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Outcome study of the surgical management of panniculitis
John Zannis1, Benjamin C Wood, Leah P Griffin
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
Abstract:
Patients with panniculus morbidus have an abdominal panniculus that becomes a pathologic entity, associated with the development of candidal intertrigo, dermatitis, lymphedema, and ischemic panniculitis. Panniculectomy is a standard treatment for this problem. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors for complications associated with panniculectomy surgery to lower the complication rate. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent panniculectomy between 1999 and 2007 by looking at data related to surgical complications, comorbidities, age, and gender. In 563 patients, we recorded the incidence of the following complications: wound-related (infection, dehiscence, and/or necrosis), hematoma/seroma, respiratory distress, blood transfusions, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and death. Overall, 34.3% of patients suffered at least 1 complication. In patients with wound complications specifically, there was a significantly higher body mass index versus those with no wound complications (43.7% vs. 30.7%, P < 0.0001). Smokers also had a higher rate of wound complications (40.5% vs. 19.5%, P < 0.0001).
Insights
Panniculectomy surgery for abdominal panniculus can lead to complications. High BMI and smoking are significant risk factors for wound complications following this procedure.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- General Surgery
- Dermatology
Background:
- Abdominal panniculus can cause pathologic conditions like candidal intertrigo and dermatitis.
- Panniculectomy is a common surgical treatment for symptomatic abdominal panniculus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for complications after panniculectomy.
- To inform strategies for reducing complication rates in panniculectomy patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 563 patients undergoing panniculectomy (1999-2007).
- Analysis of surgical complications, comorbidities, age, and gender.
- Data collection on wound complications, hematoma/seroma, respiratory distress, transfusions, DVT/PE, and mortality.
Main Results:
- Overall complication rate was 34.3%.
- Patients with wound complications had significantly higher BMI (43.7% vs. 30.7%, P < 0.0001).
- Smokers experienced a higher incidence of wound complications (40.5% vs. 19.5%, P < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- High BMI and smoking are significant risk factors for wound complications after panniculectomy.
- Identifying these risk factors can help mitigate adverse outcomes.
- Further research may focus on optimizing patient selection and perioperative care.
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