Laparoscopic Diastasis Recti Repair in Turkey

This is a laparoscopic (keyhole) approach to repairing diastasis recti, the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the midline of the abdomen. Unlike the open approach, which uses a longer incision, the laparoscopic technique uses several small incisions (typically 5-10mm each) through which a camera and surgical instruments are inserted.

Your surgeon views the separation from inside the abdomen on a monitor and uses specialised instruments to bring the muscles back together, reinforcing the repair with sutures and, where appropriate, mesh. The laparoscopic approach provides excellent visualisation of the repair and allows precise correction of the separation.

This technique is particularly well suited for patients who want muscle repair without the longer scar associated with an open approach or tummy tuck. It is also suitable for patients who do not need excess skin removal, if you have significant loose skin alongside your diastasis, the open approach combined with abdominoplasty may be more appropriate.

The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours under general anaesthesia.

You may be suitable for laparoscopic diastasis repair if you have significant muscle separation that has not responded to physiotherapy.

You may be a good candidate if:

• You have a diagnosed diastasis recti wider than 2-3cm
• Physiotherapy and core exercises have not closed the gap
• You want a minimally invasive approach with smaller scars
• You do not have significant excess abdominal skin requiring removal
• You have completed your family

You might be better suited to open repair or tummy tuck if:

• You have significant excess or loose abdominal skin
• You want combined muscle repair and skin removal
• The separation is very large and complex

Before your procedure

A consultation assesses the extent of your separation through examination and imaging. Your surgeon discusses whether the laparoscopic or open approach is best for your situation.

On the day

You are admitted to hospital. The procedure takes 1-2 hours under general anaesthesia. Your surgeon makes several small incisions, inserts the camera, and repairs the separation from inside.

Hospital stay (3 nights)

You are monitored for pain and healing. An abdominal compression garment is fitted. You begin gentle walking from day 1.

Hotel and home

After discharge, you rest at your hotel overnight before travelling home. You receive aftercare instructions covering activity restrictions and garment use.

Recovery from laparoscopic repair is generally faster than the open approach.

Days 1-3 (hospital): Moderate abdominal discomfort. Wear compression garment continuously. Gentle walking encouraged.

Days 4-7: Pain reduces. Continue wearing the garment. Avoid bending, lifting, or straining.

Weeks 2-3: Gradually increasing activity. Many patients return to desk work. No core exercises or heavy lifting.

Weeks 3-5: Progressive return to light exercise. Core strengthening under physiotherapy guidance.

Months 2-3: Full recovery. Unrestricted activity.

For 4-6 weeks, avoid: Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, abdominal crunches, and anything that increases abdominal pressure.

Laparoscopic diastasis repair carries similar risks to the open approach, with the general benefits of a minimally invasive technique.

Common effects:

• Abdominal discomfort and tightness
• Bruising around the port sites
• Temporary bloating

Less common risks:

• Seroma (fluid collection)
• Infection at port sites (rare)
• Recurrence of separation (uncommon)
• Injury to internal structures (rare with laparoscopic approach)

Your surgery is performed in a government-licensed hospital by an experienced surgeon.