← Specialist surgery

CLINICAGOSTINI / ABDOMINAL WALL CENTRE

The abdominal wall supports.
And gives shape.

Hernias, rectus diastasis and excess skin and fat affect the same area of the body. They are often considered separately. At the Abdominal Wall Centre, two specialists assess the findings together and consider whether a combined procedure is appropriate.

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THE FINDINGS / LAYER BY LAYER

Why two specialties examine the same abdominal wall.

The abdominal wall consists of layers that work together. Weakness of the fascia may be accompanied by changes in the muscles and overlying tissue. We therefore consider the supporting structure and external shape together.

01 / SKIN

Skin

May be stretched and loose after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

02 / SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE

Fat tissue

Excess tissue may form an apron of skin and fat in the lower abdomen.

03 / CONNECTIVE TISSUE

Fascia & linea alba

Hernia defects can develop here; widening of the midline is part of rectus diastasis.

04 / MUSCLES

Rectus abdominal muscles

They contribute to trunk stability and are involved in posture and breathing.

Schematic illustration. An examination and, where necessary, ultrasound or CT clarify which layers are affected.

THREE CONDITIONS / ONE BODY REGION

What we treat.

After pregnancy, significant weight loss or previous operations, several changes may occur at once. The examination establishes what is present in your case.

CONDITION A

Abdominal wall hernia

With an umbilical, inguinal, epigastric or incisional hernia, tissue may protrude through a weak point in the abdominal wall.

  • A bulge that becomes more apparent with exertion
  • A pulling sensation or pressure during activity
  • Closure of the hernia defect, with mesh reinforcement where needed
CONDITION B

Rectus diastasis

The rectus abdominal muscles move apart and the midline widens. Diastasis is not automatically an abdominal wall hernia.

  • Possible bulging when sitting up
  • Sometimes a feeling of reduced stability
  • Whether treatment is appropriate depends on the findings
CONDITION C

Apron of skin and fat

Excess skin and subcutaneous fat may hang over the lower abdomen, for example after significant weight loss or pregnancy.

  • Possible irritation in the skin fold
  • Restrictions in movement or clothing
  • An abdominoplasty may be considered

WHO TREATS YOU

Two specialists. One shared plan.

Portrait of Dr. Roberto Ferrara

Dr. Roberto Ferrara

Specialist in General Surgery

Dr. Ferrara studied medicine and specialised in general surgery at the University of Verona. Further experience took him to Hannover Medical School and hernia surgery centres in the USA. From 1998 to 2021, he worked in general surgery at Bolzano Hospital. A focus of his work is abdominal wall reconstruction, including complex hernias and the midline.

Dr. Tobias Del Gaudio at ClinicAgostini

Dr. Tobias Del Gaudio

Specialist in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Del Gaudio completed his specialist training in Germany, where he also gained an additional qualification in hand surgery. He was deputy head of department at Klinikum Friedrichshafen. His experience in abdominoplasty and body contouring after pregnancy or weight loss informs the planning of skin, subcutaneous fat and scars.

PLANNED TOGETHER

When a combined procedure may be appropriate.

Under suitable conditions, hernia repair, correction of the midline and removal of excess skin can be combined in one operation. This may avoid a second procedure.

A combined procedure is not the right solution for everyone. The findings, other medical conditions, smoking, body weight and expected risks inform the decision. The two specialists also discuss which steps would be better performed separately.

YOUR JOURNEY / FIVE STEPS

From examination to follow-up care.

  1. 01

    Joint consultation

    You describe your symptoms. Both specialists assess the abdominal wall and discuss your goals.

  2. 02

    Diagnostic assessment

    Depending on the findings, ultrasound may follow; CT may be needed for complex or previously operated abdominal walls.

  3. 03

    Individual planning

    We decide which treatment steps work together and which are better kept separate.

  4. 04

    Treatment

    Where medically appropriate, the supporting abdominal wall is reconstructed and excess soft tissue is treated in the same procedure.

  5. 05

    Follow-up care

    Follow-up appointments, compression garments where needed and a gradual return to activity form part of the individual plan.

PERSONAL ASSESSMENT

Let us discuss your findings together.

At the first consultation, both specialists clarify what is medically necessary and which treatments can be sensibly combined. We then discuss the proposed approach, recovery time and costs.

Arrange an appointment ↗
ClinicAgostini
Via Dante 12B · 39100 Bolzano
+39 0471 324036
info@clinicagostini.it

This information does not replace a medical examination or consultation. Every surgical procedure involves risks; the course and outcome are individual and cannot be guaranteed. The specialists explain benefits, alternatives and possible complications in a personal consultation.