[Fascia skeleton of the abdominal cavity--hernia and anorectal incontinence].

The abdominal cavity is the most primitive body cavity. Its musculo-fascial skeleton encompasses the abdominal wall, the pelvic floor, and the diaphragm. Comparative anatomical studies have demonstrated remarkable homology in the muscular and fascial architecture of each of these structures. In addition, all muscular sheets lining the abdominal cavity display a characteristic resting tone enabling them to act as a single functional unit. During pregnancy and childbirth the abdominal wall and the pelvic floor are prone to impairment from overstretching. This damage may result in postpartum paralysis of the abdominal wall or anorectal incontinence. Insight in the special anatomic and physiologic features of the abdominal muscle sheets may lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of primary and secondary abdominal hernias as well as postpartum anorectal incontinence and may improve surgical treatment.