Diastasis abdominis or rectus abdominis is a separation of the abdominal muscles. It is not a serious pathology, but it can have some consequences.
How can we identify diastasis?
- Having an elongated bulge when contracting the abdomen.
- Sinking of the abdomen when lying down.
The rectus abdominis muscles, commonly known as the “chocolate bar”, are joined by a rigid membrane between the pubis and the sternum, passing through the navel. This membrane is not elastic and, when lateral forces cause it to stretch, it stays in that position and does not return to its original size.
The muscles on each side of the abdomen then pull on the rectus muscles, causing the separation. This stretched membrane loses resistance, stretching more and more. Finally, with the rectus abdominis separated, the midline is sunken when lying down, bulging when force is exerted with the abdomen, for example:
- When coughing.
- When defecating.
- Performing sit-ups or other strength exercises.
What are the most frequent causes?
Some of the most common reasons for rectus separation are the following:
- Pregnancy.
- Obesity.
- The practice of vigorous physical exercise.
Obviously, if the reason for the separation is repeated or maintained, it will get progressively worse. This pathology can also cause alterations in the mechanics of the abdomen, leading to back or pelvic floor problems.
How should it be treated?
In the case of a separation of less than 2 centimeters, it is possible to correct it through physiotherapy, with isometric exercises.
When we are faced with larger separations, surgical intervention will be necessary in order to reinforce the membrane with a surgical mesh. Fortunately, we now have the possibility of a minimally invasive treatment with invisible scars for your solution: Endoscopic PreAponeurotic Repair or EPAR.
For more information about the treatment, contact a General Surgery specialist with experience in laparoscopic abdominal wall surgery.