Large Abdominal Wall Defects Research Articles

Surgical anatomy of transversus abdominis muscle for transversus abdominis release.

Transversus abdominis release (TAR) is a myofascial release technique which helps in surgical repair of large ventral abdominal wall defects. In this procedure, the medial margin of muscular part of transversus abdominis (TA) is of great importance. Hence, the authors sought to describe the extent of medial margin of TA muscle. The surgical steps of TAR were performed in 10 formalin-fixed cadavers and distance between medial margin of TA muscle, lateral margin of rectus abdominis, to linea alba at five anatomical levels were documented respectively. The distance between the inferior epigastric vessels and the medial border of TA muscle was also noted. The TA muscle was within the posterior rectus sheath in all cadavers, at the xiphisternum (R, 61.6 mm; L, 58.9 mm), and at midway between xiphisternum and umbilicus (R, 25.4 mm; L, 27.1 mm). The TA muscle exited the posterior rectus sheath between this point and the umbilicus. The mean incongruity at the next three levels were -24.6 mm, -24.9 mm, and -22.9 mm respectively on the right and -21.4 mm, -19.9 mm, and -18.9 mm respectively on the left. The mean distance between the medial border of TA and inferior epigastric vessels was 18.9 mm on the right and 17.2 mm on the left. The muscular part of TA was incorporated within the posterior rectus sheath above the umbilicus, and it completely exited the rectus sheath at the umbilicus. This is contrary to the traditional understanding of posterior rectus sheath formation.

Reconstruction of the abdominal wall with component separation technique in patients with giant omphalocele

BackgroundSeveral techniques have been described to repair giant omphaloceles. Component Separation Technique (CST) is a surgical technique first reported in adults to repair large abdominal wall defects. The purpose of this study is to describe our experience using this technique in repairing large ventral hernias secondary to giant omphaloceles in children. MethodsNine patients with giant omphalocele were treated. The abdominal wall was reconstructed using CST, based on the enlargement of the abdominal wall by separate mobilization of the muscular layers. Patients were monitored for complications during admission, postoperative complications, and all patients were seen for follow-up. ResultsComponent separation technique was performed at a median age of 7.2 years. The median diameter of the hernia was 109.8 cm2. There was no mortality. Minor complications were seen (infection, skin necrosis, and hematoma). There were no recurrences after an average follow-up of 3.3 years (2 - 4 years). ConclusionsComponent separation technique is a valuable method for repairing large ventral hernias as a consequence of giant omphaloceles in children. Our series supports the use of CST in children, in a wide age range, from newborns for primary closure to adolescence in cases of giant ventral hernias secondary to omphaloceles with multiple previous surgeries. Level of EvidenceII

Subtotal Thigh Flap for Large Abdominal Wall Defect Reconstruction in Patient With Recurrent Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Harvesting an adequate-sized flap is challenging for reconstructing large defects on the abdominal wall. A subtotal thigh flap would be one of the choices as it provides a well-vascularized large flap with muscle components. Moreover, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a low-grade dermal neoplasm with a high recurrence rate. There is still no consensus on the extent of resection to prevent a recurrence. We present a case of a patient who underwent the reconstruction of a large abdominal wall defect with a subtotal thigh flap after the resection of recurrent DFSP. A 59-year-old man killed from a recurrent huge mass in the lower abdomen with an invasion of the small intestine. His baseline characteristics and records of operations, medications, and outcomes were reviewed. After tumor excision, a 28 × 30-cm subtotal thigh flap was harvested from his left thigh to reconstruct the abdominal defect. A microvascular anastomosis with left deep inferior epigastric vessels was made eventually. The flap was in good condition, and the donor site was covered with a split-thickness skin graft. Subtotal thigh flap may be considered for large abdominal wall defect reconstruction as it allows good perfusion of relatively large skin paddles compared with other free flaps. Also, patients with DFSP need definite margin-free resection and close follow-up to prevent a recurrence.

Large Abdominal wall Defect with Darning Repair: A Case Series

Large Abdominal wall Defect with Darning Repair: A Case Series

Abdominal wall defect repair with component separation technique for giant omphalocele with previous relaxing incisions on the abdominal skin

BackgroundThe repair of large abdominal wall defects that cannot be closed primarily is quite challenging. The component separation technique (CST) is a surgical approach using autologous tissue to close large abdominal wall defects. The CST requires extensive dissection between the abdominal skin and the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle. Subsequently, incisions are made at both sides of the external oblique aponeurosis, releasing the external oblique muscle from the internal oblique muscle, and then the right and left rectus abdominis muscles are brought together in the midline for defect closure. However, impairment of blood flow in the abdominal wall skin and necrotic changes are recognized as potential complications.Case presentationThe CST was performed in a 4-year-old boy with a large ventral hernia who had undergone skin closure with abdominal wall relaxing incisions for the primary treatment of giant omphalocele in the neonatal period. Given his history of incisions on the abdominal wall, he was speculated to be at high risk for postoperative skin ischemia. Dissection was therefore kept to a minimum to preserve the blood supply from the superior and inferior epigastric arteries and perforating branches of those arteries through the rectus abdominis muscle. In addition, care was taken to adjust the muscle relaxant dosage while monitoring the intravesical pressure, ensuring that it did not exceed 20 mmHg to avoid impaired circulation in the abdominal wall caused by abdominal compartment syndrome. He was discharged 23 days after the surgery without any complications, and neither recurrence of the ventral hernia nor bowel obstruction was observed in 4 years.ConclusionsA giant omphalocele with primary skin closure was treated by applying the CST. The procedure can be performed safely while preserving the blood flow to the abdominal wall, even in patients with a history of relaxing incisions on the abdominal skin. The CST is expected to be effective for repairing the large abdominal wall defects seen in giant omphalocele when primary closure is not possible.

INTRAABDOMINAL PRESSURE CHANGE UNDER ABDOMINAL SURGERY

Abstract. Statement of the problem. Intraabdominal hypertension (IAH) recognized as important consequence of surgery intraabdominal or on abdominal wall.
 For a pity there are no signs to predict the possibility of such a dangerous complication.
 Aim of study: to find out changes of intraabdominal pressure (IAP) corresponding to different kind of abdominal surgeries.
 Material and methods. IAP had been measured in 15 patients before, immediately after, and 1, and 3-4 days since open surgery. Also, IAP had been measured in 5 patients before and after laparoscopic surgeries.
 IAP was measured by urinal bladder way.
 Results and discussion. Before surgery IAP was find at level 10 cm Н2О or higher in 3 patients, but not higher than 15 cm in none of them.
 There was not estimated direct connection between IAP and diagnosis. Of 2 patients with large incisional hernia and abdominal wall defect 243 cm2 and 832 cm2 in size IAP before surgery was stated as 3 and 14 cm Н2О, respectively, while in the latter there were no any little of compression.
 There was no firm interconnection between anesthesia mode and IAP
 Immediately after surgery IAP became equal to 10 cm Н2О or higher in 13 patients, of them in 4 it was 20 cm Н2О or higher. On the next day after surgery IAP leveled to 10 cm Н2О or higher in 7 patients, of them in 3 it was 20 cm Н2О or higher. One of the latter died, all other patients survived.
 In all patients operated in laparoscopic way IAP measured through intrabladder catheter was 7-11 cm Н2О lower than those on insufflator manometer.
 Conclusions. IAP assay via urinary bladder pressure estimating is not the IAP measurement but indicator of urinary bladder tone.
 As high IAP in many cases correspond to patient’s grave condition and even death it is of importance to study the real reason of this indicator.

Reconstruction of an abdominal wall defect using a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap after high-intensity focused ultrasound: a case report

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation is a safe and effective minimally invasive option for treating uterine fibromas, but it can cause complications such as abdominal wall defects. Reconstruction of such defects can be challenging, but a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap can be used to restore the integrity of the myofascial layer and provide external cutaneous coverage. Herein, we present a case report of a 37-year-old woman who underwent HIFU for an 8-cm uterine fibroma and subsequently developed a large abdominal wall defect with necrosis of the rectus muscle. The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap was used to reconstruct the rectus muscle and cover the abdominal soft tissue, resulting in successful engraftment without complications. We present our experience using a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap to reconstruct a large HIFU-induced composite defect in the abdominal wall.

OC-060 PREDICTING FACTORS OF RECURRENCE AFTER TRANSVERSUS ABDOMINIS MUSCLE RELEASE (TAR) FOR COMPLEX INCISIONAL HERNIAS. RETROSPECTIVE ANALYZE OF A COHORT

Abstract Background Transversus Abdominis Muscle Release (TAR) is used to provide adequate coverage for large abdominal wall defects and appears to be more advantageous compared to Anterior Component Separation concerning complications and recurrence rates. The aim of this study was to identify the independent predictors associated with hernia recurrence after TAR in the treatment of complex incisional hernias. Methods This is a retrospective observational study of 191 patients who underwent TAR between November 2014 and December 2021. The main inclusion criteria were adults with large complex incisional hernias larger than 10 cm in transverse diameter. The recurrence rate was determined by clinical examination and by abdominal CT scan. Results At a median of 49.6 months (range 36–75 months) of postoperative follow-up, we reported 19 cases of recurrence (9.94%). Recurrences occurred after a mean period of 12.4 months (range 10–49 months). On multivariate analysis, the development of postoperative hematoma (OR 2.9; CI 1.55–4.10, p = 0.001), and needing surgery for the hematoma (OR 2.1; CI 1.21–3.29, p = 0.004), obesity and chronic pulmonary disease (COPD) were predictors of recurrence after TAR. The area under Curve (AUC) was highly specific for all these independent factors (AUC = 0.842). There was no significant difference in recurrence rate among obesity, smoking, urgent repair, type of mesh fixation, operative time, type of prosthesis, or concomitant procedures. Conclusions In our current study, the development of postoperative hematoma and needing surgery for the hematoma, and obesity were associated with an increased risk of hernia recurrence after RSR.

Reconstruction following full-thickness excision of abdominal wall tumors: A prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care Government Hospital in Eastern India

Background: Reconstruction of abdominal wall defects following full-thickness excision of large tumors (primary or metastatic) has always been a challenge for the treating surgeon. A number of reconstructive techniques have been described in the literature, including different types of meshes, flaps, and component separation techniques (anterior and amp; posterior), with varying results. We conducted a prospective observational study of our three-layer technique of abdominal wall closure at Medical College Hospital, Kolkata, to assess the long-time success of the procedure, especially in terms of hernia rates. Aims and Objectives: Reconstruction of abdominal wall defects following full-thickness excision of large tumors (primary or metastatic) has challenged surgeons for long, with several reconstructive techniques being described, with varying results. We conducted a prospective observational study of our three-layer technique of abdominal wall closure at Medical College Hospital, Kolkata, to assess the long-time success of our procedure, especially in terms of hernia rates. Materials and Methods: Thirteen patients with abdominal wall primary and isolated metastatic tumors were included from January 2017 to January 2022 with follow-up period from 8 to 60 months. Tumors were dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, sarcomas, desmoid tumors, and two abdominal wall metastases. All patients in our study underwent computed tomography scan, core needle biopsy, and immunohistochemistry for better surgical planning. Results: Eight patients were male and five were female with mean age of 39 years and mean defect size of 10 cm. Polypropylene mesh was used, size varying from 15×15 to 30×30 cm with average operative time of 210 min. Post-operative superficial wound infection in 2 (15%), partial flap necrosis in 1 (7.6%), and tumor recurrence in one patient (7.6%) were seen. Conclusion: For closure of such large abdominal wall defects, our three-layer reconstructive technique has shown good results in terms of zero hernia rates. We recommend our method of closure, where affordability of biological meshes, availability of expensive meshes, accessibility to plastic and reconstructive surgeons or non-acquaintance with complex closure techniques are present.

Impact of combined component separation technique and shoelace repair on big medline abdominal wall defect

BackgroundClosure of large anterior abdominal wall defects, regardless of their etiology, is challenging. There is no standardized information describing definitive management. Therefore, we conducted this study to illustrate our experience on large midline abdominal wall defect repair using an effective modified reconstructive technique. MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at Al Naqib Hospital in Aden/Yemen between 2012 and 2019. Twenty-six patients with large midline abdominal wall defects of various etiologies underwent surgical repair using a combination of shoelace repair and the component separation technique. The procedure involved bilateral longitudinal division of the anterior rectus sheet and creation of a posterior layer by approximation of the medial edges of the divided rectus sheet (shoelace abdominoplasty) and anterior external oblique muscle aponeurosis separation (component separation technique) to approximate the lateral edges of the divided rectus sheet and move the rectus muscles toward the midline for constructing the anterior abdominal wall layer. The posterior and anterior layers and bilateral separated sheets were covered with a polypropylene mesh in all patients, except in those who underwent emergency damage control surgery. ResultsFour, one, and two patients developed seroma, skin necrosis and chronic pain, and post-surgical wound infection, respectively. No recurrent herniation was recorded during the median follow-up of 5 years. ConclusionThis technique is effective in restoring the integrity of the abdominal wall in large midline abdominal wall defects and has an acceptable aesthetic appearance. In our study, minimal complications were reported, and no cases of recurrent hernias were diagnosed during follow-up.

Giant omphalocele: A novel approach for primary repair in the neonatal period using botulinum toxin.

Giant omphalocele (GO) is a complex condition for which many surgical treatments have been developed; however, no consensus on its treatment has been reached. The benefits and efficacy of botulinum toxin A (BTA) in the repair of large abdominal wall defects in adults has been proven, and its reported use in children has recently grown. The goal of this study is to describe a novel technique for primary repair of GO using BTA during the neonatal period and report our initial experience. patients were followed from August 2020 to July 2022. BTA was applied to the lateral abdominal wall in the first days of life followed by surgical repair of the abdominal defect. while awaiting surgery, patients had minimal manipulation, without requiring mechanical ventilation, were on full enteral feeding, and in contact with their parents. The midline was approximated without tension and without the need for additional techniques or the use of a prosthesis. Patients were discharged with repaired defects. this approach represents a middle ground between staged and the nonoperative delayed repairs. It does not require aggressive interventions early in life, allowing maintenance of mother-child bonding and discharge of the patient with a repaired defect without the need for additional techniques or the use of a prosthesis. We believe that this technique should be considered as a new possible asset when managing this complex condition.

7692 An Approach to Imaging and Surgical Excision of Abdominal Wall Endometriosis

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To demonstrate an approach to the imaging and surgical management of abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) including the surgical repair of abdominal wall defects. <h3>Design</h3> Video case presentation. <h3>Setting</h3> Pre-operative imaging suite and operating room. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> To illustrate our approach, we present two surgical cases. The first is of a patient who was referred with catamenial pain in the left lower abdominal wall. She has a history of 2 previous cesarean sections and a lesion, consistent with abdominal wall endometriosis was demonstrated on ultrasound, adjacent to her previous cesarean section scar. The second case is a patient with peri-umbilical abdominal wall endometriosis. <h3>Interventions</h3> In both cases, we demonstrate our technique for resection of abdominal wall endometriosis. We discuss a 3-step approach: 1. Landmarking and incision making 2. Dissection and excision 3. Fascial repair. Larger fascial defects may require fascial mobilization off surrounding tissue to allow for a tension-free closure or mesh placement in the abdominal wall. These techniques may be performed together in consultation with a general surgeon and are further described within this video. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> Pre-operative ultrasound accurately predicted abdominal wall endometriosis and surgical excision results in symptom relief. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Ultrasound is the first line diagnostic test to confirm clinical suspicion of abdominal wall endometriosis. MRI can be used to further characterize lesion extent and structures involved. Surgical excision of abdominal wall endometriosis can be safely performed by the gynecologic surgeon in conjunction with general surgery if resection results in a large abdominal wall defect.

Preoperative botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection versus component separation techniques (CST) in complex abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR): A propensity-scored matched study

BackgroundComplete fascial closure significantly reduces recurrence rates and wound complications in abdominal wall reconstruction. While component separation techniques have clear effectiveness in closing large abdominal wall defects, preoperative botulinum toxin A has emerged as an adjunct to aid in fascial closure. Few data exist comparing preoperative botulinum toxin A to component separation techniques, and the aim was to do so in a matched study. MethodsA prospective, single-center, hernia-specific database was queried, and a 3:1 propensity-matched study of patients undergoing open abdominal wall reconstruction from 2016 to 2021 with botulinum toxin A versus component separation techniques was performed based on body mass index, defect width, hernia volume, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wound classification. Demographics, operative characteristics, and outcomes were evaluated. ResultsMatched patients included 105 component separation techniques and 35 botulinum toxin A. There was no difference in tobacco use, diabetes, or body mass index (all P > .5). Hernia defects and volume were large for both the component separation techniques and botulinum toxin A groups (mean size: component separation techniques 286.2 ± 179.9 cm2 vs botulinum toxin A 289.7 ± 162.4 cm2; P = .73) (mean volume: 1,498.3 + 2,043.4 cm3 vs 2,914.7 + 6,539.4 cm3; P = .35). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wound classifications were equivalent (CDC3 and 4%–39.1% vs 40.0%; P = .97). Component separation techniques were more frequently performed in European Hernia Society M1 hernias (21% vs 2.9%; P = .01). The botulinum toxin A group had fewer surgical site occurrences (32.4% vs 11.4%; P = .02) and surgical site infections (11.7% vs 0%; P = .04). In multivariate analysis, botulinum toxin A was associated with lower rates of surgical site occurrences (odds ratio = 5.3; 95% confidence interval [1.4–34.4]). There was no difference in fascial closure (90.5% vs 100%; P = .11) or recurrence (12.4% vs 2.9%; P = .10) with follow-up (22.8 + 29.7 vs 9.8 + 12.7 months; P = .13). ConclusionIn a matched study comparing patients with botulinum toxin A versus component separation techniques, there was no difference in fascial closure rates or in hernia recurrence between the 2 groups. Preoperative botulinum toxin A can achieve similar outcomes as component separation techniques, while decreasing the frequency of surgical site occurrences.

709 Two-Layer Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix Reconstruction of Abdominal Wall Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans

Abstract Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, locally invasive dermal sarcoma. The management is generally surgical, with wide local excision (WLE) forming the mainstay of treatment. Large abdominal wall defects are most aesthetically reconstructed using pedicled or free flaps; however, these require tumour-free surgical margins, and can cause donor site morbidity. We describe an alternative, aesthetic, and low-morbidity technique for abdominal wall reconstruction following WLE of DFSP, using 2 layers of a novel synthetic dermal matrix (NovoSorb® BTM). 25-year-old women presented with a large DFSP involving the right anterior-abdominal wall. After WLE with 3cm margins, BTM was implanted to the large sub-fascial abdominal wall defect. At 6 weeks, after histological confirmation of tumour-free margins, a second layer of BTM was applied to improve the significant contour deformity of the wound bed. After complete integration by 7 weeks, a split-thickness skin graft was harvested from the right thigh and fixed to the new dermis. At 14-days postoperatively, the skin graft had fully taken, and donor site healed. By 8 weeks, the scar had started to mature with no obvious contour defect or contracture. Overall, the patient was satisfied with the functional and aesthetic outcome. To our knowledge, a two-layer reconstruction using an artificial dermal matrix has never been described for abdominal wall reconstruction. We found that double-layer BTM is able to restore the inherent thickness and pliability of skin in complex abdominal wall reconstruction following WLE of DFSP and offers improved durability and cosmesis compared to skin grafting or indeed single layer skin substitutes alone.

EP-175 Two-layer Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix Reconstruction of Abdominal Wall Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans

Abstract Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare, locally invasive dermal sarcoma. The management is generally surgical, with wide local excision (WLE) forming the mainstay of treatment. Large abdominal wall defects are most aesthetically reconstructed using pedicled or free flaps; however, these require tumour-free surgical margins, and can cause donor site morbidity. We describe an alternative, aesthetic, and low-morbidity technique for abdominal wall reconstruction following WLE of DFSP, using 2 layers of a novel synthetic dermal matrix (NovoSorb® BTM). A 25-year-old women presented with a large DFSP involving the right anterior-abdominal wall. After WLE with 3cm margins, BTM was implanted to the large sub-fascial abdominal wall defect. At 6 weeks, after histological confirmation of tumour-free margins, a second layer of BTM was applied to improve the significant contour deformity of the wound bed. After complete integration by 7 weeks, a split-thickness skin graft was harvested from the right thigh and fixed to the new dermis. At 14-days postoperatively, the skin graft had fully taken, and donor site healed. By 8 weeks, the scar had started to mature with no obvious contour defect or contracture. Overall, the patient was satisfied with the functional and aesthetic outcome. To our knowledge, a two-layer reconstruction using an artificial dermal matrix has never been described for abdominal wall reconstruction. We found that double-layer BTM is able to restore the inherent thickness and pliability of skin in complex abdominal wall reconstruction following WLE of DFSP and offers improved durability and cosmesis compared to skin grafting or indeed single layer skin substitutes alone.

Secondary closure of large omphalocele using component separation technique: A pediatric case report

Introduction and importanceComponent separation technique is utilized in adults to repair large abdominal wall defects but rarely used in children. We report a successfully performed component separation technique in a child after neonatal Gross closure for large omphalocele without biologic mesh placement.Case presentationA 6-year-old girl was treated at the age of 4 days for omphalocele type 2 according to Gross technique. She reconsulted six years later. Clinical examination showed a large eventration measuring 150 ∗ 100 mm. CT scan revealed a broad collar of 150 mm and a large pocket containing liver, transverse colon, stomach and part of the small intestine. The child was proposed for a cure of the eventration using synthetic mesh type GORTEX. Intraoperatively, releasing bowel adhesions with abdominal wall resulted in perforation of the small intestine. Faced with the inability to use the mesh we resorted to abdominal closure with component separation technique. The postoperative was simple without complications or recurrence of the eventration. Follow up was of 4 years.Clinical discussionStaged surgical closure and non-operative delayed closure are the two distinct strategies for managing giant omphaloceles. By providing closure with less intra-abdominal pressure, the Component separation technique is a procedure which can be used in the two strategies. It may minimize the complications associated with large omphalocele management.ConclusionFaced with the impossibility of using a mesh, the component separation technique must be recognized as part of the therapeutic arsenal for secondary closure in children with a giant omphalocele.

Prenatal diagnosis of diphallia in association with bladder exstrophy: a case report

BackgroundPenile duplication or diphallia is a rare congenital anomaly with unclear pathophysiological cause. Most cases of diphallia are reported postnatally; however, today with the use of a high-resolution ultrasound device, in-uterine diagnosis of many congenital anomalies is possible.Case presentationHerein we report a multiparous mother at 25 weeks of gestation who referred due to an abnormal cystic structure protruding from a large abdominal wall defect located below the umbilicus that was noted during a routine exam. Target scan revealed two penile-like protrusions with an empty scrotal sac and double bladder in an otherwise normal fetus, which was confirmed postnatally. Neonatal microarray study and karyotype were normal.ConclusionDiphallia could be detected prenatally as an isolated anomaly, associated with caudal duplication syndrome, or as an exstrophy-epispadias complex. As this is a rare congenital anomaly, all sonographers should be familiar with prenatal ultrasound features and associated anomalies, an important issue in prenatal counseling with parents, delivery planning, psychological support of the family, and postnatal management.

Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Using Omental Flap with Mesh Repair following Resection of Aggressive Abdominal Wall Neoplasms

Background: Resection of large anterior abdominal wall tumors causes large full-thickness abdominal wall defects, and the repair of these defects remains a challenging point. Methods: Between July 2016 and February 2021, we retrospectively reviewed the internal database registry of the Oncology Center, Mansoura University (OCMU), Egypt, for patients with large abdominal wall defects after abdominal wall tumors resection and repair with omental flaps and synthetic polypropylene (PP) mesh. Thirty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. They were analyzed for demographics and operative data including defect size, mesh size, intra-abdominal tumor extension, and postoperative outcomes and complications. Results: Thirty-Two patients with abdominal wall neoplasm underwent local resection in our center and the defect was closed with an omental flap and PP mesh. The mean operative time was 143.75 ± 30.77 min. The mean size of the abdominal wall defect was 50.8 cm² (range: 25–90 cm²). The meshes used in reconstruction had a mean size of 89.5 cm² (range: 55–130 cm²). The median follow-up period of the patients was 13.5 months (range: 5–54 months). Postoperative complications included infection (n = 4 cases), seroma (n = 2 cases), hematoma (n = 1 case), and abnormal sensation (n = 5 cases). Tumor recurrence was reported in 2 cases, and no cases developed incisional hernia during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Immediate use of omental flap with synthetic PP mesh for reconstruction of abdominal wall defects is a feasible technique and has avoided the complications associated with the use of synthetic mesh alone.

Tissue Expander-Assisted Component Separation for Pediatric Abdominal Wall Reconstruction.

Tissue expander-assisted component separation can be used to increase the amount of skin, muscle, and fascial components available for repair of congenital abdominal wall defects via a staged approach without the need for flap reconstruction. We present the largest case series to date using a tissue expander-assisted component separation technique for treatment of congenital abdominal wall defects in a pediatric patient population. A retrospective chart review of 9 patients with large congenital abdominal wall defects not initially amenable to primary repair between 2009 and 2020 was performed. Patients first underwent placement of tissue expanders, followed by removal once they had reached a sufficient expander volume. Component separation, with and without mesh placement, was performed to achieve abdominal wall closure. The average age of patients at primary repair was 3.2 years (SD ±1.7 years). Eight patients (88.8%) had congenital omphalocele, and 1 patient (11.1%) had gastroschisis; none were amenable to primary repair. The average size of the defects before closure was 87.6 cm2 (SD = 33.6 cm2). Eighteen tissue expanders were placed in 9 patients, 72.2% of which were placed in the plane between the external and internal oblique muscles. Patients were seen in clinic an average of 6.8 times (SD, ±3.3 visits) for volume expansion into the tissue expander, receiving an average of 32.0 mL in each per visit. An average of 4.3 months (SD, ±1.8 months) elapsed between placement and removal of the expanders. At the time of tissue expander removal and abdominal wall closure, the defects ranged from 30 to 132 cm2 (mean, 54 cm2). All defects were successfully repaired using a component separation and bilateral fasciocutaneous flap advancement. Two patients (18.2%) experienced infection of the surgical site and seroma, both of which required debridement. One patient (9.1%) experienced partial thickness skin necrosis that was managed nonsurgically. The overall complication rate was 36.4%. Omphalocele and gastroschisis can produce abdominal wall defects that are not amenable to primary repair. Staged reconstruction using tissue expander-assisted component separation is a safe and effective method of obtaining adequate local soft tissue to achieve primary closure.

Reconstruction of large abdominal wall tissue defect using vacuum assisted wound closure

Background/Aim: Abdominal wall defects may result from trauma, burn, necrotizing soft tissue infection or complications of abdominal surgeries. Reconstruction poses a great challenge for the surgeon in cases of large abdominal wall defects with lack of surrounding tissue. Abdominal wall defects lack a good functional and aesthetic impact and early reconstruction is prudent for better outcomes. This study evaluates the results of Vacuum assisted wound closure (VAC) therapy in patients with large anterior abdominal wall tissue defect which could not be closed primarily otherwise. Methods: This case series included 20 patients with partial thickness, anterior abdominal wall tissue defects. All patients had suffered an acute trauma. Wound debridement was done and VAC therapy dressing was applied in systematic manner. Dressing was changed every 3 or 4 days and continued up to 9-14 days. Results: Twenty patients underwent VAC therapy with an average age of 32 years (range, 25-52 years). Indications comprised tissue loss after acute trauma due to road traffic accident, burn and other trauma leading to anterior abdominal wall soft tissue defect. VAC was used for an average of 12 days, with an average negative pressure of 125 mm Hg. Healthy granulation tissue was formed in all patients. Subsequently split thickness skin grafts were applied in these patients. This results in early recovery as well as decreased morbidity in all patients. Conclusions: All patients had good tolerance to Vacuum-assisted closure. It offers many benefits comprising fewer dressing changes and an earlier return to daily activities. Patients with large abdominal defects can benefit from this procedure.