How to Fix Failed Recti Muscle Repair? I Am Bulging to Lower Right.

I had tummy tuck, happy with results. However, had pulmonary edema in recovery and could not stop coughing and struggling to sit up to breathe. Later it became apparent that the bulging in my lower right abdomen was not fluid. I even used enemas for 3 weeks to keep from straining. The surgeon thinks the stitches to the recti muscles separated above the pubic bone. Ultrasound revealed nothing. Next is a CT scan to confirm. Do I need mesh to get a permanent long lasting repair.

Tags:

bulging rectus abdominis not working

Comment on this

3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Sailbaby in Franklin, TN

Doctor Answers (3)
Community Comments (0)

Tummy tuck complication

More than likely, the sutures that were used to repair the diastasis have come undone. Also, more than likely the CT scan will not show any abnormality. The rectus muscle repair can be redone, most likely without the use of mesh. I think it would behoove you to be worked out from the medical standpoint to prevent further problems with “pulmonary edema”. This may involve consultation with internist/cardiologist (who may recommend tests such as... more

Rectus diastasis repair

There are 2 possibilities here. IF the sutures released during the coughing spell the rectus fascia will be intact and a simple repair with sutures can correct this. If the sutures damaged the fascia as they pulled through than you may need mesh to support the tightening of the muscle layer. Your surgeon should be prepared for both possibilities in the operating room. Based on the evaluation you are undergoing I believe they are considering all the possiblities. Good luck. I hope... more

Re-repair of rectus diastasis

What you are describing is very unusual and sounds like the coughing damaged your result. If your tissues are good and you have not gained weight and if the next surgery can be done without coughing, it might not need mash. Your doctor will be the best judge of that. Of greater concern is why you had pulmonary edema after cosmetic surgery. Has your health been properly evaluated because that is very much abnormal.