[Rectus diastasis in men]

Abstract

Rectus diastasis is frequently seen in men above 60 years with BMI > 25 kg/m2 and physical inactivity. Men with rectus diastasis often present with a bulge during sit-ups, but besides cosmetic complaints, other symptoms are rare. First choice of treatment is weight loss and physical training with focus on activating m. transversus abdominis. If there is a symptomatic ventral hernia concomitant with the diastasis, the best surgical approach is probably minimally invasive, where the hernia defect is closed, and a mesh is placed to cover the diastasis to prevent recurrences, as argued in this review.