Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

412
Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
412
Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation01:25

Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation

696
Introduction
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection....
696
Muscles of the Abdomen01:21

Muscles of the Abdomen

2.1K
The abdominal wall encircles the abdominal cavity, providing flexible protection and shielding the internal organs from harm. It is bordered at the top by the xiphoid process and costal margins, at the back by the vertebral column, and at the bottom by the pelvic bones and inguinal ligament. The abdominal wall is divided into two regions — the anterolateral and posterior regions.
Anterolateral Region
The anterolateral region comprises five paired muscles classified into the lateral and...
2.1K
Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion01:18

Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion

619
Percussion is a fundamental technique used to assess the liver, spleen, and abdominal organs by tapping the abdomen and interpreting the resulting sounds. This method helps identify fluid, distention, and masses through variations in sound, such as the high-pitched tympany of air-filled areas and the dullness of solid masses. Understanding how to percuss these organs provides valuable information for healthcare professionals in diagnosing conditions early.
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...
619
Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum01:26

Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum

2.2K
The muscles of the pelvic floor and perineum are crucial for supporting the pelvic organs, controlling continence, and aiding in sexual function, childbirth, and core stability. They are typically divided into the superficial perineal layer and the deep pelvic floor layer.
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
2.2K
Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation01:23

Assessment of the Abdomen III: Palpation

1.3K
Palpation is a crucial tactile examination method for assessing abdominal organs and detecting conditions like tenderness, distention, masses, or fluid. It involves both light and deep palpation techniques, each serving specific diagnostic purposes. Light palpation helps identify tenderness and other surface-level indicators, while deep palpation locates and assess abdominal masses and organ boundaries. A skilled professional can gather valuable insights through palpation, including evaluating...
1.3K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Clinical outcomes of open partial preperitoneal tension-free repair for inguinal hernia following radical prostatectomy: a single-center retrospective study.

BMC surgery·2026
Same author

Accelerated algal-bacterial granulation through synergistic physical-ionic stimulation: start-up efficiency and mechanistic insights.

Bioresource technology·2026
Same author

Corrigendum to "Effects of neuronavigation-guided rTMS on serum BDNF, TrkB and VGF levels in depressive patients with suicidal ideation" [J. Affect. Disord. 323 (2023) 617-623].

Journal of affective disorders·2026
Same author

Distinct and Shared Molecular Mechanisms Underlie Morphological-Functional Overcoupling and Undercoupling in Major Depressive Disorder.

Biological psychiatry·2026
Same author

Correction: Integrated 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenomics insights into microbial dysbiosis and distinct virulence factors in inflammatory bowel disease.

Frontiers in microbiology·2026
Same author

Inhaled nitric oxide for reducing major adverse events requiring intensive life support in adults undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: protocol for a phase III, double-blind, multicenter randomized controlled trial (NORISC Trial).

Nitric oxide : biology and chemistry·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 16, 2025

A Case Series of Successful Abdominal Closure Utilizing a Novel Technique Combining a Mechanical Closure System with a Biologic Xenograft that Accelerates Wound Healing
20:33

A Case Series of Successful Abdominal Closure Utilizing a Novel Technique Combining a Mechanical Closure System with a Biologic Xenograft that Accelerates Wound Healing

Published on: July 4, 2019

51.5K

Diastasis recti abdominis: A comprehensive review.

Ying Du1,2, Manli Huang1,2, Shisong Wang1

  • 1Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China.

Hernia : the Journal of Hernias and Abdominal Wall Surgery
|July 7, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), a muscle separation, affects many women and men. Advances in diagnosis and treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation, are improving patient outcomes, though more research is needed.

Keywords:
Conservative treatmentDiagnostic methodDiastasis recti abdominisSurgical treatmentTreatment options

More Related Videos

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
07:41

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Published on: April 17, 2019

10.0K
Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Diaphragm Function and Patient Outcomes
05:51

Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Diaphragm Function and Patient Outcomes

Published on: November 3, 2023

6.8K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Sep 16, 2025

A Case Series of Successful Abdominal Closure Utilizing a Novel Technique Combining a Mechanical Closure System with a Biologic Xenograft that Accelerates Wound Healing
20:33

A Case Series of Successful Abdominal Closure Utilizing a Novel Technique Combining a Mechanical Closure System with a Biologic Xenograft that Accelerates Wound Healing

Published on: July 4, 2019

51.5K
Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
07:41

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Published on: April 17, 2019

10.0K
Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Diaphragm Function and Patient Outcomes
05:51

Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Impact of Mechanical Ventilation on Diaphragm Function and Patient Outcomes

Published on: November 3, 2023

6.8K

Area of Science:

  • Abdominal wall reconstruction
  • Musculoskeletal disorders
  • Pelvic floor dysfunction

Background:

  • Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is the separation of abdominal muscles, often viewed as cosmetic but with functional impact.
  • DRA affects both women and men, with high prevalence in postpartum and menopausal women, and in males with obesity or aging.
  • Risk factors for DRA include obesity, aging, and pregnancy, highlighting its multifactorial nature.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current diagnostic and management strategies for diastasis recti abdominis.
  • To synthesize evidence on conservative and surgical treatments for DRA.
  • To identify gaps in knowledge and future research directions for DRA.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of 355 publications from the past two decades.
  • Databases searched included PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
  • Prioritized high-quality studies: randomized trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.

Main Results:

  • DRA is prevalent in postpartum/menopausal women and increasingly recognized in men (obesity, aging).
  • Diagnostic tools range from clinical assessment to advanced imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI, elastography).
  • Conservative (core stabilization) and surgical (open, laparoscopic, robotic) treatments exist, with rehabilitation and biomaterials improving outcomes; consensus on indications and efficacy is lacking.

Conclusions:

  • Significant advancements in DRA diagnostics, surgical techniques, and rehabilitation have been made.
  • Standardizing treatment criteria and personalizing care are crucial for future DRA management.
  • Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of various DRA treatments.