Reconstruction of defects of the anterior abdominal wall

Reconstruction of the abdominal wall is of importance in many clinical situ ations, but may require the entire spectrum of plastic and reconstructive s urgery. Indications for particular procedures depend on the clinical situat ion and the patient's individual profile. One has to differentiate between life-saving primary measures and secondary corrections to improve form or f unction. The article outlines current actual concepts of plastic surgical d efect reconstruction with wich the general/visceral surgeon should be acqua inted, in order to integrate these concepts into a multi-disciplinary appro ach in pertinent clinical situations.