Two techniques of pyramidalis muscle dissection in Pfannenstiel incision for cesarean section

Ginekol Pol. 2015 Jul;86(7):509-13. doi: 10.17772/gp/57840.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare two techniques of pyramidalis muscle dissection during cesarean section.

Material and methods: A total of 108 patients undergoing a cesarean section were randomly allocated to group I (N = 57), with the pyramidalis muscle left attached to the rectus muscles, and group II (N = 51), with preservation of the connection between the pyramidalis muscle and the rectus sheath.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding surgery duration, blood loss and postoperative pain. After three months, patients from group II more frequently reported paresthesia in the scar region (47.1 vs. 28.1%; p = 0.041), but their self-assessment of the abdominal appearance and presence of the bulging below the wound were comparable with group I.

Conclusions: None of the two techniques of pyramidalis muscle dissection appear to be superior to the other. The technique leaving the pyramidalis muscle attached to the fascia gave more frequent paresthesia during a 3-month follow-up.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Blood Loss, Surgical / prevention & control
  • Cesarean Section / methods*
  • Dissection / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pain, Postoperative / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy
  • Rectus Abdominis / surgery*
  • Wound Healing / physiology*