CHAPTER 2 An introduction to surgical techniques and practical procedures
Surgical incision
When choosing an incision, the following points should be considered:
• Orientation: if possible in the lines of skin tension (Langer’s lines) or skin creases. This leads to minimal distortion and better healing
• Abdominal incision: the common abdominal incisions are shown in Figure 2.1 and the indications for such incisions are indicated on the diagram. Paramedian incisions are rarely used nowadays but are included as their scars are still seen on the abdominal wall of the older patient.