Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) 

RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY TO FIX WEAKNESSES IN THE ABDOMEN


If previous surgery resulted in a damaged or infected area, HCA UK advises how abdominal wall reconstruction can help

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About abdominal wall reconstruction

Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) can be recommended when the muscles and tissues supporting the abdomen are weakened or destroyed. This is often as a result of a damaged area or infection caused by previous surgery on hernias. This treatment can also be helpful after surgery for the removal of cancers, correcting birth defects or following trauma (accident).

Need to know

Depending on your individual situation, your treatment may only require one operation, although sometimes it may be necessary to have more, with recovery periods in-between.

Surgery involves removing the damaged tissue and reconstructing the abdominal wall with healthy tissues. The following plastic surgical techniques may be used:

  • the creation of flaps of tissue
  • skin grafts
  • mesh implants may be used to strengthen weaker areas, and where muscle has been lost

Your consultant will determine your treatment on a case by case basis, depending on what’s most appropriate for you.

Your consultant will explain the process of AWR to you and answer any questions you might have. Operations may involve both a general surgery specialist and a plastic surgeon who operate together on the abdominal contents, abdominal muscles and the overlying soft tissues.

As with any surgery, there are some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

The treatment is usually carried while you’re asleep under general anaesthetic. We will let you know in advance how long to avoid eating and drinking before your surgery.

After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery area, where our dedicated team will look after you.

After the operation you may experience some pain or discomfort, depending on the type and extent of the surgery you have had. You’ll be given pain relief medication if you need it and we may offer you some pain-relieving medication to take home. The nurses looking after you will tell you how often and when to take them.

You will require some time off work to recover - again this is dependent upon the type of surgery you have had, and your consultant will discuss this with you during your consultation.

Our Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR)  consultants

Mr Charles Evans

Mr Charles Evans

General Surgery

Miss Caris Grimes

Miss Caris Grimes

General Surgery

Mr Arjun Shankar

Mr Arjun Shankar

General Surgery

Mr Shashank Gurjar

Mr Shashank Gurjar

General Surgery

Our Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR)  locations

The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Portland Hospital

The Portland Hospital

205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
41 Welbeck Street

41 Welbeck Street

41 Welbeck Street W1G 8EA London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.