Week 9 - Abdominal Incision & Hernia Flashcards
* Describe the types and discuss the basis of abdominal herniae * Explain the causes of abdominal herniae * Differentiate between various types of abdominal herniae * Discuss the complications of abdominal herniae
What are the 9 abdominal wall regions?
- Right hypochondrium
- Epigastric
- Left hypochondrium
- Right flank
- Umbilical
- Left flank
- Right Groin (inguinal)
- Pubic
- Left groin (inguinal)
These regions are used for anatomical reference and surgical procedures.
What is the subcostal plane?
Level of the 10th costal margin, level of L3
What is the intertubercular plane?
Imaginary line between the 2 iliac tubercles, level of L5
Name the types of abdominal incisions.
- Vertical incisions
- Oblique abdominal incisions
- Transverse abdominal incisions
- Thoracolumbar incision
Each type is chosen based on the specific surgical requirements.
What is a laparotomy?
A surgical incision into the abdominal cavity for diagnostic purposes.
What factors influence the choice of abdominal incision type?
- Organ to be removed
- Patient’s obesity
- Previous abdominal incisions and scars
- Type of surgery
What complications can arise from abdominal wound closure?
- Burst abdomen
- Incisional hernia
- Persistent sinuses
What is an abdominal hernia?
A piece of the intestine or other organ protruding through an opening in the abdominal wall.
What are common causes of abdominal hernias?
- Normal weak sites in anatomy
- Abnormal weakness of the anterior abdominal wall
- Increased intraabdominal pressure
What are the types of hernias?
- Inguinal Hernia
- Femoral Hernia
- Umbilical and para-umbilical hernias
- Incisional and recurrent hernias
- Epigastric Hernia
Where is the inguinal canal located?
Between the deep inguinal ring and superficial inguinal ring.
What structures pass through the deep inguinal ring?
- Spermatic cord in males
- Round ligament of the uterus in females
Where is the Hesselbach triangle?
- Medial: Rectus abdominis muscle,
- Inferior: Inguinal ligament,
- Lateral: Inferior epigastric artery
What is the difference between indirect and direct inguinal hernia?
- Indirect: Passes through both deep and superficial inguinal rings
- Direct: Passes through weakness in abdominal wall
What is a hiatal hernia?
Occurs when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
What are the two main types of hiatal hernias?
- Sliding hiatal hernia
- Paraesophageal hernia
What symptoms are associated with hiatal hernias?
- Heartburn
- Sudden regurgitation
- Pain on swallowing hot fluids
True or False: Inguinal hernias occur more frequently in women than men.
False
What are the compartments of the femoral sheath?
- Lateral compartment: Femoral artery
- Intermediate compartment: Femoral vein
- Medial compartment: Femoral canal
What is an umbilical hernia?
A protrusion at the bellybutton due to failure of the abdominal muscles to close completely.
What are predisposing factors for incisional hernia?
- Infection
- Bowel obstruction
- Obesity
What is an obturator hernia?
An extremely rare abdominal hernia that protrudes through the obturator foramen.
What is an epigastric hernia?
Occurs between the navel and the lower part of the rib cage, often painless and made up of fatty tissue.
What is the location of the subcostal plane?
At the level of the 10th costal margin, level of L3
The subcostal plane is an important anatomical reference point in abdominal surgery.