Endoscopic plication techniques for the treatment of abdominal contour

Published on 23/05/2015 by admin

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Last modified 23/05/2015

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Chapter 24 Endoscopic plication techniques for the treatment of abdominal contour

Basic Science

Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles requires correction, regardless of whether there is enough excess skin for classic abdominoplasty. Many cases requiring correction of diastasis are contraindicated for classic abdominoplasty.

In cases where the navel is high, leaving little skin expanse above the umbilicus, or even in cases where the supraumbilical skin has little flaccidity, a classic abdominoplasty is difficult. Patients with post-pregnancy diastasis but with plans for further pregnancies are also a relative contraindication for the classic tummy tuck.

The correction of the diastasis can be accomplished via a small video-assisted suprapubic incision, without skin resection, or by a mini-abdominoplasty in a technique described since 1971 by Callia, with a small infraumbilical skin resection. Other authors have already described, with variations, an infraumbilical plication only and no detachment of the umbilicus.17 There are also descriptions of a small incision in the umbilicus to facilitate the supraumbilical detachment2 and another approach that detached the umbilicus from the m. rectus.8,9 Since the introduction of video-endoscopy, indications for the correction of diastasis without skin resection can be extended to include, primarily, congenital diastasis and diastasis in men.10

Indications for video-assisted mini-abdominoplasty are limited. This option must be precisely discussed with the patient because, on the one hand, there is the advantage of less scarring, but on the other hand, resection of skin is limited and there may be mild residual laxity both above and below the umbilicus. Another factor that should be considered in female patients is the possibility of pregnancy after surgery. In nulliparous patients who have abdominal flaccidity following weight loss (Figs 24.1 and 24.2), or in patients who have post-pregnancy abdominal flaccidity but are planning another pregnancy, this technique would be well indicated, because it doesn’t present the same limitations as classical abdominoplasty for postoperative pregnancy.

FIG 24.2 Appears imageONLINE ONLY