I'm immensely curious as to why, during closing of a Csection, the rectus abdominus is merely layed back into place and not sutured? After watching a video narrated by the Dr. doing the operation, who mentions that the rectus are never sutured, I wonder if the muscles have a chance of ever regaining tone? If adominoplasty can be done to tighten muscles of tummy as elective surgery, then why wouldnt the muscles be sutured after C section?
==============================
Dr David
Moderator posted 26 March 2001 12:05 PM
Christel
With a caesarean the skin and fatty tissue immediately beneath the skin are first cut horizontally ("bikini line"). The next layer is the rectus sheath, a strong fibrous band that stretches from the front surface of the pelvis bones up to the rib cage. This layer is also cut in a smile shape along the line that the fibres travel. The next layer is the rectus muscle. These two flat, strap like muscles also travel between the pelvis and ribcage and lie side-by-side. There is often some fibrous connection between the two muscles. This is divided, but the two muscles are not cut, but drawn apart. If you imagine someone coming out on stage between stage curtains fixed at floor (pelvis) and ceiling (ribcage) that might give you an idea. When closing the layers, the two strap muscles again sit side-by-side. The rectus sheath certainly is a very important layer to suture.
Abdomenoplasty doesn't tighten muscles, but removes fat and redundant skin.
Dr. David.
DISCLAIMER:
This advice is of a general nature to help in decision-making. It
does not constitute recommended treatment for an individual. You must
consult your health care provider for individual
advice.