Effect of Compression Garments on Post-Abdominoplasty Outcomes: A systematic Review of the current Evidence.

Introduction: It is commonly believed that using abdominal binders or compression garments (CGs) after an abdominoplasty could encourage fluid to drain, which would prevent fluid from building up at the surgical site and reduce the risk of seroma and other similar problems. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the use of abdominal binders or CG on the post-operative outcomes following abdominoplasty. Design: Systematic review. Method: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to select relevant studies from 2004 to 2024. Data from the included studies were extracted to assess the quality and risk of bias using a modified Jadaad score. Main outcome: Post-operative seroma formation. Secondary outcome: Ventilatory function, intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), and subcutaneous edema were the outcomes of interest. Results: Only 5 trials totaling 130 patients were included in this review. Utilizing post-operative CG following abdominoplasty showed a non-significant tendency to decrease seroma development, ventilatory function, and subcutaneous edema. The limited evidence available also suggested that using post-operative CG increases IAP. Conclusion: Weak evidence supports the beneficial use of abdominal binders following abdominoplasty. Limitations: Low-quality scientific evidence available from the scant data and low caliber of the literature support the use of CG post-abdominoplasty. Therefore, unified outcome reporting and rigid randomized clinical trials are necessary to obtain valid data.

The effect of an abdominal binder on postoperative outcome after open incisional hernia repair in sublay technique: a multicenter, randomized pilot trial (ABIHR-II).

INTRODUCTION: Although the evidence is minimal, an abdominal binder is commonly prescribed after open incisional hernia repair (IHR) to reduce pain. This study aimed to investigate this common postoperative treatment. METHODS: The ABIHR-II trial was a national prospective, randomized, multicenter non-AMG/MPG pilot study with two groups of patients (wearing an abdominal binder (AB) for 2 weeks during daytime vs. not wearing an AB following open IHR with the sublay technique). Patient enrollment took place from July 2020 to February 2022. The primary endpoint was pain at rest on the 14th postoperative day (POD) using the visual analog scale (VAS). The use of analgesics was not systematically recorded. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used. RESULTS: A total of 51 individuals were recruited (25 women, 26 men; mean age 61.4 years; mean body mass index 30.65 kg/m2). The per-protocol analysis included 40 cases (AB group, n = 21; No-AB group, n = 19). Neither group showed a significant difference in terms of pain at rest, limited mobility, general well-being, and seroma formation and rate. Patients among the AB group had a significantly lower rate of surgical site infection (SSI) on the 14th POD (AB group 4.8% (n = 1) vs. No-AB group 27.8% (n = 5), p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Wearing an AB did not have an impact on pain and seroma formation rate but it may reduce the rate of postoperative SSI within the first 14 days after surgery. Further trials are mandatory to confirm these findings.

Effect of Lower Limb vs. Abdominal Compression on Mobility in Orthostatic Hypotension: A Single-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled, Cross-Over Pilot Study in Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is frequent and associated with impairments in quality of life and reduced activities of daily living. Abdominal binders (AB) and compression stockings (CS) have been shown to be effective non-pharmacological treatment options. OBJECTIVE: Here, we investigate the effect of AB versus CS on physical activity using a digital mobility outcome (sit to stand [STS] frequency) collected in the usual environment as a primary endpoint. METHODS: We enrolled 16 PD patients with at least moderate symptomatic OH. In a randomized, single-blinded, controlled, crossover design, participants were assessed without OH treatment over 1 week (baseline), then were given AB or CS for 1 week and subsequently switched to the other treatment arm. The primary outcome was the number of real-life STS movements per hour as assessed with a lower back sensor. Secondary outcomes included real-life STS duration, mean/systolic/diastolic blood pressure drop (BPD), orthostatic hypotension questionnaire (OHQ), PD quality of life (PDQ-39), autonomic symptoms (SCOPA-AUT), non-motor symptoms (NMSS), MDS-UPDRS, and activities of daily living (ADL/iADL). RESULTS: Real-life STS frequency on CS was 4.4±4.1 per hour compared with 3.6±2.2 on AB and 3.6±1.8 without treatment (p = 1.0). Concerning the secondary outcomes, NMSS showed significant improvement with CS and AB. OHQ and SCOPA-AUT improved significantly with AB but not CS, and mean BPD drop worsened with CS but not AB. Mean STS duration, PDQ-39, MDS-UPDRS, ADL, and iADL did not significantly change. CONCLUSION: Both AB and CS therapies do not lead to a significant change of physical activity in PD patients with at least moderate symptomatic OH. Secondary results speak for an effect of both therapies concerning non-motor symptoms, with superiority of AB therapy over CS therapy.

Neonatal abdominal support to address CPAP belly: Two cases report and literature review.

Gaseous distension of the abdomen from the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the preterm population is of increasing concern for its unintended consequences. Methods to treat and prevent CPAP belly deserve further investigation. An intervention to provide abdominal support to address CPAP belly is presented in these case studies.

A Case of Gastric Outlet Obstruction Secondary to Parastomal Stomach Herniation.

Parastomal hernia (PH) is an abnormal herniation of tissue or intra-abdominal organ through the fascial defect created at the ostomy site. It is a common complication of stoma creation and usually contains bowel, intra-abdominal fat, or omentum. Herniation of a fixed organ like the stomach is very rare and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Here, we present a case of an 83-year-old female with a history of sigmoidectomy and subsequent development of parastomal hernia who presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting and was found to have stomach herniation into the parastomal hernia sac. She was managed conservatively with intravenous (IV) fluids, electrolyte replacement, and decompression with a nasogastric (NG) tube. In this article, we have discussed the incidence, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of gastric involvement in the parastomal hernia that can help clinicians identify and treat it early at the time of presentation.

A Mixed-Methods Study of the Effect of Abdominal Binders on Opioid Use and Postoperative Pain After Cesarean Birth.

OBJECTIVE: To compare levels of postoperative oxycodone use and incisional pain between two randomized groups-an intervention and a control. DESIGN: Mixed-methods design; quantitative data achieved via a randomized controlled trial, with qualitative data collected on binder use. The primary variable was oxycodone (in milligrams) required during the first 48 hours after birth, and the secondary variable was incisional pain levels measured on Postoperative Days 1 and 2. SETTING: Acute-care community hospital in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and an acute care urban hospital in Denver, Colorado. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 220 individuals in the postpartum period after having cesarean birth. INTERVENTIONS/MEASUREMENTS: Participants were randomized to the intervention group (binder) or the control group (no binder). Data were collected on opioid usage for the first 48 hours. Participants in both groups were asked to rate their incisional pain on Postoperative Day 1 (24 hours after birth) and Postoperative Day 2 (48 hours after birth). Participants in the binder group were also asked to provide feedback on their experience wearing the binder. RESULTS: A total of 196 participants completed the study. The overall amount of oxycodone taken by individuals in the binder group was lower than that in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = .10). Pain scores in the binder group were significantly lower on Day 2 compared with the control group (p = .002). The majority of individuals in the binder group provided positive feedback about their experience wearing the binder. CONCLUSION: Individuals routinely receive medications to assist with pain management postoperatively. Because of growing concerns related to the nation's opioid addiction crisis, there is interest in using multimodal treatments to achieve adequate pain control for individuals postoperatively. Abdominal binders are a low-cost intervention to assist with pain management and, given the results of this study, seem like a reasonable option to consider.

The Voodoo that We Do: Controversies in General Surgery.

Incisional hernia remains a common complication following abdominal surgery, and its incidence can be reduced with standardized wound closure techniques. Robust evidence exists to support certain fascial closure methods, such as using a small bites, 4-to-1, continuous slow absorbable suture technique for elective midline laparotomies. On the other hand, there are other common surgical practices that lack quality data to support their routine use, such as abdominal binders, negative-pressure wound therapy, and reapproximation of subcutaneous tissue.

Outcome of abdominal binder in midline abdominal wound Dehiscence in terms of pain, psychological satisfaction and need for reclosure.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of abdominal binder in patients with midline wound dehiscence after elective or emergency laparotomy in terms of pain, psychological satisfaction and need for reclosure. METHODS: It was a comparative study done at EAST Surgical Ward of Mayo Hospital, Lahore from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2019. One hundred and sixty-two (162) patients were included in this study with post-operative midline abdominal wound dehiscence and after informed consent by consecutive non probability sampling technique. Patients were divided into two groups by lottery method into eighty-one patients each. Group-A included patients where abdominal binder was applied and Group-B included patients without abdominal binder. In both groups pain score, psychological satisfaction and need for reclosure was assessed and compared. RESULTS: Patients with abdominal binder shows significantly less pain (P value =0.000) and more psychological satisfaction (P value = 0.000) as compared to the patients where abdominal binder was not used. However, there was no difference in reducing the need for reclosure in patients who use abdominal binder (P value = 0.063). CONCLUSION: Although abdominal binder helps in reducing the pain and improving the psychological satisfaction in patients with midline abdominal wound dehiscence yet it doesn't help in healing of wound and reclosure of the dehisced abdominal wound is needed.

The effectiveness of using an abdominal binder during colonoscopy: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Prolongation of cecal intubation time (CIT) directly affects the comfort of the patient and the colonoscopist. In this study, the effectiveness of using an abdominal binder (AB) during colonoscopy on procedure time and colonoscopy outcomes was investigated. METHODS: We conducted a parallel randomized double-blind sham-device-controlled study of patients who underwent elective outpatient colonoscopy between 1 May 2020, and 31 August 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to AB (n = 173) and sham binder (SB) (n = 173) groups. The primary outcome was CIT. Secondary outcomes were the need for auxiliary maneuvers, the cecum intubation length (CIL) of the colonoscope, visual analog scale (VAS) score, narcotic analgesic dose, and colonoscopy results. Moreover, subgroup analysis was performed in terms of age and obesity indices. RESULTS: A total of 346 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean CIT was similar between groups (AB group 240 secs, control group 250 secs, p > .05). Manual pressure requirement was less in the AB group (27 vs. 36%, p = .069). VAS score and the need for extra narcotic analgesic drugs were prominently lower in the AB group (p < .001, p = .016, respectively). In the subgroup analyses, in participants at the age of <60 and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) ≥0.5, manual pressure requirements were significantly shorter in the AB group (p = .017, p = .032, respectively). CONCLUSION: AB use in selected patients may be advantageous during colonoscopy because it reduces the need for analgesics and post-procedure pain, and reduces the need for auxiliary maneuvers in relatively young and obese patients.

Effect of Elastic Abdominal Binder on Pain and Functional Recovery Following Gynecologic Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and Objectives: Clinicians have been using elastic abdominal binder for stabilizing incision site after major abdominal surgery. However, the benefits of that practice have never been formally assessed. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the use of elastic abdominal binder on postoperative pain and recovery of gynecologic cancer patients. Materials and Methods: One-hundred and nine women diagnosed with cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancer, who underwent open abdominal surgery were assigned randomly into two groups: intervention (56 patients) and control (53 patients). The women in the intervention group applied abdominal binder from postoperative day 1. For the control group, the women did not wear the binder or similar devices. The primary outcomes were pain and functional recovery. Subgroup analysis on participants age ≥ 50 was also performed. Results: For the entire study cohort, the baseline, postoperative day 1, and postoperative day 2 pain scores in the intervention group were significantly lower than the control group. However, there was no significant difference between the groups for postoperative day 3 pain score and for the change in pain scores from the baseline value. Of note, the age ≥ 50 subgroup represented a more balanced cohort with comparable baseline pain scores between the study groups. For this population, the pain scores for postoperative day 1-3 were significantly lower in the intervention group. The intervention group had a longer six-minute walking distance on postoperative day 3 with a trend toward a smaller difference in the day 3 distance from the baseline. Conclusions: The potential benefits of abdominal binder use in reducing postoperative pain and improving functional recovery after open gynecologic cancer surgery could be demonstrated only in those age ≥ 50.

Reinforced conservative management of post-dural puncture headache in a patient with a rare case of tethered cord syndrome using an abdominal binder: A case report.

An abdominal binder could be used effectively in a patient showing CSF leakage in the coccygeal area with post-dural puncture headache, which is not controlled by conventional compressive dressing.

The effectiveness of the abdominal binder in relieving pain after cesarean delivery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal binder is a non-pharmacological method of relieving pain after surgical procedures. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of the abdominal binder in relieving pain and distress scores after cesarean delivery (CD). SEARCH STRATEGY: The following terms were searched: cesarean section, cesarean, caesarean, abdominal deliveries, C-section, abdominal delivery, abdominal binding, binder, and abdominal binder. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with patients undergoing CD receiving an abdominal binder compared with non-users of the abdominal binder. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Five electronic databases were searched until November 2019. Records were screened for eligibility. Data were extracted independently and analyzed. The main outcomes were pain and distress scores. RESULTS: The final analysis included six RCTs. Overall effect estimate favored the abdominal binder group over the control group in the following outcomes: VAS pain scores after 24 h (mean difference [MD] -1.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] -3.14 to -0.39; P = 0.01), VAS scores after 48 h (MD -1.21; 95% CI -1.51 to -0.90; P < 0.001), distress score after 24 h (MD -1.87; 95% CI -3.01 to -0.73; P = 0.001), and distress score after 48 h (MD -1.87; 95% CI -3.07 to -0.67; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The abdominal binder could be an effective, simple, non-pharmacological option of relieving pain and distress after CD.

Evidence on postoperative abdominal binding: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Midline laparotomy is an unavoidable approach to many surgical procedures. Many surgeons prescript the use of postoperative abdominal binder during the first mobilization after surgery. The use and the cost effective of this device is still debated by many surgeons. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and the CENTRAL were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing patients who wore abdominal binder ("binder") and patient who did not wear any abdominal binder ("non-binder") up to March 2020. The primary outcomes measured in the comparison were postoperative pain, pulmonary functions, the entity of physical activity, the comfort. A meta-analysis of relevant studies was performed using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: wearing an abdominal binder after midline laparotomy seems to reduce postoperative pain on first and third postoperative day, to improve the physical activity on third postoperative day, and not affect pulmonary functions. Generally, an elastic abdominal binder is well tolerated during postoperative. CONCLUSIONS: the use of elastic abdominal binder permits a comfortable early postoperative mobilization reducing pain, increases physical activity and seems to not affect pulmonary functions.

The Clinical Effects of Abdominal Binder on Abdominal Surgery: A Meta-analysis.

Objective. We conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively evaluate the effects of abdominal binder in abdominal surgeries. Methods. Through literature retrieval in globally recognized databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central), trials investigating the application of abdominal binder in abdominal surgeries were systematically reviewed. The main outcomes, namely, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, and symptom distress scale (SDS) score, were pooled to make an overall estimation. I2 index was calculated to identify heterogeneity, and sensitivity analysis was performed to validate the stability of main results and explore the source of heterogeneity. A funnel plot and Egger's test were applied to assess publication bias. Results. Ten randomized controlled trials consisting of 968 subjects were ultimately included for the pooled estimation. Abdominal binder significantly increased the distance of 6MWT with standard mean difference (SMD) of .555 (P < .001) and decreased the scores of VAS and SDS with SMD of -.979 (P < .001) and -.716 (P < .001), respectively. Despite of the significant heterogeneity indicated by I2 index statistic, the results of sensitivity analysis revealed the reliability of the main conclusions. While we identified no obvious publication bias regarding 6MWT (Egger's test P = .321), it seemed that significant publication biases existed with respect to the estimation of VAS (P < .001) and SDS (P = .006). Conclusion. The current meta-analysis verified that abdominal binder efficiently promoted recovery after abdominal surgeries in terms of facilitating mobilization, alleviating pain, and reducing postoperative distress. More rigorously designed clinical trials with large sample size are expected to further elaborate its clinical value.

Splanchnic Venous Compression Enhances the Effects of ß-Blockade in the Treatment of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome.

Background Splanchnic venous pooling induced by upright posture triggers a compensatory increase in heart rate (HR), a response that is exaggerated in patients with postural tachycardia syndrome. To assess whether abdominal compression attenuates orthostatic tachycardia and improves symptoms, 18 postural tachycardia syndrome patients (32±2 years) were randomized to receive either abdominal compression (40 mm Hg applied with an inflatable binder ≈2 minutes before standing) or propranolol (20 mg) in a placebo-controlled, crossover study. Methods and Results Systolic blood pressure, HR, and symptoms were assessed while seated and standing, before and 2 hours postdrug. As expected, propranolol decreased standing HR compared with placebo (81±2 versus 98±4 beats per minute; P<0.001) and was associated with lower standing systolic blood pressure (93±2 versus 100±2 mm Hg for placebo; P=0.002). Compression had no effect on standing HR (96±4 beats per minute) but increased standing systolic blood pressure compared with placebo and propranolol (106±2 mm Hg; P<0.01). Neither propranolol nor compression improved symptoms compared with placebo. In 16 patients we compared the combination of abdominal compression and propranolol with propranolol alone. The combination had no additional effect on standing HR (81±2 beats per minute for both interventions) but prevented the decrease in standing systolic blood pressure produced by propranolol (98±2 versus 93±2 mm Hg for propranolol; P=0.029), and significantly improved total symptom burden (-6±2 versus -1±2 for propranolol; P=0.041). Conclusions Splanchnic venous compression alone did not improve HR or symptoms but prevented the blood pressure decrease produced by propranolol. The combination was more effective in improving symptoms than either alone. Splanchnic venous compression can be a useful adjuvant therapy to propranolol in postural tachycardia syndrome. Registration URL: https://www.clini​caltr​ials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00262470.

Effect of elastic abdominal binder on pain and functional recovery after caesarean delivery: a randomised controlled trial.

The Elastic abdominal binder has been widely employed by clinicians for pain relief, wound complications prevention, improved pulmonary function, and stabilisation. However, these proposed benefits have not been properly examined in women following caesarean delivery. We aimed to examine the effects of post-caesarean elastic abdominal binder use on recovery by comparing post-operative pain, mobility and quality of life. Pregnant women undergoing caesarean delivery were randomly assigned into two groups: abdominal binder (90 patients) and control (90 patients). The primary outcomes included the daily visual analogue scale pain scores and the distance from the six-minute walk test. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. There was no significant difference in pain scores and six-minute walking distance between the study groups. There was no significant between-group difference in quality-of-life dimensions, overall health status, and post-operative complication. The positive effects of elastic abdominal binder use following caesarean delivery could not be demonstrated in this study.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Elastic abdominal binder is commonly used after laparotomy to support incision. There was evidence to support the benefit of abdominal binder in reducing psychological distress during the first five days following laparotomy for other indications. From limited number of studies addressing caesarean section, the evidence for the benefits of the binder on pain, symptom distress, and change in haemoglobin level is conflicting.What do the results of this study add? In contrast to the results of the previous study, the beneficial effects of abdominal binder on pain reduction, functional recovery, and quality of life following caesarean delivery could not be demonstrated in this study.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The use of elastic abdominal binder after caesarean delivery is not associated with reduction of postoperative pain, faster functional recovery, and improved quality of life in our population. Further studies in other population with different characteristics may be worthwhile.

A case report of a woman after childbirth with a dehisced abdominal wound as well as fat liquefaction and large skin necrosis.

Recently high-frequency electric knife and abdominal binder are widely used in the abdominal operation in China. Nevertheless, with the high occurrence of the abdominal wound, we think that whether both these operations could be used or not. Here, we report the case of a 40-year-old female patient where negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied to her dehisced abdominal wound as well as fat liquefaction and large skin necrosis with pleasing results. The patient with high fever was referred to our department from her earlier hospital for 6 days after cesarean delivery. During the surgery, her earlier doctor used a high-frequency electric knife for convenient-using, and after the operation, the patient immediately used an abdominal binder for good shape. However, the abdominal surgical incision was opened at postoperative day 3, with fat liquefaction releasing large fatty acids along both abdominal sides with penetration under the abdominal binder. After admitted at postoperative day 6 with aggravating wound, surgery was considered because of no reduction in the size of the wound. A series of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) or vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) as well as others, were operated. In the admitted 25th day, the wound was completely closed. NPWT is a practical and effective therapy for the treatment of numerous refractory and intractable wounds. Therefore, we suggest that the high-frequency electric knife and an abdominal binder should be avoided using an abdominal operation. This case is the first report of the use of NPWT over a dehisced abdominal wound with fat liquefaction and large skin necrosis on a postpartum patient in China.

Influence of Abdominal Binder Usage after Cesarean Delivery on Postoperative Mobilization, Pain and Distress: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of abdominal binder usage on mobilization, postoperative pain, and distress after cesarean delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted between September 1, 2017 and January 31, 2018 at Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 89 women undergoing elective cesarean were randomized to the study (binder, n=45) or control (no binder, n=44) groups. Patients in the study group were fitted with a binder before leaving the operating room. Mobilization (6-minute walk test), postoperative pain (measured by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale), and perceived distress status of both groups were evaluated within 8th (first mobilization time), 24th, and 48th h of surgery. RESULTS: We found that the binder group (BG) walked longer than the control group during the 6-minute walking distance test. At the first mobilization time (postoperative 8th h), the BG (99.4±27.3 m) covered significantly more distance than the control group (81.0±22.2 m) (p=0.001) in the walking distance test. At postoperative 24th h, the McGill pain score in the BG was significantly lower than that in the control group (p=0.004). For all three test times, the Symptom Distress Scale of the BG was lower than that of the control group (postoperative 8th h p=0.024, 24th h p<0.001, and 48th h p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The evidence is consistent with abdominal binder usage after cesarean section decreasing the feeling of distress and increasing mobility.

Use of Abdominal Binders after a Major Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective To compare the effect of abdominal binder versus no binder after major abdominal surgery and cesarean section on various post-operative recovery parameters. Materials and methods This is a randomized controlled trial conducted at the Department of General Surgery and Obstetrics, Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. All those patients aged ≥18 years having abdominal surgery including elective and emergency abdominal surgery and cesarean sections with American Society of Anesthesiologists Class I-III were included in the study. Randomization was done using the sealed envelope method by the principal investigator. The intervention group wore an abdominal binder postoperatively while the control group did not use it. Mobilization and the pain status of both groups were evaluated on the first, fourth, and seventh days after surgery. Results Primary outcome variables were mobility, assessed via 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and postoperative pain, evaluated via visual analogue scale. There was no statistically significant difference in the 6MWT distance before (p = 0.278) and on postoperative day one of the surgery (p = 0.0762). However, the difference was significant on fourth (p < 0.001) and seventh day (p value < 0.001). With regards to the pain status, patients in the binder group reported significantly less postoperative pain on first, fourth, and seventh (p value < 0.001) day compared to the non-binder group. Conclusion The use of abdominal binder postoperatively significantly reduced pain and improved mobility in both obstetric and surgery patients.

Patient reported outcome following incisional hernia repair: A survey on 163 patients at two maximum care hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: Incisional hernias of the abdominal wall are frequent complications after laparotomy (9-20%) and often need incisional hernia repair (IHR). In order to ensure wound healing and to therefore prevent postoperative short and long term morbidity carrying an abdominal binder (AB) and physical rest is frequently advised. However, there is a lack of evidence concerning clinical effects regarding these recommendations. Hence, we conducted a survey to analyze the patient reported outcome following IHR. METHODS: From December 2017 to May 2018, we conducted a survey among 270 patients who underwent open and laparoscopic IHR at two maximum care hospitals. They were interviewed about their type of operation, postoperative treatment, recommendations, and outcome. RESULTS: 163 patients replied to the questionnaire. The average age was 63.2 ±â€¯12 years. 74 patients were female and 89 were male. 32.6% of the patients reported an AB-induced immobility and 71.2% reported that the AB reduced pain after IHR. A prolonged period of physical rest and the use of an AB had no statistical significance on postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Due to our findings we assume that the AB may induce immobility and reduce postoperative pain. A prolonged period of physical rest and wearing an AB does not seem to have an impact on the postoperative outcome following IHR. Therefore, a shortened duration of physical rest and wearing an AB following IHR should be taken under consideration. To reveal more evidence on this topic further clinical trials are essential.