New developments in abdominal wall reconstruction after abdominal compartment syndrome decompression

The acute abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is most often treated with surgical abdominal decompression. After the acute phase, primary closure of the abdominal wall may not be possible, due to tissue loss and retraction of the abdominal wall and its musculofascial components. This article gives an update of the reconstructive ladder for abdominal wall defects. Because of improved intensive care treatment and wound dressing, reconstruction can usually be delayed until infection and oedema have settled. Recent developments in bioprosthetics and new surgical techniques like component separation make better results with less donor site morbidity possible. However, there is still a place for local and distant flaps.