Subcutaneous endoscopic repair of diastasis recti and other midline defects

Abstract

Background: Diastasis recti is the separation of the midline or linea alba due to laxity of the intercrossed fibers of both aponeurosis of the rectus abdominis muscles. Although the surgical correction of this condition is still under debate, many factors justify it.
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility and safety of the endoscopic subcutaneous approach for plication of the rectus muscles associated with other midline defects repair in patients without abdominal lipodystrophy.
Material and methods: Between March 2014 and February 2017, 42 patients underwent subcuta- neous endoscopic repair of diastasis recti and other midline defects. The demographic data, the cha- racteristics and size of the defects, the surgical time, hospital stay and complications were analyzed.
Postoperative pain was measured using a visual analogue scale. Ultrasound was used to evaluate mor- bidity and recurrence.
Results: A total of 42 patients underwent the endoscopic approach; 76% were women and mean age was 39 years. In 93% of the cases, diastasis was supraumbilical and infraumbilical, with a mean size of 5.5 cm. Umbilical hernias were the most common associated defects. No intraoperative complications were reported. Mean surgical time was 80 minutes; the intensity of posoperative pain was 4.1 points and seroma was the most common complications.
Conclusions: Subcutaneous endoscopic repair of diastasis recti and other midline defects is a feasible and safe procedure that allows the simultaneous correction of both conditions with minimal complications and esthetic benefits