ABSTRACT
Complex abdominal wall and pelvic defects remain a challenge for plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Both abdominal wall and pelvic defects can be congenital (e.g., gastroschisis or omophalocele) or acquired (e.g., posttraumatic, infectionrelated, or postsurgical). Understanding the surgical anatomy and function of these regions is crucial in planning reconstruction. In this chapter, we review the anatomy and function of the adult abdominal wall and pelvis. We also highlight recent anatomical studies in these regions that may be useful to the reconstructive surgeon. This chapter will provide a surgical perspective to supplement the numerous atlases that graphically depict the anatomy of the abdominal wall and pelvis (1-4).
