The abdomen region of the body is an indicator of overall illness or health of the body. Often just by inspection of the abdomen medical practitioners get cues for illness symptoms, illnesses possibilities, and also illnesses cure. The outer abdomen region of the body region starting from below the chest to the starting of the thighs. Inside the outer visible region are enclosed the abdominal muscles and organs. The digestive, reproductive and excretory organs of the body are contained in this region. A normal healthy looking abdomen suggests greater bodily health and abilities.
The Normal And The Scaphoid Abdomen
The normal abdomen is flat with a slightly concave lift. A normal abdomen suggests on primary inspection that all the abdominal organs and muscles are correctly placed. A normal abdomen is highly suggestive of overall body health due to the proper functioning of the digestive and excretory organs. A normal abdomen is also suggestive of the ability of healthy reproduction. However, these suggestions are the only primary. There can be underlying medical issues that cannot be diagnosed just by visual primary inspection of the abdomen.
The scaphoid abdomen instead of a concave lift has a convex structure. Scaphoid abdomens are suggestive of several organ malfunctions and body illnesses.
Surgeons have developed a model of the normal abdomen which is referred to while performing abdominal surgeries.
Abnormal abdomen types
Primary inspection of the abdomen region has classified abdominal types into flat, scaphoid, protuberant and distended abdomen types. Out of these only, the first type is considered normal. The rest of the abdomen shapes have been associated with minor and major health-related complications. In contrast to the scaphoid abdomen, the protuberant and distended abdomens are excessively convex or swelled out. They swelled out abdomen conditions have associated complications peculiar to the condition. Bloating problem is commonly seen with patients with abnormal abdomen shapes.
Scaphoid abdomen at birth
Medical practitioners often identify abdominal abnormalities at birth. Especially some babies can be born with scaphoid abdomens. In such cases, doctors advise precautions and measures to parents for the best management of baby health.
Sometimes people with a normal abdomen at birth can develop a scaphoid abdomen later in life due to severe illness or trauma condition. Any abnormal changes in the body should immediately be reported for medical diagnosis and treatment.
Causes of Scaphoid abdomen
The abdomen has an anterior and posterior wall. In the case of babies born with scaphoid abdomen the anterior wall of the abdomen sinks in like a boat shape instead of being flat or convex. This suggests the abdominal organs be fitted inappropriately inside the thorax cavity instead of their correct place that is inside the abdomen. A scaphoid abdomen at birth has often been associated with a congenital disease like a diaphragmatic hernia.
Complications of Scaphoid abdomen
Scaphoid abdomen abnormality can give rise to several illnesses like diaphragmatic hernia and air leak syndrome. The scaphoid abdomen can give rise to digestive, excretory, and reproductive organs improper functioning and several complications. Patients may often complain of upper abdominal pain, bloating, and other symptoms.
Treatment for Scaphoid abdomen
When the scaphoid abdomen manifest as severe illnesses which can be life-threatening doctors take the final recourse of surgery. Patients with diaphragmatic hernia have shown improvement in their conditions after undergoing abdominal surgeries. The abdominal surgery is performed by a certified surgeon. During the surgical process, the organ placements are corrected and they are adjusted correctly more inside the abdomen. The muscle positioning is corrected and the surgeon may also correct diaphragm posture if required.
Postoperative abdomen surgery can extend for long periods where the patient can be advised complete bed rest and deep care. During the post-operative recuperation, period the patient undergoes internal healing and correction. The patient may become healthy after the recuperation period. However, in severe and complicated cases reoccurrence of hernia symptoms cannot be ruled out. In severe cases, the patient may have to undergo multiple surgeries.
Care and precautions for Scaphoid abdomens
Patients diagnosed with congenital and noncongenital diaphragmatic hernia are advised special post-operative care. Patients are advised to take precautionary measures to avoid the recurrence of the hernia. They can be advised to refrain from activities and exercises that may exacerbate scaphoid abdomen complications. Rigorous breathing exercises that require pulling in of diaphragm and abdominal muscles may be restricted for patients with scaphoid abdomen complications.
Amanda Wingfield is a certified Diabetes Management Specialist who also holds an MD in Endocrinology, with certifications from ABIM and AACE. She has a decade of experience serving thousands of patients through her independent practice and has been working in the capacity of an expert diabetes consultant for the past 4 years. Ms. Wingfield is revered by her regular readers for her in-depth research and evidence-based analysis of diabetes medications, supplements, and treatments, and her highly critical style of writing.