Abdominal plasty with and without plication-effects on trunk muscles, lung function, and self-rated physical...

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
• Post-Bariatric Surgery Rehabilitation

Background:

• Excess abdominal skin and weakened abdominal walls post-weight loss or pregnancy can lead to low back pain and reduced lung function.
• Abdominoplasty is the primary surgical method for excess skin removal, often combined with muscle plication to enhance aesthetics and function.
• Limited evidence exists on the impact of abdominoplasty with or without muscle plication on trunk muscles, lung capacity, and overall physical function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of abdominoplasty, with and without rectus abdominis muscle plication, on trunk muscle endurance, lung function, and self-rated physical function.
• To compare outcomes between abdominoplasty alone versus abdominoplasty with muscle plication.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involving 125 participants undergoing abdominoplasty with or without rectus abdominis muscle plication.
• Measurements of trunk muscle endurance, lung function, and self-rated physical function (Disability Rating Index) were taken pre-surgery and one year post-surgery.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were observed in trunk muscle endurance, lung function, or self-rated physical function between the two groups at any time point.
• A notable decrease in back muscle endurance was observed after abdominoplasty without muscle plication (p=0.02).
• Abdominoplasty with muscle plication showed a significant positive effect on running ability as assessed by the Disability Rating Index (p=0.04).

Conclusions:

• Abdominoplasty with or without muscle plication did not yield significant differences in trunk muscle endurance, lung function, or self-rated physical function.
• Given that excess skin was the primary surgical indication, not rectus abdominis diastasis, further clinical trials are necessary.
• The definitive effects of abdominoplasty and muscle plication require more extensive investigation before firm conclusions can be drawn.