Abdominal Wall Defect



10.1055/b-0034-97724

Abdominal Wall Defect

Michael J. Franco & Ida K. Fox
A 55-year-old man with a history of exploratory laparotomy and ventral hernia repair with mesh now presents with recurrence.


Description




  • Large midline abdominal wall hernia consisting of myofascial defect with overlying skin.



  • The rectus abdominis muscles have migrated laterally.



  • There is no evidence of visceral incarceration.



Work-up



History




  • Etiology of defect: Congenital, previous surgery, trauma, resection.



  • Duration of defect, management thus far.



  • Nutritional status.



  • History of smoking.



  • Steroids or immunosuppressive medications.



Physical examination




  • Body mass index (BMI): weight (kg)/[height (m)]2.



  • Abdominal wall defect description




    • Location




      • Midline or lateral.



      • Upper, middle, or lower abdomen.



    • Tissue defect




      • Skin and subcutaneous tissue.



      • Myofascial.



      • Full thickness.



    • Size of defect.



    • Condition of surrounding tissues.



  • Preexisting incisions.



  • Pertinent comorbid conditions (diabetes, autoimmune diseases, coronary artery disease, etc).



Pertinent imaging or diagnostic studies




  • Computed tomography of the abdomen with contrast may be helpful to delineate the extent of the defect, the related anatomy, and other issues (e.g., bowel adhesions, abscesses).



  • Pulmonary function testing should be performed if there is preexisting respiratory compromise or suspicion for loss of domain from a large hernia.

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Jun 18, 2020 | Posted by in General Surgery | Comments Off on Abdominal Wall Defect

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