What are the common abdominal incision?
Upper midline incision
- Vertical midline incision extending from the xiphoid process to the pubic bone
- Provides direct access to most abdominal organs
- Often used for exploratory laparotomy, major abdominal surgeries, and organ transplantations
Lower midline incision
- Vertical midline incision extending from the umbilicus to the pubic bone
- Similar to upper midline incision, but offers shorter surgical distance
- Commonly used for procedures involving the pelvic organs, such as hysterectomy, cystoscopy, and prostatectomy
Transverse incision
- Horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, usually just above the pubic bone
- Provides excellent access to the pelvic organs and lower abdominal structures
- Commonly utilized for cosmetic surgeries (tummy tuck), cesarean sections, and certain gynecological procedures
Subcostal incision
- Transverse incision made just below the costal margin (the border between the rib cage and the abdomen)
- Used to approach the upper abdominal structures, such as the liver, biliary system, and pancreas
- Often employed in laparoscopic procedures, cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), and liver biopsies
Right/left upper quadrant incision
- Oblique or transverse incision made in the right or left upper quadrant of the abdomen
- Provides access to the corresponding quadrant, including organs like the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, and spleen
- Commonly used in biliary surgeries, gastrostomy, kidney biopsies, and adrenalectomy
Pfannenstiel incision
- Transverse suprapubic incision, usually along the bikini line
- Primarily utilized in cosmetic surgeries, hysterectomy, and cesarean sections
- Offers better cosmetic outcomes compared to midline incisions
Laparoscopic incisions
- Small incisions made for inserting laparoscopic instruments and a camera port during minimally invasive surgeries
- Typically located in the abdomen, varying in number and size depending on the procedure
These are some of the common abdominal incisions used in various surgical procedures. The specific incision chosen depends on factors such as the location and nature of the procedure, surgical preferences, and patient considerations.