Dynamic MRI in vivo investigation of abdominal hernia repair during standardized exercises

Motivation: The incidence of abdominal hernia recurrence is reaching up to 45%; so the integration of biomechanical concepts into management could be helpful. Goal(s): Few tools are currently available to assess the behaviour of the abdominal wall in vivo under physiological conditions. Approach: Dynamic MRI was employed to obtain motion of the abdominal wall of patients before and after hernia surgery during a range of exercises. The areas of interest were segmented. Results: Quantification of displacements and deformations in the abdominal muscles, hernia sac area, and inter-muscular distance demonstrate anatomical and functional changes in the abdominal wall post-hernia surgery. Impact: A better understanding of the biomechanical behaviour of pathologic abdominal wall could be helpful to understand the mechanisms involved in the appearance and recurrence of hernias, thereby opening the way to more effective interventions for hernia patients.