Abdominal Wall Reconstruction in Middle Tennessee
It is very common for hernia surgery or hernia repair to be referred to by a third term: an abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). This procedure most often pertains to recurrent hernias or an incisional hernia, though it could also certainly be recommended for patients who experience a wound or infection after an abdominal surgery.
Why Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?
Rather than viewing the hernia or wound in the abdomen as a single entity, abdominal wall reconstruction focuses on viewing the abdomen as a whole with many moving parts. This surgery is designed to take advantage of the natural mechanics and physics of the abdominal wall with the goal of restoring normal function of the abdominal wall while minimizing the risk of hernia recurrence.
What to Expect During Surgery
Depending upon the severity of the individual case, the entire procedure may last anywhere between two to six hours. The patient will be subdued under general anesthesia throughout the entire surgery.
Your surgeon will work to carefully repair and reshape the abdominal tissues to restore their strength and function. Much of this process involves the use of supportive materials such as synthetic mesh or other long-lasting substances.
Recovery from an Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
Once the surgery is complete, the patient will need to be monitored in a hospital setting for a few days until their incisions have healed to a necessary extent. Those who do not experience extraordinary complications will typically return to regular activity levels in approximately five weeks post-op.
Your chances of success after abdominal wall reconstruction surgery increase greatly if you carefully follow each and every direction set forth by your surgeon. If any instructions are unclear, we highly encourage you to contact Surgical Alliance of Middle Tennessee to voice your concerns and gain necessary clarification as soon as possible.