Surgical treatment of ventral hernias combined with diastasis recti

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the immediate and long-term results of Rives-Stoppa repair for diastasis recti combined with ventral hernias using polypropylene mesh prosthesis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

At the first stage, we retrospectively analyzed 131 patient records for the period 2020–2023. At the second stage, long-term results were analyzed (physical examination and QoL SF-36 scores).

RESULTS

Umbilical hernias (78%) and grade II diastasis recti (76%) prevailed. Obesity was detected in 121 (92%) patients, and 12 (9%) of them were diagnosed with pendulous abdomen requiring dermolipectomy. Mesh prostheses 20×20 cm were common for hernia repair and elimination of diastasis recti (64%). Wound drainage was performed in only 15 (12%) patients. Postoperative ultrasound was performed in all patients. Postoperative complications developed in 5 (4%) patients. Four patients had seromas and underwent ultrasound-guided puncture. One patient had wound bleeding with necessary surgical hemostasis. Mean hospital stay depended diastasis grade and ranged from 4 to 8 days. Long-term results were studied in 18 months after surgery. Recurrence of diastasis was diagnosed in 4 (11%) patients. No recurrence of hernia was detected. SF-36 mental health comprised 58 scores, physical health — 88 scores.

CONCLUSION

Rives-Stoppa repair of diastasis recti combined with ventral hernias demonstrated not only favorable early postoperative results, but also high physical component of health (SF-36 questionnaire) and no hernia recurrence in late postoperative period.