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Sonography of the thoracic and abdominal walls.

Pathologic processes that may involve the thoracic or abdominal wall occasionally raise diagnostic challenges because of the low specificity of physical findings. Congenital and developmental anomalies may mimic soft-tissue or bone tumors; tumors may mimic inflammatory and infectious diseases, and vice versa. Furthermore, these disorders may produce remote manifestations that are frequently misdiagnosed as visceral pain. Many of these parietal processes have typical sonographic appearances that allow definitive diagnosis. This article reviews characteristic sonographic appearances of thoracic and abdominal wall disorders. Familiarity with these sonographic features facilitates accurate diagnosis and optimal patient treatment.

Abdominal Injuries↗

Influence of the structure of new generation prostheses on shrinkage after implant in the abdominal wall.

When a biomaterial is used to repair an abdominal wall defect, wound contraction can cause the prosthesis to shrink, and the tension generated can provoke recurrence of the defect. This study was designed to determine whether the structure of a prosthesis can directly influence prosthetic shrinkage. Abdominal wall defects (7 x 5 cm) in rabbits were repaired using the laminar prosthesis DualMesh (DM), the composites Sepramesh (Se) and Vypro II (Vy), and the reticular prosthesis Surgipro (PP). The animals were sacrificed 14 and 90 days after surgery, at which time implant specimens were morphologically and immunohistochemically examined to establish the presence of myofibroblasts and macrophages. The size of each prosthesis was measured at the end of the study through image analysis. Morphometric measurements revealed greatest prosthesis shrinkage for Se, PP, and Vy (16.05% +/- 5.08%; 13.75% +/- 4.22%; 16.16% +/- 6.34%), while the DM prostheses only showed a 7.57% +/- 0.62% decrease in size (p < 0.05). In the DM implants, the macrophage response and myofibroblast labeling were reduced. Both biomaterial structure and the macrophage reaction induced at the implant site modulate prosthetic shrinkage, laminar prostheses of the ePTFE type undergoing less shrinkage than reticular meshes. Reduced DM shrinkage was linked to decreased myofibroblast numbers 2 weeks postimplant.

Abdominal Injuries↗

Anterior abdominal wall adhesions after laparotomy or laparoscopy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of postoperative adhesions to the anterior abdominal wall peritoneum that could affect safe placement of the initial laparoscopic umbilical cannula at subsequent procedures. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Reproductive endocrinology and infertility service of a tertiary care referral hospital. PATIENTS: Two hundred fifteen women, 124 with prior abdominal surgery and 91 with no prior surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical histories were reviewed, abdominal skin scars noted, and extent of anterior abdominal wall adhesions prospectively recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with the chi2 test. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: No anterior abdominal wall adhesions were present in 91 patients with no previous surgery or 45 patients with previous laparoscopy (12 had more than 1 laparoscopy; p <0.001 vs laparotomy). Seventeen (59%) of 29 patients with a midline vertical incision had anterior wall adhesions (p <0.05 vs suprapubic transverse incision). Eleven (28%) of 39 with a suprapubic transverse incision had anterior wall adhesions (p <0.001 vs no surgery or laparoscopy). Ninety-six percent of adhesions involved omentum and 29% included bowel. CONCLUSION: Prior laparotomy, whether through a midline vertical or suprapubic transverse incision, significantly increased the frequency of anterior abdominal wall adhesions, and these adhesions may complicate the placement of the laparoscopic cannula through the umbilicus.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Sonography of the anterior abdominal wall.

The improved penetrating power of high frequency, high resolution transducers has made possible routine examination of the anterior abdominal wall. Over 2 years, 79 abdominal wall examinations were performed and the results compared with anatomic findings at surgery. The abdominal wall may be divided into three sonographically distinct regions: the midline, the paramedian, and the inguinal regions. Normal structures can be seen in relation to constant landmarks, and disruption of normal architecture identified.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Preoperative pneumoperitoneum used for tissue expansion before abdominal wall reconstruction.

The use of preoperative pneumoperitoneum was described initially for the repair of large ventral hernias. Large volumes of air are injected into the peritoneal cavity, which distends the abdominal wall progressively. This method is usually used to facilitate the reinstatement of the viscera into the abdominal cavity and improves postoperative diaphragmatic function. The authors use this method for preoperative tissue expansion of the abdominal wall before full-thickness resection of the abdominal wall for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in a 12-year-old girl. In total, 6.8 L air was injected over 3 weeks without problem. The subsequent laxity of the abdominal wall permitted the primary closure of a 14- x 16-cm resection. The postoperative course was uncomplicated. Preoperative pneumoperitoneum can be used when reconstruction can be delayed. This is so in cases of slow tumor growth and in cases of infectious or posttraumatic full-thickness abdominal defects. The parietal laxity obtained with the pneumoperitoneum not only increases the possibilities of direct closure but also increases the possibilities of pedicled flap reconstructions.

Abdominal Wall↗

"Components separation technique" for the repair of large abdominal wall hernias.

BACKGROUND: The "components separation technique" is a method for abdominal wall reconstruction in patients with large midline hernias that cannot be closed primarily. The early and late results of this technique were evaluated in 43 patients. METHODS: Records of 43 patients, 11 women and 32 men, with a mean age of 49.7 (range 22 to 78), were reviewed for body length and weight, size and cause of the hernia, intra- and postoperative mortality and morbidity, with special attention given to wound and pulmonary complications. Patients were invited to attend the outpatient clinic afterward for at least 12 months for physical examination of the abdominal wall. RESULTS: The defect resulted after elective surgery in 19 patients and after acute surgery in 24 patients. In 11 patients, the defect was a result of open treatment of generalized peritonitis, and 13 patients had a recurrent incisional hernia. One patient died on the sixth postoperative day from mesenteric thrombosis. The postoperative course was complicated in 17 patients: fascial dehiscence in one, hematoma in five, seroma in two, wound infection in six, skin necrosis in one, and respiratory insufficiency in two. Thirty-eight patients were seen for followup. After a mean followup of 15.6 months (range 12 to 30 months), a recurrent hernia was found in 12 of the 38 patients (32%). The remaining four patients had no recurrent hernia after 1, 1, 3, and 4 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The "components separation technique" is useful for the reconstruction of large abdominal wall hernias, especially under contaminated conditions in which the use of prosthetic material is contraindicated. Further research is needed to reduce the relatively high reherniation rate.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Randomized comparison of the neuroendocrine response to laparoscopic cholecystectomy using either conventional or abdominal wall lift techniques.

Increase in plasma renin activity and noradrenaline concentration occur in response to carbon dioxide insufflation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In a randomized study the conventional carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum was compared with the abdominal wall lift method for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with special reference to neuroendocrine changes and renal function. The total mean(s.d.) volume of carbon dioxide insufflated was 42(23) litres with the conventional method and 9(7) litres with abdominal wall lift (P < 0.001). Mean(s.d.) intra-abdominal pressure after 15 min of insufflation was 11(2) and 3(9) mmHg respectively (P < 0.01). In the conventional group mean(s.d.) plasma renin activity increased slightly from 5.5(2.1) to 6.1(2.0) ng ml-1 during the first 55 min of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In the abdominal wall lift group plasma renin activity decreased from 5.3(2.7) to 3.8(0.9) ng ml (P < 0.01 between the groups). Plasma antidiuretic hormone concentration increased similarly in both groups. Diuresis was significantly less with conventional pneumoperitoneum during the first 35 min of the operation compared with the abdominal wall lift method (P < 0.001). There were significant increases in plasma noradrenaline concentration in both groups (P < 0.001), but the increase was slightly higher in the conventional group during the first 15 min of insufflation. The abdominal wall lift method with minimal carbon dioxide insufflation was associated with smaller neuroendocrine responses and better preservation of renal function compared with conventional carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum.

Adult↗

[Abdominal wall hernias: epidemiology, economics and surgical technique--an overview].

Surgery of the abdominal wall is a chronically neglected field in general surgery. In fact subcutaneous wound infections and incisional hernias are the most frequent events while wound rupture and laparostomy are the most dangerous complications in abdominal surgery. Based on epidemiological data, a classification of adverse events for the abdominal wall is presented. The various currently used techniques for the treatment of incisional hernias are discussed. The described enormous economic consequences of surgical trauma to the abdominal wall alone are already a good reason to improve this kind of surgery in the near future.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Impact of gas(less) laparoscopy and laparotomy on peritoneal tumor growth and abdominal wall metastases.

OBJECTIVE: A tumor model in the rat was used to study peritoneal tumor growth and abdominal wall metastases after carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum, gasless laparoscopy, and laparotomy. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The role of laparoscopic resection of cancer is under debate. Insufflation of the peritoneal cavity with CO2 is believed to be a causative factor in the development of abdominal wall metastases after laparoscopic resection of malignant tumors. METHODS: In the solid tumor model, a lump of 350-mg CC-531 tumor cells was placed intraperitoneally in rats having CO2 pneumoperitoneum (n = 8), gasless laparoscopy (n = 8), or conventional laparotomy (n = 8). After 20 minutes, the solid tumor was removed through a laparoscopic port or through the laparotomy. In the cell seeding model, 5 x 10(5) CC-531 cells were injected intraperitoneally before CO2 pneumoperitoneum (n = 12), gasless laparoscopy (n = 12), or laparotomy (n = 12). All operative procedures lasted 20 minutes. After 6 weeks, in the solid tumor model and after 4 weeks in the cell seeding model, tumor growth was scored semiquantitatively. All results were analyzed using the analysis of variance. RESULTS: In the solid tumor model, peritoneal tumor growth in the laparotomy group was greater than in the CO2 pneumoperitoneum group (p < 0.01). Peritoneal tumor growth in the CO2 group was greater than in the gasless group (p < 0.01). The size of abdominal wall metastases was greater at the port site of extraction of the tumor than at the other port sites (p < 0.001). In the cell seeding model, peritoneal tumor growth was greater after laparotomy in comparison to CO2 pneumoperitoneum (p < 0.02). Peritoneal tumor growth in the CO2 group was greater than in the gasless group (p < 0.01). The port site metastases in the CO2 group were greater than in the gasless group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The following conclusions can be made: 1) that direct contact between solid tumor and the port site enhances local tumor growth, 2) that laparoscopy is associated with less intraperitoneal tumor growth than laparotomy, and 3) that insufflation of CO2 promotes tumor growth at the peritoneum and is associated with greater abdominal wall metastases than gasless laparoscopy.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

Combined abdominal wall paresis and incisional hernia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A case of combined abdominal wall paresis and incisional hernia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is reported. The paresis possibly occurred by a lesion of the N. intercostalis when extending the incision for stone extraction. Possibly the paresis was a predisposing factor for the development of an incisional hernia. The causes of abdominal wall paresis are explored with a review of the literature. In spite of minimal trauma to the anterior abdominal wall in laparoscopic procedures, the risk of iatrogenic lesions remains.

Abdominal Muscles↗

[Abdominal wall abscess as the presenting sign in carcinoma of the colon: report of 4 cases].

PURPOSE: We report four cases of unusual presentation of colonic cancer revealed by an abscess of the abdominal wall. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 3 men and 1 women ranging in age from 33 to 66 years presenting with abdominal wall abscess (in the left anterior abdominal wall in 2 patients and in the quadratus lumborum muscle in the other 2 patients). Our cases were listed from the departments of radiology and abdominal surgery of Sahloul hospital from 1995 through 2000. Ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) were performed in all cases; barium enema in three. RESULTS: US and CT revealed segmental colonic wall thickening (left colon in three patients and right colon in one patient). The diagnosis of colonic cancer was reached by colonoscopy with biopsy in all 4 cases. All of our patients underwent surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: In this era of newer diagnostic imaging modalities, US and CT must frequently be used in the evaluation of patients with abdominal wall abscess, to depict intra-abdominal infection and especially malignant lesion causing abdominal wall abscess.

Abdominal Abscess↗

[Repairment of the large wound of endometriosis in the abdominal wall].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the plastic surgical repairment of the large wound of endometriosis in the abdominal wall. METHOD: Since March 2003 to December 2004, 6 patients were treated with abdominoplasty and V-Y plasty for the wounds of the endometriosis in the abdominal wall. RESULTS: The endometriotic foci were removed thoroughly with pretty abdominal contour. No complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Abdominoplasty and V-Y plasty are good methods to repair the wounds of the endometriosis in the abdominal wall.

Abdominal Wall↗

Techniques and materials for closure of the abdominal wall in caesarean section.

BACKGROUND: There is a variety of techniques for closing the abdominal wall during caesarean section. Some methods may be better in terms of postoperative recovery and other important outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of alternative techniques for closure of the rectus sheath and subcutaneous fat on maternal health and healthcare resource use. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (September 2003), MEDLINE (1966 to September 2003), EMBASE (1980 to September 2003), CINAHL (1983 to September 2003) and CAB Health (1973 to September 2003), and the reference lists of included articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials making any of the following comparisons: (a) any suturing technique or material used for closure of the rectus sheath versus any other; (b) closure versus non-closure of subcutaneous fat; (c) any suturing technique or material used for closure of the subcutaneous fat versus any other; (d) any type of needle for repair of the abdominal wall in caesarean section versus any other; (e) any other comparison of methods of abdominal wall closure. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Both reviewers evaluated trials for eligibility and methodological quality without consideration of their results. MAIN RESULTS: Seven studies involving 2056 women were included. The risk of haematoma or seroma was reduced with fat closure compared with non-closure (relative risk (RR) 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33 to 0.82), as was the risk of 'wound complication' (haematoma, seroma, wound infection or wound separation) (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.88). No difference in the risk of wound infection alone or other short-term outcomes was found. No long-term outcomes were reported. There was no difference in the risk of wound infection between blunt needles and sharp needles in one small study. No studies were found examining suture techniques or materials for closure of the rectus sheath or subcutaneous fat. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Closure of the subcutaneous fat may reduce wound complications but it is unclear to what extent these differences affect the well-being and satisfaction of the women concerned. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Further trials are justified to investigate whether the apparent increased risk of haematoma or seroma with non-closure of the subcutaneous fat is real. These should use a broader range of short- and long-term outcomes, and ensure that they are adequately powered to detect clinically important differences. Further research comparing blunt and sharp needles is justified, as are trials evaluating suturing materials and suturing techniques for the rectus sheath.

Abdominal Wall↗

Abdominal wall closure with a silastic patch after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

HYPOTHESIS: Newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) have a high risk of mortality, ranging from 50% to 70%. Tensioned closure of the narrowed abdominal cavity is detrimental. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve high-risk newborns underwent operation for CDH. To achieve tension-free closure of the abdominal wall, a Silastic patch was used. The Silastic patch was sutured intermittently to the edges of the abdominal wall fascia with absorbable sutures and left open to the air. The skin was not closed above the Silastic patch, which was lubricated with 1% gentamicin sulfate ointment. RESULTS: Eleven patients (91.6%) survived. No local or systemic septic complication occurred. The abdominal wall was gradually closed, and total closure was achieved within 4 to 6 weeks (mean, 4.9 weeks). CONCLUSION: Because of the high survival rate and the complication-free rapid healing of the abdominal wall, the technique can be used in any case of CHD in which tension-free closure of the abdominal wall cannot be achieved by other methods.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Fetal abdominal wall defects and mode of delivery: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support cesarean delivery over vaginal delivery in women carrying a fetus with an abdominal wall defect. DATA SOURCES: An OVID MEDLINE search of English language abstracts using medical subject heading terms "gastroschisis," "omphalocele," and "fetal abdominal wall defects" was performed. The generated list of articles was supplemented by a review of their bibliographies and the bibliographies of obstetric texts. STUDY SELECTION: A total of 27 peer-reviewed observational studies were identified, and 15 were included in the meta-analysis. Our primary inclusion criterion was the reporting of neonatal outcomes for infants with abdominal wall defects who delivered vaginally and who delivered by cesarean section. Studies were excluded if they were a case series or if neonatal outcomes could not be ascertained from the data presented in the manuscript. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Standard meta-analytic techniques were applied to assess the question of whether cesarean delivery improves neonatal outcomes in infants with abdominal wall defects. There was no significant relationship between mode of delivery and the rate of primary fascial repair (random effects model: pooled relative risk [RR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99, 1.51), neonatal sepsis (random effects model: pooled RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.30, 1.62), or pediatric mortality (random effects model: pooled RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.59, 2.21). Additionally, there was no significant relationship between mode of delivery and time until enteral feeding or length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: The available data do not provide evidence to support a policy of cesarean delivery for infants with abdominal wall defects.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Chronic abdominal wall pain: a frequently overlooked problem. Practical approach to diagnosis and management.

Chronic abdominal wall pain is frequently misdiagnosed as arising from a visceral source, often resulting in inappropriate diagnostic testing, unsatisfactory treatment, and considerable cost. Its prevalence in general medical practice is unknown, although it may account for about 10% of patients with chronic idiopathic abdominal pain seen in gastroenterological practices. The most common cause appears to be entrapment of an anterior cutaneous branch of one or more thoracic intercostal nerves; myofascial pain and radiculopathy are less frequent. Sharply localized pain and superficial tenderness are suggestive of abdominal wall origin. Carnett's test (accentuated localized tenderness with abdominal wall tensing) is a helpful diagnostic sign, especially when incorporated with other findings. Early exclusion of a parietal source should increase diagnostic accuracy when evaluating patients with chronic abdominal pain. Reassurance of patients by the correct diagnosis and avoidance of precipitating causes is often sufficient treatment. However, accurately placed anesthetic/corticosteroid injections give substantial pain relief to more than 75% of patients, often for prolonged periods, and may be confirmatory for the source of the complaint. The probability of missing visceral disease is small (probably less than 7%) with strict adherence to diagnostic criteria and diligent observation of patients.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Is it necessary to lift the abdominal wall when preparing a pneumoperitoneum? A randomized study.

BACKGROUND: In order to create a pneumoperitoneum with the Veress needle, it is generally advocated that the abdominal wall should be lifted. Lifting is aimed at increasing the distance between the abdominal wall and the intraabdominal structures. This study was conducted to compare lifting (L) and nonlifting (NL) of the abdominal wall. METHODS: All patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery without previous abdominal surgery or morbid obesity were included in the study group. The number of attempts needed for proper positioning of the needle was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were randomized. There were no complications. The number of attempts needed for correct positioning of the Veress needle was significantly higher in the L group than in the NL group (31 of 75 vs nine of 75, p < 0.001). The body mass index (BMI) of patients in whom peritoneal entry needed more than one puncture was significantly higher than the BMI of patients with immediate proper placement (28.3 vs 24.7 kg/m(2), p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Abdominal wall lifting is not necessary.

Abdominal Muscles↗

[Closure of abdominal wall defects without tension using a carbon cloth implant (author's transl)].

On 20 rabbits a defect in the abdominal wall was closed by a carbon cloth (SIGRATEX KDS). A tensile force test and a histological examination was performed. Eleven days and 3 months after implantation, 10 animals with an operative-produced abdominal wall hernia and 10 normal animals were controls. A tensile force test on the specimen 3 months after implantation revealed a strength twice as high as on the normal abdominal wall. Eleven days after surgery the strength was equal to the scar tissue of the hernias. Histologically, a connective tissue ingrowth into the implant was observed, which enveloped the single carbon fibers. Collagen fibers in the direction of the carbon filaments were present. Foreign body giant cells were always seen. These results indicate that a carbon cloth seems to be suitable for the repair of abdominal wall hernias.

Abdominal Muscles↗