Why an Abdominal Wall Surgeon Should Operate a Diastasis Recti?

Diastasis recti is not a cosmetic problem, but a functional disease of the abdominal core, which affects over a third of women after pregnancy, and over 90% of cases is associated with linea alba hernias. Open diastasis surgery is indicated only in patients with a pendulous abdomen who wish to perform a dermolipectomy to improve their appearance; in all other cases, the minimally invasive approach, due to less pain and quicker postoperative recovery, is preferable. REPA (preaponeurotic endoscopic repair) represents the “ideal” minimally invasive surgery for diastasis recti, being standardized, reproducible, and effective. The use of a prosthesis significantly reduces the risk of recurrence, without increasing postoperative complications. The role of both pre- and postoperative physiotherapy is fundamental.