Evaluation of the long-term stability of sheath plication using absorbable sutures in 51 patients with diastasis of the recti muscles: an ultrasonographic study.

[BACKGROUND] Rectus sheath plication within abdominoplasty is a standard treatment for diastasis of the recti muscles. There are questions regarding the efficacy and long-term stability of the correction of rectus diastasis and whether absorbable sutures work as well as nonabsorbable sutures.

[METHODS] The authors conducted a case-control study to assess the outcomes of recti muscle diastasis correction with absorbable suture. The authors assessed the outcomes by physical and ultrasonographic examinations and a patient questionnaire, which asked about the number of pregnancies and the types of deliveries, other abdominal operations before or after the abdominoplasty, and the interval of time required to return to full activity. During the examination, the interrecti distances were measured at three levels: halfway between the xiphoid and umbilicus, just above the umbilicus, and halfway between the umbilicus and the pubis. The same examination was performed on a control group of nulliparous women.

[RESULTS] The authors examined a group of 51 patients aged 25 to 64 years (mean, 41 years). The time interval between the operation and the ultrasonographic examination was 12 to 41 months (mean, 20.8 months). There was no statistically significant difference between the studied group and the control group with respect to their interrecti distances.

[CONCLUSION] Rectus sheath plication using absorbable sutures in patients with diastasis of the recti muscles is a reliable method that maintains the long-term stability of the abdominal wall.

[CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE] Therapeutic, II.