Dr Lockie's Blog

Divarication of Recti

2nd October 2026

Protective Hernia Surgery Using Robotic Assisted Surgery(RAS)

What Is It?

Your might know about your "abdominals" as abs or your "6 pack", but what you might not know is that sometimes they move apart and the connective fibrous tissue stretches and thins.

Dr Phil Lockie says this leads to an increase in the risk of a hernia or multiple hernias.

This is a condition which is typically caused by pregnancy, although it can occur in men as well.

The Symptoms

• Visible Bulges or ridges around the centre of the abdomen, epsecially with actions that contract the abs.
• A squishy feeling around the belly button.
• Poor Core Strength which leads to difficulty in lifting objects and maintaining balance.
• This can also cause lower back pain and poor posture.
• The reduced abdominal wall support can also lead to bloating, constipation, or incontinence.

The Fix? Divarication of Recti

 He performs a robotic procedure (dissection suture repair), to bring the muscles together and then reinforces the area with superior polyester mesh.

If you think might be something that is a problem for you, we have robotic operating lists at two hospitals:

• St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital
• North West Private Hospital

It means that we can usually get this done relatively quickly.

What Is Involved?

This is a serious procedure and it requires a thorough preparation to ensure the very best prospect of a return to full function.

Preparation

• Anaesthetic Assessment
• OSA/ CPAP Management as appropriate*
• Bloods analysis
  • Iron levels
  • Haemaglobin
  • Metabolic anomalies/deficiencies pt
• Clotting issues DVT. Prophylactic treatment
• Medication management
• Specialists involved where appropriate eg cardiologist
• Respiratory endocrinology assessment
• Getting fit for surgery
  • Walking
  • Other physical activity as appropriate
• Pre procedure discussion with patient

*Why Is CPAP Management Important?

Inter-abdominal pressures will probably change. This can mean a fixed machine pressure will need to be assessed and amended.

It is important that we recognise this as part of this surgical process to ensure complete recovery.

The Procedure

Dr Phil Lockie and I have been doing this operation since 2017 when first trained with the  robotic assisted platform.

• Practioners
  • Surgeon
  • Anaesthetist
  • Surgical Assistant
• Procedure duration: 4-6 hrs
• Laparoscopically performed using RAS
• Recover: No lifting for 2-4 weeks

Post Operative Actions

• Supportive garments /binders
• Return to function with exercise physiology/physio to week 5/6

Post Operative Care

• Pain relief
• Fluids
• Medication management
• Meeting patient recovery expectations

Common FAQs

Can I walk after surgery on the first day?

Yes you can get up to walk as soon as you feel comfortable.

Staff will help you with your garments and pain relief will help.

With I have a urinary catheter ?

The surgical time can dictate a urinary catheter.

Dr Phil Lockie will only keep this in place if needed.

Will i have a drain ?

This would be extremely rare and normally avoided in this procedure.

Will I have stitches to remove ?

All incisions (3-4x 8 mm ) will be underneath to provide cosmetic healing.

Anti bacterial glue will give you 30 days protection to allow showering soon after surgery.

We Can Help

Dr Lockie is a self confessed "Hernia Nerd", being a member of the European and Australian Hernia Societies. He is at the leading edge of hernia surgical techniques and ensures every detail is covered.

If you want to get an assessment from Dr Lockie see your GP or contact us here to be referred in house or phone 3355 2011.