Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Best techniques for closing the abdominal wall after surgery
By Agrawal UK & Jaiswal S.·2026·ESIC Medical College and Hospital·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Principles of Abdominal Wall Closure: A Narrative Review of Evidence-Based Techniques, Contemporary Updates, and Emerging Innovations.
Plain-English summary
This review discusses how closing the abdominal wall after surgery is very important for recovery and can affect the chances of complications like hernias, wound problems, and infections. Even with better surgical methods and care, these issues still happen often. Over the years, doctors have learned more about how to close the abdomen effectively, with techniques like using small stitches that provide better support. For patients at higher risk of complications, using a mesh to reinforce the closure can help prevent hernias. The review emphasizes the need for careful planning and the use of new technologies to improve outcomes after surgery.
Abstract
Abdominal wall closure is a critical determinant of postoperative outcomes following laparotomy. Despite advances in surgical technique and perioperative care, complications, such as incisional hernia, wound dehiscence, and surgical site infection (SSI), remain prevalent and contribute significantly to long-term morbidity and healthcare expenditure. Over the past three decades, improved understanding of fascial biomechanics, wound healing physiology, and suture mechanics has reshaped closure strategies. Evidence now supports small bites continuous closure with an adequate suture-to-wound length ratio as a biomechanically superior technique. Selective prophylactic mesh reinforcement in high-risk populations has further reduced hernia incidence. Advances in open abdomen management, component separation techniques, minimally invasive repair, and robotic-assisted closure continue to expand reconstructive options. This narrative review synthesizes anatomical foundations, randomized evidence, preventive strategies, emerging technologies, and complication patterns in abdominal wall closure. Contemporary best practice requires integration of anatomical precision, biomechanical principles, patient risk stratification, and judicious adoption of evolving technologies. Future research should prioritize standardized reporting frameworks, long-term comparative outcomes, and cost-effectiveness analyses.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41930081