Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Transverse colectomy is incised through which type of incision?

1. Upper midline

2. Oblique

3. Paramedian

4. Thoracoabdominal

The correct answer is: Upper midline

A transverse colectomy typically involves the removal of a section of the transverse colon. The most common approach for this type of procedure is via an upper midline incision. This incision allows adequate access to the abdominal cavity and facilitates optimal visualization of the colon and surrounding structures. Using an upper midline incision provides a straight pathway to reach the transverse colon, making it easier for the surgeon to manipulate the structures involved in the procedure. The incision runs vertically from the xiphoid process down towards the pubic region, allowing the surgeon to visualize not only the transverse colon but also other important organs and tissues in the upper abdomen. Other incision types, such as oblique, paramedian, or thoracoabdominal, have different indications and may not offer the same level of access or exposure required for a transverse colectomy, thus making the upper midline incision the preferred option in this scenario.