Would surgically repairing a severe diastasis recti help heal/reverse mild pelvic organ prolapse (cystyocele and rectocele)?

Question

Would surgically repairing a severe diastasis recti help heal/reverse mild pelvic organ prolapse (cystyocele and rectocele)? I am working with a pelvic floor physical therapist; however, my diastasis is very severe and I'm considering surgery to repair it.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Rae8785,
Diastasis recti repair will repair only the separation of abdominal muscles but it will have no effect on your rectocele or cystocele. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Sanjay Azad, MS, FRCSEd · Answer

I would recommend getting the cystocele and rectocele addressed by the appropriate health care provider and than approaching a plastic surgeon for the abdomen. Both conditions need to be treated separately and certainly and visceral issue will not be addressed by repairing the abdominal wall. What does happen with abdominoplasty is that the muscle tightening will provide better overall support and posture. It has been shown to improve pelvic tilting and help with lower back problems.

Robert Oliver Jr., MD · Answer

No, an abdominoplasty with tightening of diastasis won't help a cystocele or rectocele, and would probably actually make them worse. Think of those conditions as weakened tissue of the anterior and posterior walls of the vagina. It would make the bulge with them worse that because it would increase your intra abdominal pressure which will stretch those other weak areas outward and they'd give even more.A cystocele and or rectocele would need to be treated prior to a diastasis repair

Would surgically repairing a severe diastasis recti help heal/reverse mild pelvic organ prolapse (cystyocele and rectocele)?

Answers (3)

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Would surgically repairing a severe diastasis recti help heal/reverse mild pelvic organ prolapse (cystyocele and rectocele)?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.