Comorbid rectus abdominis diastasis is a risk factor for recurrence of umbilical hernia in Japanese patients

Introduction Rectus abdominis diastasis (RAD) is characterized by thinning and widening of the linea alba and laxity of the ventral abdominal muscle. RAD, when coexistent with umbilical hernia, is considered a risk factor for hernia recurrence. We investigated the impact of comorbid RAD in patients with umbilical hernia who had undergone hernia repair. Methods We enrolled 30 patients who had undergone umbilical hernia repair using either a laparoscopic or anterior approach between April 2006 and May 2018. We diagnosed RAD according to preoperative CT. The outcomes of patients with umbilical hernia, the RAD group, and the non‐RAD group were compared, especially in terms of recurrence. Results Twenty‐five patients (83%) presented with RAD, including three patients (12%) with postoperative recurrence who were allocated to the RAD group. The median BMI in the RAD group was 27.2 kg/m2. In the RAD group, a prosthesis mesh was used in 12 patients (48%), and nonabsorbable suture material was used in four patients (16%). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, hernial orifice diameter, surgical technique, or operative time. Conclusion The rate of comorbid umbilical hernia in Japanese patients with RAD was high, as was the recurrence rate of umbilical hernia. We strongly recommend preoperative detection of RAD. We also recommend mesh‐based repair of the midline and nonabsorbable suture material to decrease the recurrence rate, irrespective of hernia size.