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Lanz incision

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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A Lanz incision is a specific type of abdominal incision. It is sited in the right iliac fossa. Compared to McBurney's incision:

  • it is more transverse in orientation
  • it generally extends more medially towards rectus abdominis
  • it lies nearer to the anterior superior iliac crest

Its transverse lie tends to make the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves more susceptible to division. This can predispose the patient to later inguinal herniation.

A Lanz incision is used commonly for access to the appendix and caecum. A mirror image incision in the left iliac fossa can be used for access to the left colon but not the rectum.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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