Abdominal Binders for Postoperative Care: Primary Functions and Benefits

What is an Abdominal Binder Used for?

Abdominal binders are the important surgical body garments that are used in the early postoperative stage of surgeries. According to the medical health experts, abdominal binders are critical for the postoperative care of the patients. In simple terms, an abdominal binder is a fitted elastic material that will go around the patient’s abdomen. Nowadays, these abdominal binders are available in various sizes.

Doctors may prescribe the use of abdominal binders to help provide support to the muscles, to keep the bandages in position, or to help heal your incisions after an abdominal surgery. Some abdominal binders may also provide secondary lumbar support. Some will help hold your surgical drainage tubes in position.[1]

Let’s see more about the abdominal binder and its uses in the following article:

Primary Functions of Abdominal Binders

As mentioned above, an abdominal binder can be used to serve several important functions, especially during the early part of the postoperative stage of an abdominal surgery patient. Primarily, it is used to provide compression and support to upper and lower abdomen. In addition, it will help improve blood circulation, as well as oxygen levels at the site of operation. This way, an abdominal binder will enhance with healing and decrease the risks of swelling. When all these improvements are facilitated, a patient who has undergone surgery will be able to get out of their bed quickly and walk around easily.

With all these functionalities, an abdominal binder will help improve breathing, promote healing, and help with a speedy recovery. According to the doctors, an abdominal binder will help make your day to day activities easier. In some cases, these would also work to give shape to your torso.[2]

When will you be Prescribed to Use an Abdominal binder?

In general, your doctor may prescribe you  to use an abdominal binder after undergoing an abdominal surgery. The common conditions after which you may be asked to wear an abdominal binder include:

• A C-section
• A bariatric surgery
• A laparotomy
• A hysterectomy
• A tummy tuck surgery
• A spinal surgery

In some situations, a carefully-positioned abdominal binder may be prescribed to people suffering from spinal cord injury. Here, an abdominal surgery may be used to support your abdomen, maintain your abdominal pressure, and to enhance your respiratory function.

What are the Other Uses of an Abdominal Binder?

In addition to the above-mentioned situations, an abdominal binder may also be prescribed in other surgical procedures or situations. For instance, it may be prescribed after delivering a baby, or to provide support to the weaker abdominal muscles due to aging. In some cases, these are also used for obesity and paralysis.

Benefits of Abdominal Binders and the Scientific Evidence

Using an abdominal binder after surgery is thought to reduce the postoperative pain and psychological distress after the procedure. It may also promote your breathing abilities. Although there is not a lot of scientific research on this area, a 2014 systematic review was able to find that the abdominal binders may reduce early postoperative pain and psychological distress. Also, there is some scientific evidence that shows abdominal binders also promote coughing and deep breathing after surgery, thereby, helping to enhance overall mobility.

According to a 2010 research study, the abdominal binders should be the first line of defense for patients who experience an acute drop in blood pressure upon getting up with legs, a condition called orthostatic intolerance. The idea behind the use of abdominal binders for this condition is that applying compression to the abdomen in these people will help prevent blood pooling. In addition, using a binder also elevated standing BP by 11 mmHg (systolic) and 6 mmHg (diastolic). So, if you are experiencing orthostatic intolerance, an abdominal binder may be the fast, as well as the effective alternative to drugs.

However, more research will be needed to prove these binders will definitely help avoid fluid buildup after the surgery or enhance overall physical functioning.
 

References:

1..https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2888469/

2..http://www.innovateus.net/health/why-are-abdominal-binders-used

3..https://www.livestrong.com/article/72105-incision-hernia-symptoms/

4..https://www.drugs.com/cg/abdominal-binder.html

5..https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-binder#takeaway

6..https://www.eabmedical.com/common-usages-for-an-abdominal-binder/