Video Description
Gynecologists are most familiar with the Pfannenstiel and midline incisions for laparotomy. The Cherney and Maylard are two alternative transverse incisions. These are both muscle splitting incisions that retain the advantages of a low transverse skin incision while providing greater exposure to the pelvis.
The Cherney separates the tendinous attachment of the rectus muscles to the pubic bone and the Maylard transects the rectus muscle bellies. This video will review the relevant anatomy of the anterior abdominal wall for laparotomy and provide a comprehensive review of the Cherney and Maylard incisions including their detailed surgical steps and the decision making regarding the abdominal incision that is best suited for a given procedure.
Finally, we compare their advantages and disadvantages to other laparotomy incisions used for gynecological surgery.
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University of Toronto
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Video Transcript: Beyond the Pfannenstiel: Minimally Invasive Incisions for Maximum Exposure
Beyond the Pfannenstiel, Minimally Invasive Incisions for Maximum Exposure. Gynaecologists are most familiar with the Pfannenstiel and midline incisions. The Cherney and Maylard incisions are two alternative transverse abdominal incisions with unique advantages.
Both require splitting the rectus muscles and provide excellent pelvic exposure in addition to a number of benefits when compared to midline laparotomy, such as lower postoperative pain and risk of hernia and adhesion formation. The Maylard divides the rectus muscle bellies and the Cherney divides the tendons.
In this video, we will review the surgically relevant anatomy of the anterior abdominal wall, demonstrate the steps to a Cherney and Maylard incision, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Both incisions start with a standard transverse skin incision which is made 2 cm to 4 cm above the pubic symphysis. In the subcutaneous fat, on the lateral margins of the incision, lie the superficial epigastric vessels. Deep to this fatty layer is the rectus sheath, which is composed of the anatomy of the aponeurosis of the external oblique, internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscle.
Once the fascia is opened, one sees the rectus muscles. In the midline, the confluence of fascia is called the linea alba. The linea semilunaris is an important landmark for these incisions and delineates the lateral border of the rectus muscles. On the underbelly of the rectus muscles, the surgeon will encounter the inferior epigastric vessels, which are branches of the external iliac vessels. These lay on the preperitoneal fat.
Maylard Incision
We will now review the two incisions in detail, beginning with the Maylard incision. There are four key steps. Step one, standard transverse incision. Step two, divide rectus muscles. Step three, ligate inferior epigastric vessels. Step four, closure, re-approximate fascia.
Step One
Standard transverse incision. This is typically made two to three finger breadths superior to the pubic symphysis. Electrosurgery is used to divide the subcutaneous fat down to the level of the fascia, making note of the superficial epigastric vessels, shown here. These are pinch burned before continuing. The fascia is entered in the midline, and a Kelly is used to elevate it off the underlying muscles as it’s divided in both directions until the linea semilunaris is identified, which marks the lateral border of the rectus muscle.
Step Two
Divide rectus muscles. Once the fascia is opened, a Kelly is used to isolate the rectus muscles from the underlying tissue and elevate them. The muscles are divided with electrosurgery, layer by layer, paying close attention to the location of the inferior epigastric vessels coursing on the posterior lateral border of the muscle belly.
Step Three
Ligate inferior epigastric vessels. Once these vessels are identified, the remaining muscle is transected and the vessels are isolated. The vessels can be controlled with electrosurgery or suture-ligated and transected. These steps are repeated on the contralateral side. Next, the peritoneum is incised transversely. The broad myomatous uterus is delivered relatively easily through the incision due to the exposure provided by this transverse incision.
Step Four
Closure, re-approximate fascia. First, the peritoneum is closed transversally. Next, after ensuring haemostasis at the level of the inferior epigastrics and rectus muscles, the fascia is closed. As the fascia was not dissected off the rectus muscles initially, this will re-approximate the muscle bellies, shown here. The subcutaneous fat and skin are then closed.
To review, the Maylard incision divides the rectus muscles and inferior epigastric vessels. The main advantage of the Maylard incision is that it provides excellent access to the pelvic sidewalls. A recent Cochrane review showed equivalent rates of pain and post-operative muscle strength when comparing a Maylard to a Pfannenstiel incision. Care must be taken in patients with significant peripheral vascular disease, as the inferior epigastrics may be providing important collateral circulation to lower extremities.
At times, after performing a Pfannenstiel incision, exposure may be insufficient, and the surgeon may need to convert to a Maylard incision. In these situations, one must first suture the muscles to the overlying fascia prior to transection, as illustrated here. Knots should be tied anterior to the fascia.
The Cherney Incision
Next, the Cherney incision will be reviewed. There are four key steps to performing a Cherney incision.
Step One
Standard transverse incision. Step two, detach rectus tendons. Step three, lift rectus muscles. Step four, closure, re-attach tendons.
We start with a standard transverse incision. As opposed to the Maylard incision, the rectus muscle is dissected off the anterior rectus sheath, shown here. With the Cherney incision, it is important to dissect superiorly to the umbilicus and inferiorly to the pubic bone.
Step Two
Detach rectus tendons. Bluntly dissect under the tendonous insertion of the rectus muscle. The tendon is cut 0.5 cm above the tendonous insertion.
Step Three
Lift rectus muscles. The rectus muscle is dissected off the preperitoneal fat and peritoneum to expose the inferior epigastric vessels. The inferior epigastric vessels are divided. This step is optional, depending on the amount of exposure required. Once the tendons are divided, the rectus muscles are tracked cephalad, and the peritoneum is divided transversely. The multi-fibroid uterus can be easily delivered.
Step Four
Closure, re-attach tendons. The peritoneum is closed transversely. Next, the rectus muscle tendons are re-approximated in one of two ways. If there is sufficient remnant tendon on the pubic bone, this can be used to re-attach the rectus muscles. Alternatively, the anterior rectus sheath can be used as an anchoring point for the rectus tendon.
As shown here, a permanent monofilament suture is passing through the undersurface of the anterior rectus sheath and brought to the rectus muscle tendon. All sutures are placed prior to tying, allowing the knots to be laid down without tension. The remaining closure is done in a similar fashion to the Maylard and Pfannenstiel incision.
To review, the Cherney incision detaches the rectus tendons and lifts the rectus muscles. The main advantage of the Cherney incision is its ability to provide excellent pelvic exposure and access to the retropubic space. Disadvantages include its time-consuming nature and risk of osteomyelitis, which can be reduced by fixing the rectus muscles to the undersurface of the rectus sheath.
In summary, both the Cherney and Maylard provide excellent pelvic exposure and all the benefits of a transverse incision.