OBJECTIVE: To summarize the research progress of surgical technique and immunosuppressive regimen of abdominal wall vascularized composite allograft transplantation in animals and clinical practice. METHODS: The literature on abdominal wall transplantation at home and abroad in recent years was extensively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: This review includes animal and clinical studies. In animal studies, partial or total full-thickness abdominal wall transplantation models have been successfully established by researchers. Also, the use of thoracolumbar nerves has been described as an important method for functional reconstruction and prevention of long-term muscle atrophy in allogeneic abdominal wall transplantation. In clinical studies, researchers have utilized four revascularization techniques to perform abdominal wall transplantation, which has a high survival rate and a low incidence of complications. CONCLUSION Abdominal wall allotransplantation is a critical reconstructive option for the difficulty closure of complex abdominal wall defects. Realizing the recanalization of the nerve in transplanted abdominal wall to the recipient is very important for the functional recovery of the allograft. The developments of similar research are beneficial for the progress of abdominal wall allotransplantation.
Animals ; Abdominal Wall/surgery* ; Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation/methods* ; Transplantation, Homologous ; Skin Transplantation/methods* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation