a fistula, or a neoplasm. Our goal in this article is to explore the challenges evoked by each of these special situations, and review the necessary steps for successful management.

Keywords

abdominal wall reconstruction - fistula - enterocutaneous fistula - vesicocutaneous fistula