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Semin Plast Surg 2012; 26(01): 012-017
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1302460
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Anesthetic Considerations for Abdominal Wall Reconstructive Surgery

Rachel Slabach
1   Department of Anesthesia, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC
,
Johan P. Suyderhoud
1   Department of Anesthesia, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 February 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Anesthesia considerations for abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) are numerous and depend upon the medical status of the patient and the projected procedure. Obesity, sleep apnea, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease are not uncommon in patients with abdominal wall defects; pulmonary functions and cardiac output can be affected by the surgical procedure. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are also at a higher risk of coughing during the postoperative awakening process, which can compromise the reconstruction of the fascia. Given the increased complexity of the patients presenting for AWR, and the importance of the anesthesia for these specific procedures, it is important that surgeons are aware of the challenges that anesthesiologists face when treating these patients. Some of these challenges and their resolution are reviewed here.

Keywords

abdominal wall reconstruction - regional anesthesia - intraoperative monitoring - postoperative management
 

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