Physiology in Medicine: physiological basis of diaphragmatic dysfunction with abdominal hernias-implications for therapy.
An incisional hernia is a common complication after abdominal surgery. Complaints of dyspnea in this population may be attributed to cardiopulmonary dysfunction or deconditioning. Large abdominal incisional hernias, however, may cause diaphragm dysfunction and result in dyspnea, which is more pronounced when standing (platypnea). The use of an abdominal binder may alleviate platypnea in this population. We discuss the link between diaphragm dysfunction and the lack of abdominal wall integrity and how abdominal wall support partially restores diaphragm function.
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Patrick
P
Koo
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Eric J
EJ
Gartman
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Jigme M
JM
Sethi
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Pawtucket, Rhode Island F_McCool@brown.edu.
F Dennis
FD
McCool
D034861:Abdominal Wall / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D046449:Hernia, Abdominal / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D000069290:Incisional Hernia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D012119:Respiration
abdominal hernia; diaphragm dysfunction; platypnea; ultrasound