title: Laparoscopic repair of diastasis recti using the 'Venetian blinds' technique of plication with prosthetic reinforcement: a retrospective study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Diastasis is a separation of the two recti due to various reasons, and can be measured as the 'inter-recti distance' (IRD). Surgery for diastasis is controversial, while laparoscopic repair has rarely been reported. We describe our method of laparoscopic plication-the 'Venetian blinds' technique combined with mesh reinforcement for patients with diastasis of the recti.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 18 patients out of 35 that presented to us were operated. The common indications were cosmesis and discomfort while performing normal activities. Laparoscopic plication with the 'Venetian blinds' technique of the diastasis with prosthetic reinforcement was performed for all cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.6 kg/m(2) (range 25-32.2) and obese patients had a larger IRD. The mean operating time was 113 min (range 72-154). Minor complications were present in five (27.77%) patients. The recurrence rate after 6-48 months follow up was 0% in this series.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Even though surgery for diastasis is controversial, we advocate repair for cosmesis and restoring function of the recti muscles. Our 'Venetian blinds' technique provides a solid repair and reduces the risk of seroma. The use of a prosthesis for the repair is mandatory to prevent recurrence. The adequacy of repair was assessed by measuring the IRD preoperatively and postoperatively with computed tomography (CT) scan. Laparoscopy provides all of the benefits of minimal access surgery.
authors.affiliation: GEM Hospital and Postgraduate Institute, 45-A, Pankaja Mill Road, Ramnathapuram, Coimbatore, 641045, India. drcp@gemhospital.net
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Palanivelu
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rangarajan
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Jategaonkar
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Amar
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Gokul
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Srikanth
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006555:Hernia, Ventral / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques