Simple plication alleviates physical symptoms in patients with post-gestational rectus diastasis

Area of Science:

• Abdominal wall reconstruction
• Postpartum recovery
• Surgical outcomes

Background:

• Diastasis recti abdominis is common after pregnancy, causing physical and functional complaints.
• Surgical correction aims to improve symptoms and cosmetic appearance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the recurrence rate, complications, and patient-reported outcomes of rectus abdominis muscle diastasis surgery.
• To assess the effectiveness of slowly absorbable monofilament suture and an abdominal binder post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 44 patients operated between 2014 and 2020.
• Follow-up included ultrasound, clinical examination, and pre/post-operative symptom questionnaires.
• 89% participation rate with a median follow-up of 36 months.

Main Results:

• One recurrence (1/44) occurred, with nausea/vomiting being the most common complication.
• Two patients had Clavien-Dindo grade 3 complications; most procedures were safe.
• 90% of patients reported complete or partial alleviation of primary complaints, with high willingness to repeat the procedure.

Conclusions:

• Surgery for post-gestational diastasis recti using slowly absorbable sutures is safe and effective.
• The procedure offers fair cosmetic results, excellent symptom relief, and high patient satisfaction.
• Further research is needed to define optimal surgical indications.