Abdominal entry

Choice of Abdominal Incision

The choice of skin incision should be individualised to each woman, taking account of all past surgical history (potential for adhesions) as well as the degree of PAS suspected, extent of surgical intervention anticipated, gestation, BMI and size of panus.

A 15-20cm transverse incision, made 2-4cm above the pubic symphysis, may be adequate if the antenatal suspicion of PAS is not high.

Alternatively, modified Cherney or Maylard approach (with or without muscle cutting) may improve the pelvic and abdominal access. This is achieved via a transverse skin incision by transecting the rectus muscles either at, or 3-8cm above, their insertion onto the pubic symphysis respectively.

Raghaven R et al. Abdominal incisions and sutures. The Obstetrician and Gynaecologist 2014;16:13-18

Traditionally a midline laparotomy has been recommended.

Advantages of vertical incision

• Optimal exposure,

• An easily extendable and less haemorrhagic incision

• Reduced incidence of superficial nerve injury

Disadvantages of vertical incision

• Increased wound dehiscence

• Increased risk of subsequent incisional hernia

• Increased infection rate

• Longer operative time

The SAC Incision

The SAC technique achieves excellent surgical access for the vast majority of cases via a novel hybrid transverse/vertical abdominal entry. The modification from Maylard is not cutting the muscles thereby decreasing the morbidity of the incision. Adequate access is gained by a large curvilinear incision in the rectus sheath and then reflecting the sheath off the recti muscles to the level of the umbilicus and vertically dividing the inner sheath midline.

SAC abdominal entry

1. A curvi-linear transverse incision 25-30cm long from anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to ASIS, passing 5-6 cm above the pubic symphysis in the centre line is made in the skin.

2. The subcutaneous layers are opened in the routine manner (with monopolar diathermy to reduce blood loss).

3. A large curvi-linear transverse incision is made in the external layer of the rectus sheath.

4. The abdominal wall muscles are then carefully reflected off the inner layer of the rectus sheath.

5. Vertical division of the inner rectus sheath layer (midline) starting from the arcuate ligament and extending up to the umbilicus allows access to the uterine fundus.

Advantages of SAC incision

• Less risk of incisional hernia

• Improved healing

• Cosmetically pleasing

Disadvantages of SAC incision

• Potential risk of needing vertical extension in an emergency

• Risk of nerve trauma if operator is not fully aware of the anatomy

Monopolar Diathermy

Regardless of choice of skin incision made, we recommend performing the initial skin cut with cold scalpel; followed by the use of monopolar energy (settings 35:35 - blend:spray) to open the abdomen in layers with haemostatic control; before reverting to cold opening of the peritoneum