An abdominal wall reconstruction is a complex and advanced surgical procedure used to correct abdominal weaknesses commonly caused by recurrent hernias or unresolved open wounds. Normally, the first route to hernia correction is general surgery. However, when this route fails, meaning the repair fails, this alternative solution should be considered.

The front of the abdomen is a complex structure consisting of overlapping muscles and tendons that are crucial in providing strength to the body. It is a crucial part of the body that no one can afford to sacrifice. The minimally invasive bariatric surgical team and Dr. Bello have performed many abdominal wall reconstructions and are experts in both traditional and laparoscopic procedures.

What is the procedure?

Abdominal wall reconstruction is a complex procedure that requires the transfer of abdominal tissue to facilitate redistribution of the abdominal muscles. The goal of the surgery is to reinforce the integrity of the abdomen, support the abdominal muscles, protect the intra-abdominal organs and prevent the intestines from protruding through the abdominal wall. During the procedure, our trained surgical team will rearrange the abdominal muscles to effectively eliminate the weakness. In most cases, this newly placed muscle is reinforced with surgical mesh to prevent relapse. This mesh is eventually incorporated into the body, creating a stronger boundary. This creates a dynamic repair, working to reinforce the midline closure.

What can I expect before surgery?

Abdominal wall reconstruction is very much an individual patient-based procedure, with a wide variation in preparation requirements according to the difference in patient needs. Dr. Bello will discuss the surgical preparation steps with you at length and help you develop a surgical plan that is perfect for you.

What causes morbid obesity?

The causes of morbid obesity are non-binary and difficult to pinpoint. Genetics, environmental and social factors play an important role in the development of morbid obesity cases.

What can I expect for recovery?

The variation in recovery expectations directly correlates to the variation in the severity of the patient's condition and the extent of the surgery performed. If you undergo this procedure, Dr. Bello will discuss with you the recovery expectations in detail.

Why might I need abdominal wall reconstruction?

There are a number of conditions that may require a patient to undergo abdominal wall reconstruction. The most common occurrences that require this surgical procedure are hernias. The list of conditions includes:

Abdominal hernias: may have several names and variations in symptoms depending on the specific area of the hernia, but in general, this type of hernia occurs when the abdominal muscles become too weak. This weakness causes them to separate, allowing fatty tissues or part of your intestine to bulge out and press on the muscles. These include incisional hernias, umbilical hernias and ventral hernias. This is a particularly worrisome hernia because its size and severity can increase over time.

Incisional hernia: This hernia appears in or near an old surgical scar. This usually happens when fatty tissue or part of the intestine is the culprit, which pushes through the weakened muscle. At MIB we can often repair these types of hernias using minimally invasive or robotic techniques to correct and recreate abdominal structure and integrity.

Umbilical hernia: An umbilical hernia develops when part of the intestine passes through the umbilical opening into the abdominal muscles. This is a common hernia that is generally less dangerous, however, can sometimes have serious consequences for adults. In addition, the umbilical hernias are also common in women after pregnancy.

These conditions may be grounds for abdominal wall reconstruction...however, this is not binary and each patient will receive an individual recommendation from our surgical team based on our experience. The hernias that lead to the reconstruction of the abdominal wall are usually larger and more complicated. Smaller hernias can sometimes be repaired without mesh.