Perioperative surgical consideration of patient undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction

Advances in trauma and critical care medicine have improved survival of severely injured patients and those with other acute surgical conditions. Surgeons are currently challenged by the significant number of patients with open abdomen and major abdominal wall defects. Expertise of the surgeon is paramount for dealing with hostile abdomen, loss of domain, and major abdominal wall defects. An inability to close the abdomen is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Component separation techniques offer a viable option in the armamentarium of a practicing surgeon for achieving a definitive closure of the abdomen in the semiacute setting as well during the planned ventral hernia repair. The procedure requires a multidisciplinary team to achieve better outcomes. As with any major surgical procedure, a clear understanding of the indication, risk, and possible complications should be explained and clearly communicated to the patients and close relatives.