Rectus muscle preservation in oblique incisions for cholecystectomy

A technique of retraction and preservation of the rectus muscle in oblique cholecystectomy incisions is described. Preservation of the rectus increases strength and decreases the amount of devitalized tissue in the wound. Using the rectus preserving technique, no incisional hernias have developed in a series of more than 100 cholecystectomies, even when wound infections have occurred. The advantages of preserving the rectus as an accessory muscle of respiration as well as the advantages in wound strength allow for a shorter period of convalescence.