The Effects of Preoperative Botulinum Toxin A Injection on Respiratory System Function

Hernias are common complications post-abdominal surgeries, often leading to significant issues such as "loss of domain," where organs shift permanently, reducing abdominal cavity capacity. This complicates surgeries as there is insufficient space to reposition organs. A growing method to address this involves preoperative botulinum toxin A (BTA) injections into lateral abdominal muscles. BTA induces temporary paralysis, expanding the abdominal cavity and aiding muscle approximation for hernia repair. Initiated in 2009, this approach is particularly used for defects over 10cm. However, standardized protocols are lacking, and the impact on respiratory function remains under-researched. This study aims to evaluate the effects of preoperative BTA injections on respiratory volumes. Ten patients will undergo pulmonary function tests before and after BTA injections. The study will focus on changes in respiratory efficiency, given the respiratory challenges associated with large hernias and the "loss of domain" effect.