Botulinum toxin A in abdominal wall reconstruction

Reconstruction of large abdominal wall defects is often a challenge for both surgeons and patients. Preoperative conditioning prior to surgery can be crucial for success. Administration of botulinum toxin A (BTA) in the lateral abdominal wall for stretching the musculature seems to provide myofascial advancement and enlargement of the torso diameter. Although the use of BTA has increased since its introduction in 2009, the current evidence on both its safety and efficacy, as well as on its exact role in the treatment algorithm of these types of hernias, remains undetermined. In this chapter, we aim to give a complete overview on the current evidence on the use of BTA in abdominal wall reconstruction