Postpartum abdominal wall insufficiency syndrome (PPAWIS) is a multidimensional condition that may affect physical function, quality of life, body image, and sexual health in women after childbirth. Anatomical findings alone do not fully explain symptom burden or patient experience.
This prospective observational cohort study will collect validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) from women with PPAWIS receiving routine care. PROMs will be assessed at baseline and during follow-up to describe symptom burden and changes over time. The study aims to improve understanding of the patient-centered impact of PPAWIS and to support development of standardized assessment pathways in clinical practice.
Female, age 18-65 years
Postpartum status: at least 6 months after last delivery
Clinical diagnosis of postpartum abdominal wall insufficiency syndrome (PPAWIS), defined by abdominal wall dysfunction symptoms and/or significant quality-of-life impact, with supportive findings on physical examination and/or imaging (e.g., diastasis recti and/or related abdominal wall insufficiency features)
Receiving routine clinical care for PPAWIS at the study site (surgical)
Current pregnancy
Planned pregnancy during the follow-up period (up to 12 months), if expected to interfere with outcome assessment
Inability to complete questionnaires due to cognitive impairment or insufficient language proficiency in the validated questionnaire language version
Severe uncontrolled psychiatric condition that, in the investigator's opinion, would prevent informed consent or reliable questionnaire completion
Swissmed Hospital
Lead sponsor
Medical University of Gdansk
Collaborator
Śmietański Hernia Center
Collaborator