While Dr. Jacob treats patients with hernias all the time, he occasionally is called upon to address a condition that may appear similar to a hernia but isn’t.
This is known as diastasis recti, a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles at the midline of the stomach.
Dr. Jacob can repair diastasis recti using laparoscopic methods in most cases.
What is diastasis recti?
Diastasis recti is the partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, the muscles people think of with “six-pack abs” These muscles meet at the center of the abdomen. Separation is common during and following pregnancy because the localized weight gain of pregnancy stretches these muscles to a degree that they can physically separate. Studies estimate that diastasis recti affects up to 60 percent of women during pregnancy and postpartum. If the case of diastasis recti is more severe, the muscles will not return to the center of the abdomen without surgical repair.
What are the symptoms of diastasis recti?
The most common symptom is a pooch or bulge in the patient’s stomach. This is especially true when the person strains or contracts their abdominal muscles. Additional symptoms include:
- Lower back pain
- Poor posture
- Constipation
- Bloating
How does Dr. Jacob repair diastasis recti?
Dr. Jacob offers minimally invasive non-mesh diastasis repair. For these surgeries he uses laparoscopic methods, making for easier recovery. There isn’t any skin excision, as there is when these muscles are repaired during abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery). Dr. Jacob simply brings the separated muscles back to their former position in the center of the abdomen, and they are anchored into place with suture fixation, tack fixation, or a combination.
Do you wonder if your pregnancy created a permanent separation in your abdominal muscles? Call Dr. Jacob at NYC Hernia, (212) 879-6677, and schedule an appointment for a consultation to examine your situation.
