Abdominal binder

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Abdominal binders (AB) are a noninvasive application in clinical practice to the reduction of postoperative pain and improve physical function.[1]

There are 2 types of abdominal binders, elastic abdominal binder and non-elastic abdominal binder. Elastic abdominal binders are more helpful and suitable than non-elastic binders after surgeries.[2]

The Elastic abdominal binder is used by clinicians to relieve pain, improve pulmonary function (After upper abdominal surgeries patients suffer from restriction of respiratory function), and stabilize an incision to enhance wound healing.

Indications[edit | edit source]

Therapeutic Effect[edit | edit source]

  • Encourage early mobilization after surgery.[9]
  • Reduce pain and swelling during healing. [9]
  • Avoid postoperative discomfort. [9]
  • Affects abdominal pressure.[10]

Clinical Evidence[edit | edit source]

Some evidence presented that abdominal binders promote coughing and deep breathing after surgery and mobility. The elastic abdominal binder has a positive effect on abdominal postoperative pain and recovery.[4]

Clinicians assigned randomly one hundred and nine women diagnosed with cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancer, who had done abdominal surgery into two groups: the intervention (56 patients) used the abdominal binder from day 1, and the control (53 patients) did not wear the binder. The primary outcomes were pain and functional recovery. The Researcher observed the intervention group significantly lower pain score than the control group.[4]

Some researchers concluded no significant difference between both groups in the surgical outcome and no difference in the number of days staying in the hospital but only a difference in the degree of comfort.[11]

Risks and Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Some abdominal binders may cause an allergic reaction with symptoms such as itching, redness, or irritation so it's better to use binders with hypoallergic materials.

The question of whether abdominal binders raise the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is up for dispute. They can increase intra-abdominal pressure which may contribute to DVT. But, at the same time, abdominal binders contribute to a rapid return to function and mobility post-surgery[1] which reduces the risk of DVT.

Physiotherapy[edit | edit source]

In this study[1], abdominal binders are proven to likely reduce postoperative discomfort and promote early return to physical function particularly on the fourth day or longer after abdominal surgery.

mostly after abdominal surgery patients wake up from anesthesia wearing an abdominal binder. Very important to get the right size of the binder. To detect your size, measure the widest part of your body. Usually for women widest part is the hips. For men, usually the waist.

Application[edit | edit source]

To ensure that you are using abdominal binders correctly, check the manufacturer's instructions on how to tie them as some binders have straps or different parts that are wrapped together, and in some types, the binder just wraps around itself with no additional straps. But, generally make sure that the binder is appropriately snug and not too firm or taut. Also, ensure proper binder hygiene to prevent inflammation or any dermatological problems.

Here are a couple of videos that can guide you on the proper application of abdominal binders.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Xin Sun, MD, Qingchuan Wei, MD, Chenying Fu, PhD, Qing Zhang, MD, Zejun Liang, MD, Lihong Peng, MD, Li Chen, PhD, Chengqi He, PhD, Quan Wei, PhD, Effects of Abdominal Binders on Postoperative Pain and Functional Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Pain Medicine, Volume 22, Issue
  2. Zhang, H. Y., Liu, D., Tang, H., Sun, S. J., Ai, S. M., Yang, W. Q., Jiang, D. P., & Zhang, L. Y. (2016). The effect of different types of abdominal binders on intra-abdominal pressure. Saudi medical journal, 37(1), 66–72.
  3. Paasch, C., Santo, G., Aljedani, N., Ortiz, P., Bruckert, L., Hünerbein, M., Lorenz, E., & Croner, R. (2021). The Effect of an Abdominal Binder on Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair–A Multicenter, Randomized Pilot Trial (ABIHR-I) of the Intraperitoneal Onlay-Mesh Technique. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 118(37), 607–613.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Chantawong, N., & Charoenkwan, K. (2021). Effect of Elastic Abdominal Binder on Pain and Functional Recovery Following Gynecologic Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 57(5), 481.
  5. Yu, G. Q., Huang, X. M., Li, H. Y., Tang, W., Hu, D. M., Lü, M. H., & Fu, K. I. (2018).Use of an abdominal obstetric binder in colonoscopy: A randomized, prospective trial . Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology, 33(7), 1365–1369.
  6. Groot MD, Swartz J, Hastings J. Comparison of abdominal compression devices in persons with abdominal paralysis due to spinal cord injury. Spinal cord series and cases. 2019 Apr 16;5(1):35.
  7. Wahba A, Shibao CA, Muldowney JA, Peltier A, Habermann R, Biaggioni I. Management of orthostatic hypotension in the hospitalized patient: a narrative review. The American journal of medicine. 2022 Jan 1;135(1):24-31.
  8. Saeed S, Rage KA, Memon AS, Kazi S, Samo KA, Shahid S, Ali A. Use of abdominal binders after a major abdominal surgery: a randomized controlled trial. Cureus. 2019 Oct 3;11(10).
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Jiang N, Hao B, Huang R, Rao F, Wu P, Li Z, Song C, Liu Z, Guo T. The clinical effects of abdominal binder on abdominal surgery: a meta-analysis. Surgical Innovation. 2021 Feb;28(1):94-102.
  10. Zhang HY, Liu D, Tang H, Sun SJ, Ai SM, Yang WQ, Jiang DP, Zhang LY. The effect of different types of abdominal binders on intra-abdominal pressure. Saudi Medical Journal. 2016 Jan;37(1):66.
  11. Choi, H. U., Park, S. H., Lee, E. J. S., Jung, K. U., Shin, J. H., & Lee, S. R. (2021). Effect of abdominal binder after laparoscopic cholecystectomy on enhanced recovery: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of minimally invasive surgery, 24(2), 91–97.