Diastasis recti (also known as abdominal separation) is commonly defined as a gap of roughly 2.7 cm or greater between the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscles.Gap is created by over stretching of muscles.

This occurs principally in two group of patients: Newborns and pregnant women.

It is also known to occur in men.

In pregnant women or after delivery women, the condition is caused by the stretching of the rectus abdominis by the growing uterus. It is more common in women who had multilple pregnancies [Multipara], due to repeated episodes of stretching.

Women are more susceptible to develop diastasis recti when over the age of 35, high birth weight of child, multiple birth pregnancy, and multiple pregnancies. Additional causes can be attributed to excessive abdominal exercises after the first trimester of pregnancy.

PRESENTATION : A divarication recti may appear as a ridge/bulge running down the midline of the abdomen. It becomes more prominent with straining and may disappear when the abdominal muscles are relaxed. The medial borders of the right and left halves of the muscle may be palpated during contraction of the rectus abdominis.] The condition can be diagnosed by physical exam, and must be differentiated from an Epigastric Hernai or Incisional Hernia, if the patient has had abdominal surgery.

TREATMENT by SURGERY: No treatment is necessary for women while they are still pregnant. Diastasis recti is corrected during the Cosmetic surgeryprocedure while performing Tummy tuck / abdominoplassty by creating a plication or folding of the linea alba and suturing together. This creates a tighter abdominal wall. Use of prolene mesh may be needed.