Abdominal Wall Reconstruction in Mumbai


Dr. Harsh Sheth is one of the best Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (AWR) and Bariatric Surgeron in Mumbai. He is associated with pre-eminent hospitals in Mumbai, namely, Saifee Hospital, Bhatia Hospital, ACI Cumballa Hill Hospital, Apollo Spectra Hospital (Tardeo), Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, and Conwest& Manjula S. Badani Jain Charitable Hospital.

He is major expertise lies in bariatric surgery in mumbai. When it comes to AWR he is one of the renowned GI and laparoscopic surgeon.

In his capacity as an AWR surgeon in Mumbai, he has performed many successful abdominal wall reconstruction surgeries. He is also a highly competent bariatric surgeon related to his surgical expertise in performing GI and associated surgeries.


About Abdominal Wall Reconstruction


Abdominal wall reconstruction is a complex surgical procedure performed to repair recurrent hernias, ventral hernias, parastomal hernias, and scars and surgical damage and reconstruct the weakened abdominal wall. It is also performed to repair large hernias.

After in depth medical examination and consultation Dr. Harsh Sheth, the best bariatric and abdominal wall reconstruction surgeon in Mumbai will suggest the path forward in the best interest of the patient, which may even involve avoiding surgery altogether if surgery is unsafe or unindicated.


About Abdominal Muscles


The primary function of the abdominal wall is to protect the internal organs and give them stability. The front and outer part of the abdomen is called the core, which comprises overlapping muscles and tendons.

The core gives strength to the body to perform various functions such as moving the body from side to side, bending downwards, and most movements along the axis of the body. The core also acts as an accessory to the respiratory muscles to help with breathing.

In the event of an injury, weakness, or damage to this structure, patients complain of abdominal pain, back pain, difficulty in movement along the axis of the body and even imbalance.

Tears or weaknesses in layers of tissue, fat, and muscles present in the abdominal wall lead to a hernia. This can occur either primarily in patients with weak musculature or genetic abnormalities, or at the site of previous surgical incisions.

Abdominal wall reconstruction surgery


This surgery refers to repairing the hernia and reconstructing the abdominal core, which may sometimes involve cutting a section of the abdominal wall muscles and rearranging and realigning the abdominal muscles.

Almost always, a mesh is inserted to reinforce the hernia repair and prevent recurrences.

The main intention of reconstruction is to reconstitute the abdomen in appearance, functionality, and strength, in addition to the one common thing done for all hernia surgeries, i.e. preventing the intestines from protruding through the defect or tear in the musculature. The exact procedure performed differs from patient to patient.

Dr Harsh Sheth and his well-qualified team will guide the patient on the actual procedure, expectations after surgery and the type of mesh inserted.


On whom and when is abdominal wall reconstruction surgery recommended


Patients with multiple abdominal wall defects, hernia with divaricator of recite patients with large hernia defects, or patients who have failed previous hernia repairs are good candidates for abdominal wall reconstruction surgery.

Large surgical incisions on the abdomen are known to cause a disruption in the muscles and tendons of the abdominal walleventually leading to an incision hernia. However, not all incisions on the abdomen result in incisional hernia.

Patients suffering from hernia could be experiencing backache and stress on the spine due to the increasing size of the hernia. Long standing hernia’s can result in twisting of the intestines and bowel resulting in bowel obstruction and strangulation which require emergency surgery and are not always associated with a good prognosis.

Post abdominal wall reconstruction surgery and recovery


The recovery time and post-operative care required varies as per the type of AWR surgery performed.

In general, as the surgery is an in-patient procedure, hence admission and hospital stay are essential. The patient will have to stay for 2-5 days in the hospital, depending on the type of surgery, with patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery requiring a shorter stay.

The patient can return to their daily routine by the end of five weeks maximum, while exercising can be resumed after at least six weeks. Patients are advised to avoid lifting heavy weights (more than 5 kg) for at least 3-6 months and will be given an abdominal belt to wear for that duration. Do seek the doctor’s views on the same before continuing activity of any sort.

Dr Harsh Sheth is a patient friendly doctor who takes extra efforts to ensure a complete recovery after their abdominal wall reconstruction surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Who is an ideal candidate for abdominal wall reconstruction?
Patients with multiple abdominal wall defects, hernia with divarication of rectii, patients with large hernia defects, or patients who have failed previous hernia repairs are good candidates for abdominal wall reconstruction surgery.
2How to prepare for abdominal wall reconstruction surgery?

The operating surgeon will guide you on pre-operative conditions. In general, the patient has to stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery (as well as stop smoking post-operatively). The patient has to stop consuming blood-thinning medication at least five to seven days before the surgery.

Almost all these patients will be advised a plain CT scan of the abdomen to characterize the hernia and the abdominal wall musculature.

3Are there any complications associated with abdominal wall reconstruction?
Every surgery is associated withcomplication and AWR surgeries are no exception. A few complications related to abdominal wall reconstruction are bleeding, deep venous thrombosis, swelling and bruising, itching, poor healing of the wound, mesh infection, and so on. It’s best to discuss potential complications with your surgeon before consenting to surgery.
4Is it necessary to go for abdominal wall reconstruction surgery? Can one lead a normal lifestyle without repairs the abdominal wall?

The necessity of surgery is dependent on numerous factors that are assessed by the surgeon before committing to surgery. A multi-disciplinary evaluation is needed to ensure that the patients is fit enough to tolerate surgery.

After an abdominal wall reconstruction surgery the patient will regain the strength and functionality of the abdominal core, which will reduce symptomatic pain associated with daily activities, as also reduce the chances of other hernia related complications.