Abdominal incisions for approaching the abdominal oesophagus and stomach

Abstract

The type of abdominal incision chosen and the way in which it is fashioned and closed is often a matter of personal preference, although some important principles can be stated. The most important is that the choice of incision should provide the best exposure of the area to be operated upon so that safe surgery can be performed with the minimum of difficulty. This principle is particularly important in upper abdominal surgery, where access under the costal margin and diaphragm can be difficult. Of secondary importance, the wound should be easy to fashion and close. While attention must be paid to the cosmetic effects of any incision, this is of lesser importance in upper abdominal surgery where the underlying condition is often life-threatening and priority must be given to ease and sometimes speed of access.