PURPOSE

Rectus Abdominis diastasis (RAD) is a prevalent condition, particularly in post-gravidic women, with functional and esthetic impact. This Delphi consensus, led by general surgeons, aimed to establish evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of RAD in post-gravidic women.

METHODS

A Delphi process was conducted under the auspices of the Italian Society of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery (ISHAWS), the national chapter of the European Hernia Society (EHS). A steering committee supervised systematic literature reviews to evaluate the quality of evidence and formulate recommendations. Iterative rounds of voting involving 105 expert panellists were conducted, with Consensus defined as ≥ 70% agreement. Non-consensual recommendations were revised and discussed in a plenary session during the Italian Society of Surgery (SIC) Congress, 2024.

RESULTS

Consensus was achieved on 12 recommendations covering RAD diagnosis, classification, and treatment. Key findings included the endorsement of radiological methods for accurate RAD assessment, the establishment of surgical thresholds (> 2.5 cm inter-recti distance for symptom improvement), and the recommendation of minimally invasive linea alba plication for surgical management. Non-operative treatments, such as targeted exercise programs, were emphasized as first-line approaches. For RAD with concomitant hernias of the linea alba with defects > 1 cm, mesh reinforcement was strongly recommended, with extraperitoneal placement preferred. The importance of tailoring approaches based on patient-specific factors and fostering shared decision-making was highlighted.

CONCLUSION

This consensus provides a structured framework for RAD management, emphasizing accurate diagnosis, tailored treatments, and patient-centered care. Future multicenter studies are required to address remaining evidence gaps and refine these recommendations.