Status: Not funded
Effective date: 1 April 2026
Next review date: 1 April 2028
Diastasis/divarication of the recti is a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles that causes midline abdominal protrusion. It is not a true hernia, carries no risk of bowel incarceration, and therefore does not require surgical repair.
The available evidence demonstrates that diastasis recti does not carry the complications associated with abdominal wall hernias, and there is no robust clinical evidence—such as randomised controlled trials—showing benefit from surgical correction. Reported surgical complications include seroma, haematoma, infection, postoperative pain, nerve injury, and recurrence.
Essex ICB considers repair of diastasis/divarication of recti to be a cosmetic procedure and a low clinical priority and as such do not fund.
This service/procedure has been assessed as a Low Clinical Priority by Essex ICB and will not be funded unless there are exceptional clinical circumstances.
Individual funding requests should only be made where the patient demonstrates clinical exceptionality.
Further information on applying for funding in exceptional clinical circumstances can be found on the ICB website.
Reference
Clinical Commissioning Policy Diastasis (divarication) of the Recti Repair