Umbilical Hernia and Diastasis Recti

[JPaterso]

Dear Dr. Towfigh,

Does everyone that has had or has an umbilical hernia also have some degree of diastasis recti?

Thank you!

[drtowfigh]

Umbilical Hernia and Diastasis Recti

No. Diastasis recti is a very specific term which describes spatial separation of the rectus muscles without a hernia in between. The fascia (or strength layer) of the muscle is still intact. It is not a hernia. It is not related to hernia development. There is no medical risk to have a diastasis.
That said, some patients have a hernia repaired and the repair is bridged, not closed. The result can be a diastasis (or separation).

[JPaterso]

Umbilical Hernia and Diastasis Recti

Would a repair with PVP mesh be considered a ‘bridge’ type of repair or would that close the hernia?

Thank you kindly.

[drtowfigh]

Umbilical Hernia and Diastasis Recti

PVP mesh is an Ethicon product intended to repair a hernia using an underlay or sublay technique. Other companies also make similar patches. It is recommended that the surgeon primarily close the hernia defect on top of the mesh. If they do, then it is no longer a bridged repair.

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