The transverse-vertical incision (Alazzam hybrid incision).

Open abdominal surgery evolved around two incisions, vertical and transverse incisions. Transverse incisions are associated with less postoperative morbidities but offer limited access. Vertical incisions offer better access but are associated with more complications. We describe here a hybrid incision, transverse-vertical incision that offers adequate exposure for complex lower abdominopelvic surgery while overcoming the limitations and morbidities associated with midline and transverse incisions.

Peritoneal hernia following abdominal hysterectomy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Internal hernias rarely lead to bowel obstruction; they are caused by a natural or unnatural opening within the peritoneal cavity. Defects in the peritoneum are extremely rare. Patients present with features of intestinal obstruction and most cases are diagnosed during surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old woman with a history of multiple abdominal surgeries had a small bowel hernia through a peritoneal defect of the anterior abdominal wall. She presented with abdominal pain and distension and was taken to the operating room, where findings revealed an intact fascia and small bowel herniation through a midline peritoneal defect. CONCLUSION: Herniation of small bowel through the peritoneum is a rare type of internal hernia that can manifest in a patient with extensive history of abdominal surgeries. This type of clinical picture warrants a high degree of suspicion for prompt and proper management. Surgery should not be delayed, to avoid increased morbidity and mortality.

Mechanical Effects of a Maylard Scar During a Vaginal Birth After a Previous Caesarean.

Caesarean section is one of the most common surgeries worldwide, even though there is no evidence supporting maternal and perinatal long-term benefits. Furthermore, the mechanical behavior of a caesarean scar during a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is not well understood since there are several questions regarding the uterine wound healing process. The aim of this study is to investigate the biomechanical Maylard fiber reorientation and stiffness influence during a VBAC through computational methods. A biomechanical model comprising a fetus and a uterus was developed, and a chemical-mechanical constitutive model that triggers uterine contractions was used, where some of the parameters were adjusted to account for the matrix and fiber stiffness increase in the caesarean scar. Several mechanical simulations were performed to analyze different scar fibers arrangements, considering different values for the respective matrix and fibers stiffness. The results revealed that a random fiber arrangement in the Maylard scar has a much higher impact on its mechanical behavior during a VBAC than the common fibers arrangement present in the uninjured uterine tissue. An increase of the matrix scar stiffness exhibits a lower impact, while an increase of the fiber's stiffness has no significant influence.

Incisiones transversas en oncología ginecológica / Transverse incisions in gynecologic oncology

OBJETIVO: Determinar si el tipo de laparotomía influye en la etapificación de pacientes con cáncer de cuerpo y cuello uterino. MÉTODO: Se revisaron todas las fichas clínicas de pacientes con cáncer de cuerpo y cuello uterino que fueron operadas en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile y el Hospital Clínico de la Fuerza Aérea Chilena, entre enero de 1999 y mayo de 2005. Se recopiló la siguiente información: tipo de laparotomía, índice de masa corporal (IMC), comorbilidades médicas, tiempo operatorio, histología, número total y distribución de linfonodos, pérdida sanguínea, complicaciones, duración de la cirugía y hospitalización. Se aplicaron análisis estadísticos con t student y c². RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 51 pacientes. Se usó laparotomía media (LM) y transversa (LT) en 16 (31%) y 35 (69%) de las pacientes, respectivamente. No hubo diferencias significativas en índice de masa corporal, estadio FIGO, histología, comorbilidades, estimación de pérdida sanguínea ni complicaciones intra o post operatorias entre el grupo de LM y LT. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en pacientes con IMC 25 sometidas a laparotomías verticales comparadas con las transversas, donde ocurrió mayor sangrado intraoperatorio, se recolectó mayor número de ganglios para-aórticos y tuvieron hospitalizaciones más prolongadas. CONCLUSIONES: La etapificación quirúrgica de pacientes con cáncer de cérvix o cuerpo uterino se puede realizar adecuadamente a través de incisiones transversas, sin mayor morbilidad. Previa adecuada selección, pacientes con cánceres cervical y uterino pueden beneficiarse de las ventajas ya descritas para las laparotomías transversas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the type of abdominal incision influences the adequacy of surgical staging in patients with uterine and cervical cancer. METHODS: A retrospective review of all uterine and cervical cancer patients operated on by the same surgeon at the Universidad de Chile Clinical Hospital and the Chilean Air Force Clinical Hospital between January 1, 1999, and May 1, 2005, is presented. Data on type of incision, body mass index (BMI), medical comorbilities, histology, total number and distribution of lymph nodes, estimated blood loss, complications, length of surgery and hospital stay were abstracted. Statistical analysis with two-tailed Student t test and c² were performed. RESULTS: 51 patients were identified. A vertical incision (VI) was used in 16 (31%) while 35 (69%) received a transverse incision (TI). There were no statistically significant differences in BMI, FIGO stage, histology, comorbilities, estimated blood loss or intraoperative and postoperative complications between the VI and TI groups. Compared patients with BMI 25, VI was associated with significantly more intraoperative blood loss, number of para-aortic lymph nodes harvested and length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive surgical staging for uterine and cervical cancer can be adequately performed through a TI without greater morbidity. After appropriate selection, patients with uterine and cervical cancer can benefit from the inherent benefits previously described for TI.