Abdominal incisions (Dave's notes)

Question 1

What layers does a midline incision go through?

Answer 1

Skin, subcutaneous tissue, line alba, transversalis fascia, extra peritoneal fat and peritoneum. No major vessels or nerves involved.

Question 2

Describe a paramedian incision

Answer 2

3cm from the midline, sheath split <1cm from the midline, and posterior wall incised.

Question 3

What incision is 3cm parallel to and below the R) costal margin?

Answer 3

Kocher incision or R) subcostal.

Double Kocher = rooftop = good access to upper abdomen

Question 4

What is a gridiron incision?

Answer 4

A transverse muscle splitting technique

Question 5

What lower abdominal transverse incision is used for pelvic access?

Answer 5

Pfannenstiel incision.

Question 6

What is a lumbar incision used for?

Answer 6

An extra peritoneal approach to the kidney and upper ureter.