May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Hernia Diastasis Recti
Diastasis Recti |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I am a 49 year old male and have a Diastasis Recti just below my breastbone down to a few inches above my navel. I had an umbilical hernia repair a little over a year ago and did not have this problem until my surgery. I've had at least 4 doctors tell me there is no way that that particular surgery could have caused this. It has been causing me major discomfort, (feels like pressure on my diaphram). My primary care physician says the diastasis recti should not be causing me any discomfort, however, it is. I have always been pretty fit and not over weight, and haven't overexerted my abs. My question is, what are my options? (what particular specialist to see), and, can this be fixed??? Dear Joel: Diastasis recti or a widened linea alba has no clinical significance and does not require operative repair. However, there may be small openings in the linea alba through which preperitoneal fat can protrude. These epigastric hernias occur in children as well as in adults, suggesting that the defects are congenital. The name paraumbilical hernia applies when this defect is adjacent to the umbilicus, while the term ventral hernia is used to describe upper defects. These midline hernias present as lumps anywhere along the linea alba and tend to cause sudden severe pain with exercise. Anyway is you do not feel comfortable, you can get a consultation with a plastic or cosmetic surgeon who can correct that defect in the abdominal wall.
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 20 August 2010 ) |
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