Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Procurement for a Vascularized and Reinnervated Abdominal Wall Allotransplantation
Published on: July 18, 2025
Atelectasis after free rectus transfer and abdominal wall reconstruction
Jamie O Lo1, Stephen M Weber, Peter E Andersen
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA.
Background:
Atelectasis is commonly encountered in patients undergoing rectus abdominus tissue transfer. Primary closure of the anterior rectus sheath may contribute to this process. Augmentation of the closure with mesh may decrease the incidence of Atelectasis.
Methods:
In this retrospective review 32 patients with preoperative and postoperative augmentation were compared to 23 who had primary closure of the anterior rectus sheath.
Results:
Augmentation consisted of acellular dermis (25) or mesh (7). Postoperative atelectasis was radiographically detected in: 91% (n=29) of augmented patients versus 83% (n=19) of primary closure patients. Major atelectasis in 41% (n=13) of augmented patients versus 61% (n=14) of primary closure patients p<.05. The incidence of atelectasis was independent of skin flap size and operative times.
Conclusions:
The use of acellular dermis or mesh to augment the abdominal wall appears to reduce the high incidence of postoperative atelectasis following rectus-free flap harvest.
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