Surgical incision

A surgical incision is a cut made through the skin and soft tissue to facilitate an operation or procedure.

Often, multiple incisions are possible for an operation.

In general, a surgical incision is made as small and unobtrusive as possible to facilitate safe and timely operating conditions and recovery.

Surgical incisions are planned based on the expected extent of exposure needed for the specific operation planned.

Within each region of the body, several incisions are common.

Incisions of the neck, chest, and abdomen. Key as follows:
A. Carotid incision
B. Thyroidectomy incision
C. Tracheotomy incision
D. Subclavicular incision
E. Sternotomy incision
F. Infraareolar incision (either side)
G. Inframamary incision (either side)
H. Clamshell incision
I. Kocher / subcostal incision
J. Mercedes Benz incision
K. Paramedian incision (either side)
L. Chevron incision
M. Epigastrin / upper midline incision
O. McBurney's / gridiron incision (right side only — for appendectomy)
P. Rockey-Davis / Lanz incision (right side only - for appendectomy )
Q. Supraumbilical incision
R. Infraumbilical incision
S. Pararectus incision
T. Maylard incision
U. Pfannenstiel / Kerr / pubic incision
V. Gibson incision (either side, but conventionally left)
W. Midline incision
X. Inguinal incision
Y. Femoral incision
Z. Turner-Warwick's incision

Incisions used for caesarean section
Is: Supra-umbilical incision
Im: Median incision
IM: Maylard incision
IP: Pfannenstiel incision