What is Hernia and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?
Plastic surgery experts at UPMC provide state-of-the-art abdominal wall and complex hernia repair.
Our dedicated team collaborates with general surgeons to deliver advanced, compassionate, and safe patient care. Through innovative research, interdisciplinary teamwork, and rigorous training of future surgical leaders, we continually advance abdominal wall reconstruction techniques.
Hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction addresses complex defects, wounds, or weaknesses of the abdominal wall. These conditions commonly arise from previous surgery, infection, cancer, trauma, or autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our treatment goals focus on restoring abdominal contour, rebuilding muscle strength, and enhancing gastrointestinal function and overall quality of life.
Back to top
Contact Us
To schedule your consultation and discover how we can help you regain abdominal strength, function, and comfort through expert hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction care, call 1-866-629-8077.
Back to top
Conditions We Treat
At the UPMC Department of Plastic Surgery, we specialize in treating complex hernias and abdominal wall conditions, including:
- Abdominal wall or perineal cancers – Tumors requiring complex surgical resection and reconstruction.
- Enterocutaneous fistulas – Abnormal connections between the intestine and other organs or the skin.
- Infected surgical mesh – Complications resulting from prior mesh implants.
- Parastomal and perineal hernias – Hernias forming near a stoma or pelvic/perineal regions.
- Radiation injuries – Damage to abdominal wall tissues following radiation therapy.
- Traumatic injuries – Severe abdominal wall injuries from trauma or accidents.
- Ventral (incisional) hernias – Hernias occurring through prior surgical scars or incisions.
Routine inguinal and umbilical hernias are typically managed by general surgeons and are not the focus of this specialized reconstruction team.
Back to top
Hernia and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Procedures and Treatments
Our multidisciplinary team uses the latest surgical and non-surgical methods, tailored specifically to each patient’s unique condition:
Comprehensive preoperative optimization
Advanced surgical techniques
- Body contouring procedures – Optional aesthetic procedures, such as abdominoplasty, available in select cases for improved cosmetic results.
- Botox prehabilitation – Botox injections to relax abdominal muscles before surgery, reducing tension and improving surgical outcomes.
- Debridement and infection control – Specialized techniques to treat and prevent wound infections.
- Mesh reinforcement – Use of high-quality synthetic or biologic mesh to strengthen and reinforce repairs.
- Minimally invasive component separation – Specialized techniques (external oblique and transversus abdominis releases) used to restore abdominal wall integrity.
- Soft tissue flap reconstruction – Advanced flap techniques to close large, complex abdominal and perineal wounds.
Back to top
What to Expect During Your Initial Consultation?
During your initial visit, our abdominal wall reconstruction specialists will provide personalized and comprehensive care, including:
Detailed medical history and physical examination
- Our surgeons will carefully review your medical history and symptoms and perform a thorough physical exam to assess your condition.
Review of previous surgeries, treatments, and imaging
- Abdominal CT scans are typically required to diagnose your hernia and plan your reconstruction surgery.
- If your imaging was completed at a UPMC facility, we have direct access to your scans. If your imaging was performed at an outside hospital, please inform our team ahead of your visit. We will coordinate obtaining these records for you.
Personalized treatment recommendations
- We will clearly explain all available surgical and nonsurgical treatment options tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Individualized care planning
- Together, we will develop a customized, comprehensive care plan designed specifically for your condition.
Patients are often referred to our specialists by general surgeons or plastic surgeons. Typically, abdominal wall reconstructions performed with our plastic surgeons are done in collaboration with general surgery experts, including colorectal, surgical oncology, trauma, and transplant surgeons.
If you do not currently have a general surgeon involved in your care, our team will coordinate an appointment for you with one of our highly skilled general surgery partners.
Back to top
Why Choose UPMC for Hernia and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction?
When choosing UPMC for abdominal wall reconstruction, you benefit from:
Leading surgical expertise
- Highly experienced general and plastic surgeons renowned for their skill and innovation.
- Nationally recognized experts conducting groundbreaking research.
- Continuous evaluation of surgical outcomes for consistent improvement.
Multidisciplinary, personalized approach
- Comprehensive collaboration among surgeons, physicians, and rehabilitation specialists.
- Personalized preoperative planning and postoperative care tailored to your specific condition and goals.
Advanced surgical innovation
- Cutting-edge surgical techniques, minimally invasive options, and robotic-assisted procedures.
- State-of-the-art operating rooms and surgical technologies to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Commitment to education and research
- Training the next generation of leaders in abdominal wall reconstruction.
- Forward-thinking research to advance surgical science and improve patient outcomes continually.
Choosing UPMC ensures comprehensive, compassionate care designed around your needs, backed by proven expertise and innovative surgical solutions.
Back to top
Find a Provider
Our Locations
