Topic: New Perspectives in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Abdominal wall reconstruction exists at a complex intersection of surgical techniques, specialties, and patients. Defects are variable in their etiology, location, size, and shape, necessitating an individualized, patient-centric approach for optimal results. As abdominal wall reconstruction truly benefits from a customized and tailored methodology, plastic surgeons have naturally gravitated toward the field. Although it may not represent the most glamorous family of procedures within the jurisdiction of plastic surgery, our specialty continues to play a major role in advancing the associated science and techniques.
Abdominal wall reconstruction has benefited from a number of scientific and technologic advances over the past decade, including improvements in mesh materials, risk-stratification, prehabilitation concepts, enhanced recovery strategies, and evolving surgical techniques. Despite the large volume of literature, several controversies remain, including the type of mesh used, optimal mesh plane, soft tissue management techniques, and strategies for reducing fascial closure tension. This Special Issue will provide an up-to-date summary of these topics and more, written by contemporary experts in the field.
Given the complexity of abdominal wall reconstruction, achieving durable and reproducible results is not easy, requiring a detailed understanding of the anatomy, a command of the current literature, meticulous surgical technique, clinical experience, and sound surgical acumen. To this end, it is our intention that this issue of Plastic and Aesthetic Research will serve as a repository of current, clinically-relevant information regarding abdominal wall reconstruction, benefitting not only our colleagues, but also our patients.

Abdominal wall reconstruction, mesh materials, soft tissue, recovery strategies, fascial closure tension, contemporary

30 Jun 2021