Mapping traction strength of the anterior rectus sheath in cadaver.
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.
Silveira
Romar Angelo Barbato
RA
Department of Surgery, Post-Graduation Program of Plastic Surgery, UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil.
Nahas
Fábio Xerfan
FX
Hochman
Bernardo
B
Bazzano
Felix Carlos Ocariz
FC
Amorim
Carlos Roberto
CR
Juliano
Yara
Y
Passos
Volney Marques
VM
Ferreira
Lydia Masako
LM
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