P-095 RECTUS DIASTASIS REPAIR: VARIATIONS OF POSTPARTUM ABDOMINAL WALL ANATOMICAL CHANGES PROPOSE A TAILORED SURGICAL REPAIR. EARLY RESULTS OF THE EXTENDED REPAIR TECHNIQUE STUDY

Abstract

Abstract Aim A pregnancy can result in permanent anatomical changes such as a persistent rectus diastasis (RD), a widened linea semilunaris and retracted oblique muscles. The diverse anatomical changes contribute to the abdominal deformation and may present in a variety of combinations. A standardized suture repair of the RD may not be sufficient in severe abdominal wall deformation cases. This observational cohort study evaluated an extended repair technique. Method A cohort of 44 postpartum women with training resistant core instability symptoms planned for surgical repair were examined with ultrasonography prior to surgery. Participants with severe anatomical changes i.e. diastasis of the linea semilunaris exceeding one cm, were offered an extended repair, re-approximation of both linea alba and linea semilunaris. Results were evaluated with ultrasonography and the Disability Rating Index (DRI), two and twelve months after surgery. A standardized rectus diastasis suture repair was used in 24 participants with an isolated rectus diastasis. A combined repair with reapproximation of both the linea alba and the linea semilunaris was performed in 20 participants. Results Preoperative mean rectus diastasis (widest measurement) was 45 mm (30–75 mm), a mean diastasis of the linea semilunaris (umbilical level) of 15 mm (0–35 mm). There were no recurrencies at the 12-month follow-up. Early results showed significant improvements of physical function (DRI) but no differences between the two repair technique groups. Conclusion The extended repair seems to be a safe and sufficient repair technique in cases with a RD combined with a linea semilunaris diastasis.