Arden JR SURGERY
Specialise in minimally invasive & robotic surgery using the Da Vinci surgical system. Dr Jaideepraj Rao has over 25 years of experience in treatment of complex abdominal wall reconstruction techniques.
Call us at +65 6592 0078 Or Send Us An Enquiry Below
WHAT IS Diastasis recti
Also known as abdominal separation, is a condition where the rectus abdominis muscles commonly known as the "six-pack" muscles, separate along the linea alba, a connective tissue in the midline of the abdomen. This separation can cause a bulge or gap in the abdomen, particularly noticeable when contracting the abdominal muscles.
​
Symptoms:
-
Visible bulge or ridge: A noticeable protrusion in the midline of the abdomen, especially when sitting up or straining.
-
Soft gap between muscles: A gap that can be felt between the rectus abdominis muscles.
-
Weakened core: Difficulty with core stability and control.
-
Poor posture & Back pain: caused by weakened core and changes in the body mechanics.
-
Pelvic floor issues: May contribute to problems like urinary incontinence.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS
While diastasis recti is most common during and after pregnancy due to the stretching of the abdominal wall to accommodate the growing uterus. It can also occur due to obesity, repeated lifting of heavy weights, certain exercises that are improperly performed or post surgery.
​
Risk factors for diastasis recti include:
-
Pregnancy & Postpartum: The growing uterus stretches the abdominal muscles, especially during the third trimester.
-
Multiple Pregnancies / Large Babies: Repeated or high-volume stretching increases the chance of the abdominal muscles separating.
-
Older Maternal Age: Reduced muscle elasticity with age may affect the body’s ability to recover after pregnancy.
-
Vaginal Delivery: The intense pressure during labor can contribute to muscle strain and separation.
-
Obesity: Excess abdominal fat increases pressure on the abdominal wall, leading to weakening over time.
-
Repeated Heavy Lifting: Lifting heavy objects without core support can strain the abdominal muscles.
-
Excessive Intra-abdominal Pressure: Conditions like chronic coughing, constipation, or straining raise internal pressure.
If Diastasis Recti is left untreated, it can worsen with time and lead to complex physical issues that may limit mobility and can lead to various physical & health issue:
Treatment Options:
Diastasis recti can often be treated with a combination of exercises, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications and surgery.
​
Surgical Options:
-
Diastasis Recti Repair with abdominoplasty:
A horizontal incision is made along the lower abdomen and the separated rectus muscles are sutured together along the midline to close the gap. If there is any excess skin, it may be removed to improve the abdominal appearance. -
Minimally Invasive surgery:
Laparoscopic Diastasis Repair is a minimally invasive surgical procedure which involves making smaller incisions through which a camera and specialised instruments are inserted to visualise and repair the separated abdominal muscles. -
Robotic SCOLA (subcutaneous onlay laparoscopic approach) surgery:
SCOLA is a unique minimally invasive surgical procedure which combines laparoscopic techniques with robotic assistance for higher precision of the abdominal wall defect. This often includes a mesh reinforcement, reducing the risk of recurrence and is particularly useful for patients with umbilical hernias and diastasis recti. The robotic assistance offers a clearer 3D visual field which in turn leads to higher precision and greater manoeuvrability compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery:
Smaller Incisions
Less Scarring
Reduced Pain
Minimal Tissue Trauma
Lower Infection Rate
Faster Recovery
Better Cosmetic Result
The best surgical approach for Diastasis Recti would depend on varying factors and therefore at Arden JR Surgery we believe in an individualized approach. We offer a detailed consultation with our Senior Consultant surgeon Dr Jaideepraj Rao, to discuss the benefits, risks and suitability for your specific medical situation.
We imbibe a holistic approach and strive to achieve optimum cosmetic results as well as increased physical strength to address any back pain, core instability and pelvic floor issues that patients might be facing.
ABOUT OUR SURGEON
Dr. Jaideep Raj Rao is the Senior Consultant Surgeon at JR surgery at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore and specializes in Minimal Access & Robotic Surgery, Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery, Hernia and Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (Hernia Repair Surgery).
​
-
More than 25 years of experience in hernia and complex abdominal wall reconstruction including Diastasis Recti
-
President of Singapore Hernia society
-
Trained in laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgery in Seoul national university hospital and Bundang Hospital, Korea.
-
Ex-Head of upper gastrointestinal surgery at Tan Tock Seng hospital, Singapore.
-
Honorary member of Korean laparoscopic surgical society, Chilean surgical society and Peruvian surgical society.
-
Relative risk of health problems associated with obesity
-
The effect of obesity on the development of health risks
-
Effect of extreme obesity on life expectancy
-
Definitions. BMI Body Comparison
-
What are the benefits of losing excess weight
-
Why is losing excess weight important
-
Why is it hard to lose weight by dieting
