Using Pre operative 'Botox' injection to abdominal wall in Complex Abdominal Wall Hernia - Information for patients, relatives and carers

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Elsa

This patient information leaflet explains the abdominal wall’s anatomy and function, then defines abdominal wall hernias and distinguishes simple from complex hernias. It describes causes of incisional hernia, including impaired healing and factors such as infection, haematoma, seroma, smoking, diabetes, obesity, long-term steroids, and malnutrition. The leaflet outlines complex incisional hernia repair strategies and the role of pre-operative Botox (botulinum toxin), including what Botox is, how it is done, benefits, side effects, and expected return to normal activities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Contents Page

What is the abdominal wall?

What is the function of the abdominal wall?

What is an abdominal wall hernia?

What are simple abdominal wall hernias?

What is a complex abdominal wall hernia?

What causes incisional hernia?

Repair of complex incisional hernia

Role of component separation techniques in complex abdominal wall hernia surgery

Role of pre operative 'Botox' botulinum toxin

What is 'Botox'?

How is 'Botox' done?

What are the benefits of pre operative 'Botox'?

Are there any side effects?

When will I be able to return to normal activity?

Using Pre operative‘Botox’ injection to abdominal wall In Complex Abdominal Wall Hernia Information for patients , relatives and carers Department of Surgery 􀁌 For more information, please contact: Mr Chintapatla, Consultant Surgeon The York Hospital, Wigginton Road, York, YO31 8HE Tel: 01904 721154 Contents Page What is the abdominal wall? ..........................................3 What is the function of the abdominal wall?...................6 What is an abdominal wall hernia? ................................6 What are simple abdominal wall hernias? .....................7 What is a complex abdominal wall hernia? ....................8 What causes incisional hernia? .....................................8 Repair of complex incisional hernia ...............................9 Role of component separation techniques in complex abdominal wall hernia surgery ..................................... 10 Role of pre operative ‘Botox’ botulinum toxin ............... 12 What is ‘Botox’?........................................................... 12 How is ‘Botox’ done? ................................................... 13 What are the benefits of pre operative ‘Botox’? ........... 13 Are there any side effects? .......................................... 14 When will I be able to return to normal activity?........... 14 The following is a guide as to what to expect before, during and after your abdominal wall hernia repair operation. This leaflet covers the most common questions patients have about their recovery. Your doctor can answer any questions you might have which are not covered in this leaflet. This leaflet is not about groin hernias or other simple hernias even though they form 70% of hernias of the abdominal wall. There are separate leaflets for them. What is the abdominal wall? Figure 1: Abdominal wall The abdominal wall forms the front cover of the abdomen as shown in the figure 1. The abdominal wall is made up of 1. Skin 2. Layers of fat 3. Layers of muscles Layers of the abdominal wall Figure 2: Layers of the abdominal wall The muscles of the abdominal wall and their coverings have complex relationships to each other as shown in Figure 2 and 3. Muscles of the abdominal wall Figure 3: Muscles of the abdominal wall In the middle of the tummy there is a bulky muscle called the rectus abdominis (RA) sometimes called the six pack. This muscle is about 10 centimetres wide. On each side of the abdomen there are three muscles. The three muscles on the sides and their relationships to each other are shown in figure 3. These three muscles cross over each other and give the sides of the abdominal wall strength. What is the function of the abdominal wall? This group of muscles have their own blood supply and nerves. Together they create a strong structure which supports the internal organs. They also help in providing abdominal pressure when needed e.g. in breathing out, emptying bowels and bladder. What is an abdominal wall hernia? A hernia of the abdominal wall is a bulging of the abdominal contents through an area of weakness in the wall. An abdominal wall hernia can be small and simple or large and complex. Many hernias do not cause symptoms, but some may cause pain. If you have symptoms like pain and you would like your hernia repaired, we can consider this. However you must be fit enough for surgery. What are simple abdominal wall hernias? Simple abdominal wall hernias include groin hernia (inguinal and femoral hernia), umbilical hernia, epigastric hernia, Spigelian hernia, and incisional (ventral) hernias. Hernia Figure 4: Types of simple abdominal wall hernia • Umbilical hernias: bulging through the umbilicus (belly button) • Epigastric hernias: bulging through the midline • Spigelian hernias: bulging through weakness in the lateral muscle of the abdominal wall, usually below the level of the umbilicus. • Groin hernias include inguinal

FAQs

What is an abdominal wall hernia and what symptoms might it cause?

An abdominal wall hernia is a bulging of abdominal contents through an area of weakness in the wall. Many hernias cause no symptoms, but some may cause pain, and repair may be considered if you have symptoms and are fit for surgery.

What causes an incisional hernia?

Most incisional hernias are caused by impaired healing after an operation. This can involve wound breakdown due to infection, a blood clot (haematoma), or fluid collection (seroma), and may be worsened by sustained increased pressure in the abdomen such as coughing, urinary obstruction, or constipation.

What is pre-operative Botox and how does it help?

Pre-operative Botox involves using botulinum toxin prior to surgery. The leaflet explains what Botox is, how it is done, and lists its benefits for complex abdominal wall hernia repair. It also covers possible side effects and when patients can return to normal activities.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Elsa