Navel Sparing Retro-muscular Mesh Augmentation and Panniculectomy for the Treatment of Post-partum Abdominal Wall Insufficiency (PPAWI)

PPAWI (post partum abdominal wall insufficiency) is an acronym first introduced during Congress of the European Hernia Society in 2013. It is a pathological condition induced by abdominal distension during pregnancy. General laxity of the anterior abdominal wall develops because of diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles and excess of skin and panniculus. This has important repercussion on abdominal wall function and its aesthetics. This diastasis is induced by abdominal distension and hormonal influences.

To evaluate diastasis of the rectus abdominis the inter-recti distance (IRD) is measured by ultrasound. When it is 3cm or more, it is defined as diastasis of recti abdominis.

An operation is indicated when there is an aesthetic problem and/or the abdominal wall function is impaired e.g. by loss of integrity of myofascial system and altered angle of attachment, which results in loss of abdominal muscle strength and endurance and loss of pelvic stabilization.

Since September 2013, 11 patients underwent an one-step procedure in which a panniculectomy/ abdominoplasty performed by a plastic surgeon was combined by a mesh augmentation of the abdominal wall with a Parietex Progrip Self Fixating Mesh performed by a general surgeon in the Maria Middelares hospital, Ghent, Belgium.

The study will be conducted in the department of surgery in the Maria Middelares hospital, Ghent, Belgium. Dr. Filip Muysoms (general surgeon) selected all patient that have previous been operated together with Dr. Rudolf Vertriest (plastic surgeon) with PPAWI technique. Ultrasound will be performed by Dr. Beckers subsequently pre- and postoperative. Pictures to evaluate the esthetic result will be taken by Dr. Vertriest pre- and postoperative.