Abdominal peritoneum
the serous membrane lining the walls of the abdominal cavity
direct inguinal hernia
a hernia that results from weakness in the inguinal floor
evisceration
protrusion of the viscera outside the body as a result of trauma or wound diruption
fistula
an abnormal tract or passage leading from one organ to another or from an organ to the skin; usually caused by infection
hernia
a protrusion of tissue under the skin through a weakened area of the body wall
incarcerated hernia
herniated tissue that is trapped in an abdominal wall defect; requires emergency surgery to prevent ischemia and tissue necrosis
incisional hernia
the postoperative herniation of tissue into the tissue layers around an abdominal incision; this may occur in the immediate postoperative period or later, after an incision is healed
indirect inguinal hernia
a hernia that protrudes into the membranous sac of the spermatic cord; usually due to a congenital defect in the abdominal wall
linea alba
a strip of avascular tissue that follows the midline and extends fro the pubis to the xiphoid process
McBurney incision
an incision in which the oblique right muscle is manually split to allow removal of the apendix.
Reduce
To replace or push herniated tissue back into its normal anatomical position
Strangulated hernia
A hernia in which abdominal tissue has become trapped between the layers of an abdominal wall defect. Tissue usually becomes swollen as a result of venous congestion.
Ventral hernia
A weakness in the abdominal wall, usually resulting in protrusion of abdominal viscera against the peritoneum and abdominal fascia
Viscera
The organs or tissue of the abdominal fascia
Anastomosis
A surgical procedure in which two hollow structures are joined
Billroth I procedure
A gastroduodenostomy, or surgical anastomoses, of the stomach and the duodenum
Billroth II procedure
A gastrojejunostomy, or surgical anastomoses, or the stomach and the jejunum
Bowel technique
A method of preventing cross-contamination between the bowel contents and the abdominal cavity
Esophageal varices
Distended veins of the esophagus, caused by advanced liver disease. Occurs as a result of portal vein obstruction arising from fibrosis of the liver. May bleed profusely
Exploratory laparotomy
A laparotomy performed to examine the abdominal cavity when less invasive measures fail to confirm a diagnosis
Gastrostomy
A surgical opening through the stomach wall connecting to the outside of the body or another hollow anatomical structure
Laparotomy
A procedure in which the abdominal cavity is surgically opened.
Morbid obesity
A condition in which the patient's body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher, and the individual is at least 100 pounds (45 kg) over the ideal weight despite aggressive attempts to lose weight.
Nasogastric (NG) tube
A flexible tube inserted through the nose and advanced into the stomach. Used to decompress the stomach or to provide a means of feeding the patient liquid nutrients and medication
-ostomy
A suffix that refers to an opening between two hollow organs; for example, gastroduodenostomy, a surgical procedures that joins the stomach and the duodenum
Ostomy
A technique in which a new opening is made between w tubular structure such as the intestine or ureter and the outside of the body or another hollow structure or organ
Stoma
An opening created in a hollow organ structure or organ and sutured to the skin to drain the organ's contents; may be temporary or permanent method of bypass
Stoma appliance
A two- or three-piece medical device used to collect drainage from a stoma. The appliance is attached to the patient's skin and completely covers the stoma. This allows free drainage into a collection device or bag
Cirrhosis
A disease of the liver in which the tissue hardens and the venous drainage becomes blocked. Usually caused by chronic alcoholism but may result from other disease conditions
Friable
A descriptive term for tissue that means fragile and easily torn, and may bleed profusely; example: liver and spleen
Lobectomy
Surgical removal of one or more anatomical sections of the liver
Segmental resection
Anatomical resection of the liver in which segments divided by specific blood vessels and biliary ducts are removed
Body image
In psychology, the way a person sees himself or herself through the eyes of others.
Hook wire
A device used to pinpoint he exact location of a nonpalpable mass detected during a mammogram. Fine wire inserted into the mass during he examination, and the tissue around the needle is removed for pathological examination and definite diagnosis
Mastectomy
A procedure in which breast tissue, including the skin, areola, and nipple, is removed, but the lymph nodes are not removed
Modified radical mastectomy
A procedure in which the entire breast, nipple, and areole region are removed. Lymph nodes also are usually removed
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)
A procedure in which one or more lymph nodes are removed to determine whether a tumor is metastasized. Other lymph nodes may be removed periodically to determine whether metastasis had occurred
Skin flap
A flap is created by incising he skin and cutting it away from the underlying tissue to which it is attached. Can be increased in size or "raised" as it is enlarged by dissection
Subcutaneous mastectomy
A procedure in which the breast is removed, but the skin, nipple, and areola are left intact; also called lumpectomy
Technetium-99
A radioactive substance used to identify sentinel lymph nodes
Wire localization
A biopsy procedure in which a hook wire is inserted under fluoroscopy into tissue suspected of s being cancerous.
Abdominal wall
Gastrointestinal (GI) system
Binary system (gallbladder and associated structures)
Spleen
Pancreas
Hepatic system
Breast
Organs and organ systems involved in general surgery
Bariatrics
The medical and surgical treatment of morbid obesity
Abdominal cavity
Contains the abdominal viscera (organs)
Pelvic cavity
Contains structured of the reproductive, genitourinary, and lower GI systems
Retroperitoneal cavity
Contains the kidneys, adrenal glands, and ureters
Posterior abdominal peritoneum
Separated the anterior abdominal cavity from the Retroperitoneal cavity
Quadrants
Four major sections of the abdomen; also called landmarks; often mentioned as the general location of a medical finding or anatomical structure.
RUQ
Right upper quadrant
LUQ
Left upper quadrant
RLQ
Right lower quadrant
LLQ
Left lower quadrant
What does the thoracic cavity contain?
Right pleural cavity
Mediastinum
Left pleural cavity
Which organ/organs are in the right pleural cavity?
Right lung
Which organs are located in the mediastinum?
Heart
Trachea
Right and left bronchi
Esophagus
Thymus gland
Aortic arch and thoracic aorta
Venue cavae
Lymph nodes & thoracic duct
What organ/organs are located in the left pleural cavity?
Left lung
Which organs are located in the RUQ?
Liver
Gallbladder
Colin
Portions of the small intestine
Which organs are located in the LUQ?
Stomach
Pancreas
Spleen
Portions of the small instestine
Kidneys
Adrenal glands
Descending aorta
Ureters
Which organs are located in the pelvic cavity?
Ureters
Uterus and adnexa (female)
Prostate gland (male)
Urethra
Urinary bladder
Sigmoid colon
Rectum
What are the nine regions of the abdomen?
Left and right rib
Left and right flank
Left and right inguinal area
Epigastric region: upper abdomen
Umbilical region: area near the umbilicus
Hypogastric region: lower region
Continguous
The muscles cross each other and attach at different levels in the fascia; examples: fatty and skin layers
Subcutaneous
Layer that lies directly under the skin; composed of lobulated adipose (fat) and varies in thickness from 1/4" to more than 8
What are the tissues of the abdominal organs?
Skin
Subcutaneous fatty tissue ("sub-cu")
Fascia
Muscle
Peritoneum
What are some functions of the muscles and fascia of the abdominal wall?
- protect the abdominal viscera
- move the upper body in flexion and rotation
- assist in respiration
- assist in the "bearing down" during defecation and childbirth
Longitudinal rictus muscles
Muscles attached from the pubis to the fifth, sixth, and seventh costal (rib) cartilages
What are the three flanking muscles? Where are they located?
Transverse external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominis muscles; lateral to the rictus muscles
Rectus Sheath
A broad fascial layer that extends across the abdomen without interruption
Linea alba
A strip of a vascular tissue that follows the midline and extends from the pubis to the ciphoid process; extends the full length of the midline
Abdominal peritoneum (parietal peritoneum)
A strong serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity
What are the functions of the abdominal peritoneum?
- protects the viscera in the abdomen
- secreted serous fluids, allowing abdominal structure to slide over each other easily
Mesentery
An extension of the peritoneum that attaches to the posterior abdominal wall and fans out to cover the small intestine
Greater omentum
Another extension of the serous membrane covering the stomach, duodenum, and part of the colon; often referred to as peritoneal reflections
Inguinal canal
Originates at the opening in the transversalis fascia at the deep inguinal ring and continues to the superficial inguinal ring; splits between the muscle layers near the inguinal ligament
Hesselbach triangle
The area bounded by the refute abdominis muscle, the inguinal ligament, and the inferior epitgastric vessels; larger in males than in females
What corresponds to the higher incidence of inguinal hernias in males?
The size of the Hesselbach triangle
What are the structures contained in the spermatic cord?
Spermatic fascia
Cremaster muscle
Genitofemoral nerve
Ductus deferens
Lymph vessels
Testicular vein and artery
What are the types of region-specific abdominal incisions?
- midline incision
- paramedian incision
- sub costal incision
- flank incision
- inguinal incision
- McBurney incision
- Rocky Davis
- mid abdominal transverse
- lower transverse incision (Pfannenstiel)
Hernia
A protrusion of tissue through a defect or weakness in the abdominal wall; most common pathology of the abdominal wall, can also occur along the linea Alba, umbilicus, and femoral regions
What may cause weakness in the wall of the abdomen?
Congenital anomaly, previous surgery, or injury
Which regions do hernias most often occur?
The inguinal and femoral regions
Incarcerated hernia
Herniated tissue that is trapped in an abdominal wall defect; requires emergency surgery to prevent ischemia and tissue necrosis
Strangulated hernia
A hernia in which abdominal tissue has become trapped between the layers of the abdominal wall defect; tissue usually becomes swollen as a result of venous congestion
What position is the patient in when undergoing surgical procedures of the abdominal wall?
Supine
_____ may be inserted before surgery to decompress the _____ during repair inguinal or a femoral hernia.
Foley catheter; bladder
What type of anesthesia is commonly used in hernia repair procedures?
General or spinal
Midline incision
Incision made through the skin, subcutaneous fat, and the linea alba
Paramedian (upper and lower) incision
A muscle-splitting incision; less painful than a subcostal muscle-cutting incision for access to the upper quadrants
Subcostal incision
Incision that follows the lower rib margin in a semi curved shape; it is painful postoperatively
McBurney incision
Incision made on the right side, at an oblique angle, in the flank below the umbilicus; it is a muscle-splitting incision and offers only limited exposure
Inguinal (oblique)
Incision is used to gain access to the inguinal repair; also may be used for inertial access to the spermatic cord
Lower transverse abdominal (Pfannenstiel) incision
Incision follows the natural skin folds to achieve cosmetic closure; it is very strong and offers good exposure to the pelvic contents
Which tissues layers are involved in a midline incision?
- skin
-subcutaneous fat
- fascia (linea Alba)
- abdominal peritoneum
Which tissue layers are involved in a paramedian incision?
- skin
- subcutaneous fat
- anterior rectus muscles
- rectus fascia
- abdominal peritoneum
Which tissues are involved in a subcostal incision?
- skin
- subcutaneous fat
- rectus muscles
- fascia
- abdominal peritoneum
Which tissues are involved in a McBurney incision?
- skin
- subcutaneous fat
- fascia
- oblique and transversalis muscles
- abdominal peritoneum
What tissues are involved in an inguinal incision?
- skin
- subcutaneous fat
- fascia
- muscle
- ligaments
- peritoneum
What tissues are involved in a lower transverse abdominal (Pfannenstiel) incision?
- skin
- subcutaneous fat
- rectus fascia
- rectus muscles
What does a midline incision expose?
- lower esophagus
- stomach
- small intestine
- liver
- biliary system
- spleen
- pancreas
- proximal colon
What does a paramedian incision expose?
Right: biliary system, pancreas
Left: spleen, sigmoid colon
What does a subcostal incision expose?
Right: biliary system, spleen
Left (chevron): liver transplantation
What does a McBurney incision expose?
Appendix
What does an inguinal (oblique) incision expose?
Muscles and fascia of the inguinal abdominal wall, spermatic cord, inguinal ring, abdominal ring, inferior epigastric artery and vein
What does a lower transverse abdominal (Pfannenstiel) incision expose?
Uterus, adnexa, bladder, access for cesarean section
Incisional hernia
Protrusion of abdominal tissue through one or more abdominal layers; results from a previous abdominal incision that failed to heal completely or later broke down because of obesity, infection, or disease
Strangulated or incarcerated hernia
Tissue protruding from the hernia may become swollen and squeezed; may result in local ischemia or other complications
Indirect inguinal hernia
A hernia in which abdominal viscera slides into the inguinal canal from the deep inguinal ring; herniated tissue may extend through the superficial ring in the spermatic cord into the scrotum or labia
Direct inguinal hernia
Protrusion of abdominal or inguinal tissue directly through the transversalis fascia
Femoral hernia
A hernia arising from a weakness in the transversalis fascia below the inguinal ligament
Umbilical hernia
Abdominal wall defect occurring in the linea Alba at the umbilical ring seen in infants and adults
Spigelian hernia
Rare hernia occurring between the transverse abdominis and rectus muscles
Which hernia may require mesh reinforcement to bridge and strengthen the tissue edges?
Incisional hernia
Which hernia is an emergency condition requiring surgery to release the tissue and prevent each emus and necrosis?
Strangulated/ incarcerated hernia
Which hernia is rarely diagnosed but is seen occasionally during surgery for other reasons?
Spigelian hernia
Which hernia is usually caused by a congenital weakness in the inguinal ring, and may require surgery?
Indirect inguinal hernia
Which hernia is usually acquired in older men?
Direct inguinal hernia
Which hernia occurs mainly in women and may require surgery to prevent tissue incarceration?
Femoral hernia
Which hernia rarely requires surgery?
Umbilical adults
What set is used for procedures involving the abdominal wall?
Laparotomy set
What is used to repair defects in the fascia?
Braided synthetic suture and surgical mesh; monofilament may also be used
Are infected abdominal wounds closed?
Infected abdominal wounds are generally not closed beyond the fascial layer, however heavy monofilament synthetic retention suture may be placed behind the line of incision
What is used for most hernia repairs?
Surgical mesh
Biosynthesis mesh
Made of synthetic material similar to suture
What is the principle of mesh repair?
To provide a bridge of strong material over the abdominal wall weakness and release tension on the tissue edges during repair and healing
Remodeling phase of healing
Scar tissue fills the spaces
A ____ is usually measured and cut during surgery, although _____ patched are available.
Patch; precut
Suture me used on hernia repair are usually the _____, more pliable ______
...
Where do hernias most often occur?
the inguinal and femoral regions; may also occur along the linea alba umbilicus, or previous abdominal incision
What is it called when a herniated tissue becomes trapped by the surrounding tissue?
incarcerated or strangulated hernia
What position is the patient placed in for procedures of the abdominal wall?
supine position
What may be inserted before surgery to decompress the bladder during repair of an inguinal or a femoral hernia?
Foley catheter
What type of anesthesia is commonly used during a hernia repair procedure?
general or spinal anesthesia
What set is used for procedures involving the abdominal wall?
laparotomy set
What are used to repair defects in the fascia?
braided synthetic sutures and surgical mesh; monofilaments may also be used
Are infected abdominal wounds closed?
They are generally not closed beyond the fascial layer
What is used for most hernia repairs?
surgical mesh
What is made of synthetic material similar to suture?
Biosynthetic mesh
What is the principle of mesh repair?
To provide a bridge of strong material over the abdominal wall weakness and release tension on the tissue edges during repair and healing
What happens during the remodeling phase of healing?
Scar tissue fills the spaces of the mesh
A _____ is usually measured and cut during surgery, although precut ones are available.
patch
What is the surgical goal of an open repair of an indirect inguinal hernia?
To restore strength to the inguinal floor and prevent the abdominal viscera from entering the inguinal canal
Indirect inguinal hernia
results in protrusion of the abdominal viscera into the inguinal canal from the deep inguinal ring
In which surgical procedure does the surgeon incise the skin over the groin using the skin knife?
Indirect Inguinal Hernia
What is used to retract the spermatic vessels and vas deferens (spermatic cord)?
penrose drain
What instrument is used to dissect the hernia sac away from the cord?
Metzenbaum scissors
What is used to close the fascia during an indirect inguinal hernia repair?
2-0 nonabsorbable or absorbable synthetic sutures
What is used to close the subcutaneous tissue during an indirect inguinal hernia repair?
2-0 or 3-0 absorbable sutures
What is used to close the skin during an indirect inguinal hernia repair?
staples or 3-0 or 4-0 nonabsorbable sutures
What two techniques are currently used for the laparoscopic approach to a direct inguinal hernia?
Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) laparoscopy
Total extraperitoneal (TEP) surgery
Transabdominl preperitoneal (TAPP) laparoscopy
a pneumoperitoneum is created and the inguinal canal is entered via the abdominal cavity
Total extraperitoneal (TEP) surgery
the preperitoneal space is inflated with a balloon dissector, which expands the tissue planes.
Laparoscopic direct hernia repair is the preferred technique to ______ herniated tissue and _____ the inguinal floor.
reduce; strengthen
Direct inguinal hernia
arises from a defect behind the superficial inguinal ring in the inguinal floor, through the transversalis fascia
Hesselbach Triangle
an area bounded by the conjoint tendon, inguinal ligament, and inferior epigastric vessels
Which is an acquired hernia that occurs most often in older men and becomes larger with age or obesity?
direct inguinal hernia
What is the surgical goal of a femoral hernia?
to reduce abdominal tissue that has entered the femoral canal; the abdominal wall defect is closed to prevent recurrence
Procedures of an open repair of an indirect inguinal
1. a right or left inguinal incision is made
2. the layers of the abdominal wall are incised, and the edges are retracted
3. the spermatic cord is dissected from preperitoneal fat and other surrounding tissue
4. the spermatic cord is retracted with a smal
Procedures of a TAPP repair
1. Pneumoperitoneum is established, and trocars are inserted into the abdomen.
2. A transverse incision is made above the direct hernia space.
3. The weakened area in the pelvic floor is reinforced with mesh.
4. The peritoneum is closed.
5. Pneumoperitone
Procedures for a TEP repair
1. A perimbilical incision is made through the rectus sheath
2. Tissues are dissected manually and then retracted.
3. A balloon tissue expander is introduced
4. The preperitoneal space is inflated, and the expander is removed.
5. A balloon trocar is inser
Procedures for an open repair of a femoral hernia
1. The groin is incised on the affected side
2. The hernia sac is identified and opened
3. The sac is ligated and removed
4. Synthetic mesh is secured over the defect
5. The wound is closed in layers as for an inguinal hernia
Procedures for repair of an incisional or ventral hernia
1. The abdominal scar is removed and the edges of the previous incision are trimmed
2. Old sutures are removed
3. Abdominal adhesions are separated from the viscera and the interior abdominal wall
4. Synthetic mesh is secured over the abdominal defect
5.
Fistula
a tract or tunnel through the tissue that develops a lining of epithelium
Ventral hernia
refers to any hernia occurring in the abdominal wall, excluding the groin or inguinal area
Evisceration
protrusion of viscera outside of the body
Procedures for umbilical hernia repair
1. a periumbilical incision is made
2. the linea alba defect is identified
3. the defect is dissected free of any tissue and the muscuofascial margins are idenified
4. the defect is repaired with sutures or mesh
5. the wound is closed
What is the surgical goal for an umbilical hernia repair
to repair an abdominal wall defect in the periumbilical region
What causes an umbilical hernia?
the result of a defect in the linea alba at the umbilical ring