MIRRAD Versus Plication of Entire Diastasis Trial

Background Postpartum diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles (DRAM) has gained increasing attention as a condition that may affect abdominal trunk function but that may be alleviated by surgery. Most techniques for surgical reconstruction of DRAM are, however, associated with high costs, postoperative pain and risk of surgical complications. The aim of the present study is to evaluate a Minimal Incision Repair of Rectus Abdominis Diastasis (MIRRAD) in a randomized controlled open label trial. Altogether 120 women will be included. Population Postpartum women with DRAM of at least 2 cm. Intervention Plication of Linea alba through a 3-5 centimeter long incision at the level of the umbilicus Control Plication of the entire Linea alba through a low transverse incision. Outcome Primary outcome: Abdominal function rated with the Disability Rating Index Secondary outcomes: Operative time, postoperative stay, surgical complications, sick leave, persisting pain orated with the Ventral Pain Hernia Questionnaire, cosmetic outcome rated with BODY-Q Follow-up Follow-up one month and one year after surgery Significance If the study shows that MIRRAD is equally effective as plication of the entire Linea alba one year after surgery, it may be introduced as a standard technique for DRAM. If it is not as effective, it may still be an alternative with advantages in terms of cost benefit and the possibility to perform it as a daycare procedure.