Would a CT Scan with contrast show if a muscle repair that was done during TT is blown or not?

Question

or would you need MRI or some other test to show that

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

I would try to get that information from a good examination. The tests are expensive and may not be covered by insurance as well. A change in appearance occurs with a disrupted repair, which should lead one to the diagnosis normally. Sometimes controlled muscle strengthening exercises may help.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It should pick it up if the muscle repair has come apart unless it is in a very small area. The best first step if you think you have ruptured the repair is see your surgeon to be examined. Best of luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The best way to determine if you have an adequate muscle repair is to perform an exam in person.  Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, careful physical examination is the best "test" when it comes to making a diagnosis in situations like this. Occasionally, imaging studies such as  ultrasounds or CT scans may be helpful.  Best wishes.

Neil T. Chen, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. CT and MRI can most like show separation of muscles. However, a good physical exam can also give you a lot of information with the significant expense of the scans. I would check with your surgeon first.

Bruce K. Barach, MD (retired) · Answer

i suspect physical exam might be more likely to point to this problem than ct or mri. most abdominoplasties include muscle plication, not repair of an actual defect in the abdominal wall. since the plication could come apart yet the abdominal wall does not have an actual disruption in it, i'm not positive that ct would show this clearly and with complete certainty. a radiologist would probably be able to add more clarity to this answer as well.

Tarick K. Smiley, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

A physical exam might suffice. If there is a palpable gap between the pair of abdominal muscle, which runs from the breastbone down to the area above the pubis, there is diastasis recti or weakness of the abdominal muscle.

Good luck and best wishes.

Good luck and best wishes.

Would a CT Scan with contrast show if a muscle repair that was done during TT is blown or not?

Answers (7)

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