Diastasis and Floppy Abdomen
What is it?
After multiple pregnancies, particularly those involving twins or a baby of significant size carried to full term, or if delivered via cesarean section, a woman may experience diastasis of the rectus muscles along with an umbilical and/or epigastric hernia.
Which are the symptoms?
The rectus muscles, not being in their correct position, cannot work properly, and therefore do not correctly perform their function of containing the abdominal viscera. This situation causes the woman to feel "incontinence" in the abdominal wall, her belly appears swollen, as if the woman was still pregnant, and finally there may also be pain in the lumbar region. This picture is often associated with stretch marks on the skin around the navel and an excess subcutaneous skin fold. The picture that presents itself is what we call "floppy abdomen".
How is it diagnosed?
The diagnosis is established based on the results of clinical examination and may be confirmed by ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) scans ordered by the specialist.
How is it treated?
Various therapeutic options can be offered to these patients:
- A surgical reconstruction of the entire abdominal wall, with care of the hernia and the diastasis of the muscles, with a large retromuscular network with robotic technique, or, alternatively, with a midline incision under general anesthesia and hospitalization for 2-3 nights. This intervention has no aesthetic purposes, but only functional ones.
- A surgical reconstruction of the entire abdominal wall, with care of the hernia and diastasis of the muscles, with a large retromuscular network under general anesthesia with associated plastic surgery (dermolipectomy or abdominoplasty). This surgery is performed from the same incision as the enlarged cesarean section and requires a 3-4 night hospitalization.
The choice of surgical intervention depends on the symptoms complained of by the patient and her needs.
Where do we treat it?
Our Departments
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