Free flap reconstruction effectively addresses large abdominal wall defects

A systematic review analyzed 32 studies on free flap reconstruction for abdominal wall defects, involving 104 procedures with an average defect size of 330 cm². Notably, there were no reports of flap loss, indicating the technique’s safety and effectiveness. Infection was identified as the primary predictor of postoperative complications. These findings suggest consistent outcomes across different flap types, highlighting the need for further research to refine patient and flap selection guidelines in future practices.