title: Mapping traction strength of the anterior rectus sheath in cadaver.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The tension at the aponeurotic edges of abdominal wall defects is an important factor of dehiscence and incisional hernia formation. The purpose of this study is to map and compare the traction force necessary for medial mobilization in various levels of the anterior rectus sheath in cadavers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty four adult male cadavers, raging from 22 to 59 years old, with the abdominal wall intact and without prior preservation techniques, were dissected. A complete excision of the linea alba was performed. Traction loops of 10 mm in diameter were made in the anterior rectus sheath and were placed: 2, 4, 6 and 8 cm below the lower edge of the umbilicus and 3, 6 and 9 cm above the upper edge of the umbilicus. Each loop was mobilized 10 mm in the medial direction, using an analog dynamometer. The values obtained in each level were compared using Friedman's analysis of Variance for p < 0.05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average traction values obtained at the various levels were compared and there was no statistical significant difference.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is no variation in tension along the whole extension of the anterior rectus sheath.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Post-Graduation Program of Plastic Surgery, UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Romar Angelo Barbato
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Silveira
authors.forename: Fábio Xerfan
authors.initials: FX
authors.lastname: Nahas
authors.forename: Bernardo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hochman
authors.forename: Felix Carlos Ocariz
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Bazzano
authors.forename: Carlos Roberto
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Amorim
authors.forename: Yara
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Juliano
authors.forename: Volney Marques
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Passos
authors.forename: Lydia Masako
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Ferreira
mesh_terms: D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D002102:Cadaver; D046449:Hernia, Abdominal / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014143:Traction; D055815:Young Adult