Can your organs move inside your stomach if you lay down on your side if you have a diastasis recti?

Question

Brian J. Lee, MD · Answer

Your solid organs (Liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas) do not move much regardless of position. the intestines are always moving and shifting. A diastasis recti (separation of the rectus abdominus muscles) does not cause any health concerns as the integrity of the abdominal wall is intact, just stretched. In a tummy tuck the diastasis is usually plicated (pulled together and sutured) to reduce the rounded appearance of the abdominal wall and leaves a much flatter tummy.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

With or without the presence of a diastasis, there is normally a certain amount of shifting of abdominal contents related to change of position.  If there is a weakness of the abdominal wall, whether due to a hernia, diastasis or both.  A hernia is a true outpouching of the abdominal wall and may include abdominal contents; a diastasis more typically is a larger area of generalized weakness between, and separation of, the paired abdominal muscles, which are called "the abs."  So if someone has a large diastasis and shifts position, anything within the abdomen can also shift.  None of those, though, should create a problem or pain with a pure diastasis.  A hernia, on the other hand, can be associated with acute or chronic abdominal symptoms.  If there is any question you should contact your primary care physician and consider a consultation with a general surgeon.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. E

Can your organs move inside your stomach if you lay down on your side if you have a diastasis recti?

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Can your organs move inside your stomach if you lay down on your side if you have a diastasis recti?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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