What should you know about laparoscopic diastasis recti repair?

Diastasis recti is thinning and widening of the connective tissue between the two vertical abdominal muscles. It can follow pregnancy, major changes in abdominal pressure, or other strain. The separation may cause a midline bulge when sitting up, reduced trunk support, or difficulty with certain movements; it is different from a hernia, although both can occur together.

During repair, the surgeon uses a camera and instruments through small abdominal openings. The muscles or their covering are brought toward the midline, and any associated hernia may need separate treatment. Examination and sometimes imaging help determine whether surgery is appropriate.

Discuss prior abdominal surgery, pregnancy plans, medicines, smoking, and your usual activity with the surgical team. Arrange support at home because bending, pushing, and lifting may be restricted while the abdominal wall heals. Walk gently as advised, protect the incisions, and use prescribed pain relief. A planned rehabilitation programme can help restore breathing, posture, and controlled core movement; postnatal physiotherapy may be relevant when symptoms began after pregnancy.

Call the surgical team if pain is increasing rather than settling, the abdomen becomes markedly swollen, a wound opens or drains pus, or you develop fever or repeated vomiting. Urgent assessment is needed for fainting, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or a hard painful bulge that does not ease.

Ask whether you have a hernia as well as muscle separation, what repair method is proposed, how pregnancy could affect the result, when lifting and exercise can resume, and which rehabilitation exercises are safe.