Demographics Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. The number of obese persons increased by 34% from 2000 to 2016. Nearly 40% of adults and 18% of children are now obese. In Hispanic and black populations, the prevalence…
Robotic Access Based on Dr. Halsted's legacy, a surgeon should always protect tissues with exquisite care based on three principles: asepsis, hemostasis, and gentleness. None of the preoperative preparation is as essential as the manner in which details are executed.…
The word “hernia” derives from the Greek hernios, which means “bud.” It indicates a protrusion of organs through an abnormal defect (opening) in a natural cavity, being the opening, the key part of the definition. In fact, the protrusion may…
Alimentary Tract Obstruction Any organic or functional condition that primarily or indirectly impedes the normal propulsion of luminal contents from the esophageal inlet to the anus should be considered an obstruction of the alimentary tract ( Fig. 47.1 ). The…
Mesenteric Ischemia The mesenteric circulation receives approximately 25% of cardiac output under resting conditions. Mesenteric ischemia results from inadequate blood flow to the intestine and it is commonly classified as an acute episode or as a chronic disease. It can…
Peritoneum Peritoneum is derived from Greek origins, peri meaning “around” and tonos meaning “stretching.” The peritoneum is the extensive serous membrane that lines the innermost surface of the abdominal wall and abdominal organs. The serous layer consists of dense mesothelial…
Anterolateral Abdominal Wall Before describing the abdominal parietes (wall), it is important to define the anatomic limits of the abdomen. For the purpose of a specific description, the abdomen is the area of the body that limits with the diaphragm…