Does Diastasis Width Influence the Variation of the Intra-Abdominal Pressure After Correction of Rectus Diastasis?
BACKGROUND
It has been demonstrated that there is an increase of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) after correction of rectus diastasis.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the correlation between the diastasis width and IAP variation after the plication of the anterior rectus sheath.


METHODS
Seventeen patients met the inclusion criteria and were selected. The diastasis width was measured at three levels: 3 cm above the umbilicus, 2 cm above the umbilicus, and 2 cm below the umbilicus. Rectus sheath plication was performed in two layers: the first layer with separate stitches, and the second with continuous suture. The IAP was measured at two stages: before and after the correction of rectus diastasis. The distance between the iliac spines (IS) and that between the xiphoid process and pubic symphysis (XP) were measured. The abdominal surface index (ASI) was calculated using the formula: ASI = (IS × XP)/2. This index was used to determine the individual abdominal surface. The relative diastasis coefficient (RDC) was calculated using the formula: RDC = diastasis/ASI. These measurements were correlated to the IAP variation. The results of the IAP measurements obtained in each stage and the RDC values were compared, using the Pearson's linear correlation coefficient.


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant correlation between the IAP variation and the RDC values at the three levels studied.


CONCLUSIONS
The diastasis width does not interfere with the increase of the IAP when a plication of the anterior aponeurosis is performed.


METHODS
3 Diagnostic.
From the Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Maria Amelia
MA
Rodrigues
From the Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Fabio Xerfan
FX
Nahas
From the Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Rodrigo Pacheco
RP
Reis
From the Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Lydia Masako
LM
Ferreira
D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D061645:Abdominoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D059925:Anatomic Landmarks; D001938:Brazil; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011312:Pressure; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult