Anatomy of the Abdominal Wall

Abstract

The anterolateral abdominal wall occupies a hexagonal area limited cranially by the angle of the xiphoid process and the costochondral margins; laterally, the limit is the midaxillary line and caudally the anterior part of the pelvic skeleton and pubic symphysis. We will describe successively the different aspects of the anterolateral abdominal wall which the surgeon must know when performing a laparotomy, closing a laparotomy, or managing de novo or incisional hernias of the abdominal wall.