Annals of plastic surgery
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Annals of plastic surgery · Mar 2005
Case ReportsMultidisciplinary approach to abdominal wall reconstruction after decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome.
Decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome has been shown to reduce mortality in critically ill patients, but little is known about the outcome of abdominal wall reconstruction. This study investigates the role of plastic surgeons in the management and reconstruction of these abdominal wall defects. ⋯ A multidisciplinary approach is essential to the successful management of abdominal wall defects after decompressive laparotomy for abdominal compartment syndrome. Although carefully selected patients can undergo early primary fascial repair, most of reconstructed patients had staged closure of the abdominal wall via components separation, with a low rate of recurrent hernia. High-risk patients with large defects and comorbidities appear to benefit from the involvement of a plastic surgeon.