[Reconstruction of defects of the anterior abdominal wall]

Reconstruction of the abdominal wall is of importance in many clinical situations, but may require the entire spectrum of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Indications for particular procedures depend on the clinical situation and the patient's individual profile. One has to differentiate between life-saving primary measures and secondary corrections to improve form or function. The article outlines current actual concepts of plastic surgical defect reconstruction with which the general/visceral surgeon should be acquainted, in order to integrate these concepts into a multi-disciplinary approach in pertinent clinical situations.